Message from the Director
Virginia Public Service Week: May 1 - 7, 2022
Public Service Recognition Week has been celebrated the first week in May since 1985 to honor the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees. In Virginia, we have promoted this week in a variety of ways, to include educating the public about the services provided to hosting small events to celebrate our employees and their successes.
As we approach May, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity to do both – educate and bring awareness on the services provided by you and/or your team and to also take a moment to thank and celebrate each other. With this in mind, I share a sincere “thank you.” As a reader of HR Highlights, you are our partners in the delivery of services to applicants for employment, newly hired and tenured staff and their dependents, retirees and so many others. Let’s all take a moment to recognize and share a thank you.
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Workforce Management
Alternative Hiring Process Introduced
In collaboration with the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and our Agency HR Partners, DHRM is excited to introduce the new Alternative Hiring Process (AHP). It is DHRM’s goal to proactively foster an inclusive workforce culture for the Commonwealth and cultivate a leading-edge roadmap to incorporate diversity and inclusion best practices in attracting and retaining the state workforce. AHP is an alternative application process for the employment of people with differing abilities in response to Code of Virginia § 2.2-1213, which was effective July 1, 2021.
See some highlights.
Employment Opportunities Plans (EOP) Due June 30
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, each July 1 agencies are required to submit a formal EOP that outlines strategies for increasing the employment of individuals with disabilities. In alignment with this objective, agencies should take the following preparatory steps prior to June 30, 2022:
- On April 15, please access the revised EOP template, which is being updated now to incorporate metrics for the Alternative Hiring Process and better align with the Workforce and Succession Plan.
- Ensure that your EOP highlights progress achieved with the strategies used for expanding and increasing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Include changes to internal policies and practices related to the employment of individuals with disabilities, recruitment efforts, interviewing criteria, and resources to accommodate applicants and workers with disabilities.
Please submit your updated plan, including a signed 2022 Statement of Commitment form by email to Natalie Brannon, Director of Compensation and Workforce Analytics, no later than June 30, 2022.
Join Us for a May Recruiting Symposium!
Don't miss the DHRM Recruiting Symposium on May 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the James Monroe Building in Richmond! We have a packed-filled agenda that includes recruiting best practices and speakers from DARS, VEC and DVS who will share information on how agencies can effectively recruit and increase hiring of veterans and individuals with disabilities. This will also be a great networking opportunity to interact and learn from other recruiters at different agencies across the Commonwealth. The registration for this event will be sent later this month. If you have any questions, please contact Allen Blair or Ponnette Smith.
Veteran Census – We Need Your Help to Count Them!
Making Virginia the best place for veterans to live, work, and retire is a top priority in the Commonwealth. State government has always been one of the best employment choices for veterans and transitioning service members. As competition for this talent pool continues to increase, DHRM has continued to build new partnerships and enhance the existing ones. You and your team are vital in obtaining this statewide benchmark. Thank you in advance for ensuring that all veterans are accounted for and recorded in Cardinal HCM or PMIS. This will ensure that everyone counts!
I-9 Processing Changes Announced
Please be sure that staff completing employee onboarding are aware of a change to I-9 processing and are updating their records to comply. A related message was distributed by the Department of Homeland Security to users/subscribers via e-mail on March 17.
Some temporary changes to requirements due to COVID-19 will lapse on May 1, 2022. Expired List B documents will no longer be accepted. I-9s processed during the period when the temporary changes were in force will need to be updated according to noted protocols by July 31, 2022.
All questions should be directed to U.S. Citizens & Immigration Services I-9 Central or E-Verify. Here is the current I-9 form.
Watch for the New Ergonomics Campaign!
Ergonomics is the way you fit in your workstation. On August 26, 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics published that 266,530 cases of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) were recorded in 2019. One way to prevent MSD is by making ergonomic improvements to your workstation. Proper ergonomics include the correct chair, desk, keyboard, monitor height, sufficient office equipment spacing, and good chair posture can help the body stay comfortable.
Over the next four weeks, the State Office of Workers’ Compensation Risk Management Team will place a special emphasis on ergonomics by sending out a series of flyers and short videos about how to make minor adjustments to your workstation and changes in how you might do routine tasks. We will also be visiting agencies and performing “Find it Fix it” events focusing on ergonomics in the workplace. For further information or to schedule a walk-thru, please email DHRMRiskManagement@dhrm.virginia.gov.
Engagement
Register for a Free WW Webinar on Meal Prep and Planning
CommonHealth is pleased to be collaborating with WW (Weight Watchers) to offer state employees a free webinar on Meal Preparation and Planning. Take a moment for yourself to learn more about the benefits of meal planning, mastering the grocery store, building a week of meals, and including family members! Please plan to join us on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. Register here to find out more about the webinar and the Commonwealth's WW program.
Rewards
Open Enrollment Packages in the Mail Beginning April 8
Double the Spotlight and double the fun! DHRM has produced two versions of the Spotlight on Benefits newsletter because of the Cardinal HCM implementation. One set of Open Enrollment materials will be mailed to employees eligible for health benefits at Cardinal R1 and R2 agencies. The second set will go to eligible employees at R3 agencies who will continue to use PMIS/BES until the fall.
Open Enrollment packages will start mailing on April 8. Benefits Administrators will be getting communications information and Open Enrollment instructions beginning this week. Separate messages are planned later this month to eligible employees who have email addresses in Cardinal or BES. Also watch for an announcement on the DHRM website.
Comings and Goings...
Office of Finance and Administration: Please join us in welcoming Donna Brown as DHRM’s new Fiscal Officer. With more than 28 years of private and public sector experience in the food service and hospitality industries and Virginia government, she has served as a Senior Accountant, Disbursement Supervisor, Accounts Payable Supervisor, Accounting Supervisor and Financial Services Manager. Donna has extensive experience in accounts payable and cash receipts/accounts receivable, payroll, lease/fixed asset accounting, and financial reporting.
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We say goodbye to Nga Huynh who joined the DHRM team in January 2019 as Financial Analyst. Working alongside the Finance and Administration team, Nga prepared monthly and annual reconciliations and financial statements in accordance with year-end close and Comptroller financial statement guidelines. In her time at DHRM, Nga shares that she is grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn more about Cardinal, financial reporting/GASB75, and budgeting. Nga completed her transfer to the VA Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board last month and is on the Financial Reporting team. Please join us in wishing Nga well in her new endeavors!
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Office of Health Benefits: We also bid goodbye to Ann Wohl, The Local Choice (TLC) Program Manager. Her accomplishments over the years are many, and we appreciate her hard work and commitment to health benefits for local governments and schools. She loves folk music, so you music fans can catch up with her at the Richmond Folk Festival this fall!
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Tribute: We were saddened by the passing of our colleague, Trimelle "Trae" Proctor, last month. Trae was a Program Manager for Retirees and Extended Coverage/COBRA on the Office of Health Benefits Team. Trae was a joy to be around and had a passion for helping Commonwealth participants. She had a profound impact on the team and will forever be missed.
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