Here's What We're Doing to Promote Diversity & Inclusion

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Early on, we all learn the Golden Rule: treat others as you want to be treated. More recently, someone came up with the Platinum Rule: treat others as they want to be treated. 

The platinum version adds a little more thoughtfulness to the equation. I don’t bring my favorite cake to your birthday – I bring your favorite, right?

Now cake may be kind of a trivial example, but the same principle applies when you get into more serious matters. How do I treat my customers the way they want to be treated? How do I do the same for my co-workers?

Making sure we ask and answer those questions as a matter of course is why we’ve more formally embedded Diversity and Inclusion in our County culture. We’ve long been taking steps to improve aspects of diversity and inclusion. But a couple years ago we put together a task force to raise the profile for our whole organization and come up with a strategic plan.

They’ve just put out a Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report, summarizing our recent progress. I want to mention a few highlights, but also, like the report, start by recapping our goals.

We’re here to serve our customers – and they’re diverse. We’re better positioned to meet their needs when we have a workforce reflecting their diversity.

And when County employees are diverse, we need to make sure everyone feels welcomed by their colleagues. We want this to be a nice place to work! The more respected people feel on the job, the more motivated they’ll be to help our customers. It feeds back into our first goal in a positive cycle.

A diverse workforce also gives us a broader variety of perspectives and ideas. We need all the great ideas we can get! They’re what will keep us one of the most innovative agencies around. Diversity of thought is critical to making our organization operate at the highest level.

So here are a few things the team has done lately to reach those goals.  

We’ve created over 100 D&I Champions, employees trained to spread the message of diversity and inclusion within their departments. Every County department has at least one.

More than 2,000 employees have received D&I presentations with an overview of the concepts and our strategic plan.   

All new employees now get an extensive training in diversity and inclusion. From their first day forward, everyone who comes to work at the County has to know the importance we place on this.

Human Resources revamped its Embracing Diversity & Inclusion class and added a new class: Promoting an Inclusive Workplace.  

One of the posters available to promote D&I at the County. The team developed a set of materials to help give the effort visibility: posters, lanyards and whatnot. They’re beautiful and great reminders to keep D&I at the front of everyone’s mind.

Nothing embodies the spirit of Diversity & Inclusion like the County’s employee resource groups. It wasn’t long ago that we had only a couple. Earlier this spring, our tenth came on board. They are incredibly active, holding everything from cultural events to professional workshops to social get-togethers. Remember that any employee can join any ERG or any of their events.      

The newest ERG, DiverseAbility, was created to advance awareness and promote inclusion for people with disabilities. About the same time the group launched, Employee Wellness held its annual Amazing Race, with the addition this year of a course for disabled employees. That’s a great example of inclusion!

As the D&I team guides us forward, I want to make an important point. This is not an “initiative.” D&I is a mindset and way of doing things that enhances all our operations at the County.

When we talk about providing a positive customer experience, D&I makes us think: Am I really considering all my customers? Am I giving them all what they need?    

Diversity & Inclusion is closely tied to Live Well Communities, our focus on neighborhoods that have the furthest to go in reaching our vision of a healthy, safe and thriving region.

And D&I reinforces our concept of One County, the way we work across bureaucratic lines to get things done. It’s all about bringing people together and teamwork.

I hope you’ll take a look at the annual report and visit the D&I website for more info, including the strategic plan.

And I hope that you – yes, you, reading this now – know that I personally value what you bring to our diversity mosaic, and I want you to always feel the spirit of inclusion here at the County.

 

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It’s Tweenie Time! Itty-bitty Kitties Need Foster Homes

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They’re tiny, fluffy and completely adorable. But these baby kitties also need foster homes until they get big enough to put up for adoption. County Animal Services is putting out the call to some good, trustworthy employees – volunteer to become a Tweenie foster!

“These aren’t bottle babies. They’re Tweenies because they are between 4 and 8 weeks old,” said County Animal Services Director Dan DeSousa. “They are old enough to eat on their own but not quite at the two-pound or two-month mark for the adoption program.”

That’s where Tweenie foster parents come in. They get these kittens up to adoption age and weight so they can be returned to Animal Services. They’ll be neutered/spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and put up for adoption.

Right now, County Animal Services is at peak kitten season. Up to 14 kittens a day are coming through their doors. Most of the Tweenie foster parents on their list already have their hands full.

If you’d like to help out, County Animal Services makes it easy. It provides wet and dry food, cat litter and boxes, beds and of course, the kittens. They will come in pairs if not more because they need the company and that’s how they learn their manners!

County Animal Services also hopes you give these little ones lots of love. The more these kittens are used to people, the friendlier they become. Potential adopters like that in a kitten!

