Review DHR Policy on the State’s New COVID Paid Sick Leave

Supplemental paid sick leave has been extended through Sept. 30. The policy ensures that employees continue to have access to up to 80 hours of COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave, which may be used by employees who have been advised to quarantine, those caring for COVID-impacted family members, attending a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, and more. 

There are new requirements to access the entire 80 hours so read the DHR policy, download the supplemental sick leave request form and review state guidance.  

Find the poster here with all the details about the new paid leave.

Join Discussion on Book Written by County Employee

Join the County of San Diego Filipino-American Employees Association and the Middle Eastern Employee Resource Group in a virtual discussion of a book by a County employee.  

Davinder Kaur, a supervising office assistant with Probation, is the author of “Forced to Marry Him: A Lifetime of Tradition and the Will to Break It.” Her book will be discussed from 5:30 to 7 p.m., March 29.

Download the e-book through the San Diego County Library or online and RSVP to the book discussion now.

Book Description:

In the late 1980s, Davinder Kaur was forced to marry a man she didn't know. When she was only 14 years old, the marriage was arranged and set to occur when she turned 18. After four long years of internal turmoil and despair, she had two choices: adhere to the customs and traditions of her family or risk bringing dishonor to their home. Kaur didn't like either option, so she made a plan—a plan to survive.

Kaur tells of the pain, lies, and betrayal she suffered at the hands of those who were meant to protect her the most. But her story doesn't end there. Her willingness to speak out and fight not only saved her life but the lives of many other women and young girls over the years. She offers courage and strength to those who can't advocate for themselves, and she works with organizations all over the world to help end arranged and forced marriages. Kaur gives a voice to the voiceless as she breaks down walls to eradicate cultural and traditional abuse.

See the flyer.

Rewind: Fireside Chat Series Launches with LGBTQ&A ERG