If you’re interested, you can fill out the County Animal Services application.

If you happen to fall in love with your Tweenies, you’ll get the first chance at adopting them. That also means you failed the foster program and that’s great as far as County Animal Services is concerned. In fact, you’ll probably stay on the Tweenie foster list!

If fostering isn’t possible, but you love kittens, you can still help out. Staff can always use a hand at the department’s ‘Kitteries” with cleaning, feeding, weighing or if you’d rather, just playing and cuddling with these little fur balls.

Either way, you’ll be giving these Tweenies a head start. And that’s just what they need to get into a happy, forever home.

Don’t Miss These Extras in Your Health Benefits

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The County’s health insurance providers offer numerous benefits beyond coverage for doctor’s office and emergency room visits. Anthem Blue Cross and Kaiser Permanente provide preventative care programs, tools and apps to keep you dialed-in and in touch 24-7.

Here are a few that can save you time and money so you can be on the road to recovery and preventative wellness:

Anthem

  • Download the Anthem Anywhere app to stay on top of your pharmacy benefits whenever and wherever you are. You’ll be able to find an in-network pharmacy, get personalized reminders, compare retail costs, and track order and refill status.

  • Is a migraine keeping you in bed? Kids sick in the middle of the night? See a doctor in minutes on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Members can also make an appointment with a licensed therapist in four days or less. Learn more about “tele-medicine” visits at livehealthonline.com.

  • Worried about out of pocket expenses? Know the cost before you get the care. Go to anthem.com/ca and login to use the Estimate the Cost tool. Search for the procedure you need and the tool will help estimate costs. For an even quicker cost comparison, use the Anthem Blue Cross mobile app.

Kaiser Permanente

  • Have a minor condition such as a cold or sinus infection? Save time by using the Kaiser telephone appointment service—you’ll be able to talk to a doctor within the hour. To make an appointment call 1-800-290-5000.

  • Visiting your doctor has never been easier. Video appointments are available for members from the convenience of your own home, office or even while on vacation. To make an appointment call 1-800-290-5000.

  • Employees with Kaiser can “meet” with a doctor via teleconference at the County Operations Center. The KP Care Now office located at 5530 Overland Ave., Suite 210, is staffed by a medical professional and has video capabilities. In addition, the KP Care Now office offers biometric screenings, immunizations and more. Make an appointment for KP Care Now by calling 858-278-2802 or emailing kp-carenow@kp.org.

  • You’ve just booked your dream vacation overseas, but do you have all the recommended immunizations? Contact Kaiser’s travel advisory service for safety information and recommendations on immunizations at 1-800-517-5556 or 619-528-3184 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call four to six weeks before your trip to allow time for any needed immunizations.

  • Kaiser now has a page specifically for County of San Diego employees. Check it out!

Learn more about all benefits at the Department of Human Resources’ InSite page.

HHSA's Duo of 'Divas' Featured in Concert

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The San Diego Martin Luther King Jr Choir performing at a community event (photo courtesy of MLKJr Choir Facebook page).

Two HHSA employees are taking center stage this weekend as featured performers with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir.

Dale FlemingDale Fleming, director of the Office of Strategy & Innovation, and Felicia Daniel, Health Coverage Access human services specialist, are both part of a select group of singers from the choir performing at the “All ‘Bout the Blues Women of Jazz” concert at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre on Sat., May 20 at 4 p.m 

Fleming has been performing with the choir for several years, but Daniel is a newcomer – a result of the hearing the choir at a County employee resource group event. She had heard the choir sing many times over the years, but was inspired to join after the choir performed at the African American Association of County Employees’ Black History Month celebration in 2016.

“I was so inspired that I joined as soon as I could,” said Daniel. “I am honored to use the gifts I was given to help others achieve their dreams.”

Felicia DanielThe choir holds concerts to raise funds for educational grants that are distributed to high school students from the San Diego area who plan to go to college and major in visual and performing arts.

Fleming said that since 1999, the group has awarded 93 grants totaling over $196,000 through its fundraising efforts.

The choir became a Live Well San Diego partner in June 2016.

She said the choir currently has about 95 members. The choir has several upcoming performances including their 19th Annual Educational Grants Awards Ceremony on June 11.

 

Start Your Tour de San Diego

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Get wheelie excited for the 2nd Annual Employee Wellness Bike Program! The “Tour de San Diego 2” starts this week. “Tour” dates are six weeks from May 18 to June 29.

Employees can register for the challenge beginning May 18. Simply search for “Tour de San Diego” in LMS and click on “register.”

Download log sheets and find more information on Bike to Work Day on Employee Wellness’ InSite page.

Employees requiring accommodation should email DHRWellness.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Probation Officer Waited Out Her 'Dream Job'

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Probation Officer Natalie Bobbitt holds her San Diego Crime Stoppers Enough is Enough Award.Deputy Probation Officer Natalie Bobbitt usually dresses in T-shirts, jeans and sneakers. She pulls her long hair off her face in a ponytail and wears little to no make-up. As one of only two women on the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force, a multi-agency team of investigators led by the U.S. Marshals Service, her work often involves surveillance of a felony fugitive. She calls her large vehicle her “office.” 

Recently, Bobbitt, who has worked for Probation for 10 years, received a San Diego County Crime Stoppers Enough is Enough Award, which honors nominees from throughout the San Diego law enforcement community for extraordinary accomplishments. Bobbitt was one of 19 honorees recognized at a ceremony last month. Crime Stoppers chose her for her overall outstanding work last year. 

“She’s an extremely hardworking, independent officer,” said Supervising Probation Officer Kendall Amerige. “On a consistent basis, she goes above and beyond the call of duty and takes a lot of pride in her work. She’s very well-respected.” 

So, what is the nature of her work exactly and what does it take to be on a regional fugitive task force? The task force goal is to safely apprehend high-priority, high-risk suspects wanted for violent crimes and narcotic offenses. 

While Probation has sharply increased its focus on rehabilitation of offenders, enforcement is still necessary and inevitable at times. Working with these fugitives often involves a more targeted approach.  

“You have to be kind of fearless and willing to take risks. If you have any hesitations or reservations, it is absolutely going to eat you alive at the door to a house (where you’re serving an arrest warrant),” said Bobbitt, speaking of her current assignment on the Fugitive Task Force.

In high school and college, Bobbitt thought she wanted to be a social worker. But after an internship in that field, she decided she wanted to work in law enforcement. 

She started working at one of Probation’s juvenile detention facilities in 2007, then shifted to the Mid-City area to do juvenile case work for a few years. From there, she worked as part of the Youthful Offender Unit, intensively supervising youth with more serious offenses to help them turn around their lives and avoid a commitment to the state Division of Juvenile Justice.

She next worked in the juvenile investigation unit, interviewing youth before their sentencing to try to make recommendations to a judge with regard to their potential for rehabilitation. Then she went to the adult gang supervision unit, where she enjoyed being on the streets working closely with the Escondido Police Gang Suppression Unit.

Her dream job was always to work on a task force, but she said many of the people in those positions love what they do and only leave when they retire. She said she considered the teams elite and was thrilled when she finally got her chance.

“When I know there’s a gun involved or a current victim, I think those are the cases that drive me the most,” Bobbitt said. “Because at the end of the day, I know I got a gun off the street or that victim is not going to have to deal with this perpetrator.”

Her dream job was always to work on a task force, but she said many of the people in those positions love what they do and only leave when they retire. She said she considered the teams elite and was thrilled when she finally got her chance.

“When I know there’s a gun involved or a current victim, I think those are the cases that drive me the most,” Bobbitt said. “Because at the end of the day, I know I got a gun off the street or that victim is not going to have to deal with this perpetrator.”

Her dream job was always to work on a task force, but she said many of the people in those positions love what they do and only leave when they retire. She said she considered the teams elite and was thrilled when she finally got her chance.

“When I know there’s a gun involved or a current victim, I think those are the cases that drive me the most,” Bobbitt said. “Because at the end of the day, I know I got a gun off the street or that victim is not going to have to deal with this perpetrator.”

Probation Officer Natalie Bobbitt digging in a suspect's yard after getting information that he may have buried drugs or weapons in the back of the home. She ultimately found heroin, a gun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.The team treats warrants delicately, because in some cases they might try to flee the country.

“You might only get one opportunity to try to arrest this person,” Bobbitt said.

Even if they have some potential addresses for where the suspect may be holed up, the team can’t just go knock on the doors. Because if the suspect is not there, they will find out officers have been there and will not return. The action may push him or her into further hiding, she said.

“One of the things that is huge in this business is the element of surprise,” Bobbitt said. “That’s what we bank on when it comes to arresting fugitives. It allows us to take people into custody with as little resistance as possible.”

Bobbitt said she is proud of the skills that she brings to the job. She’s good at multitasking and doing mobile surveillance. She’s determined and persistent. And she’s confident in her physical abilities.

Bobbitt said she has a nurturing nature, which comes in handy after the suspect is handcuffed and she is taking him or her to jail. In some cases, she helps calm them down and offer guidance on what they will face.

“I love being able to do what I do on a daily basis,” said Bobbitt. “This job is the most humbling thing I’ve ever done in my life because every day I learn something new, a new tactic, a new approach. You see something new every single day. I love it.”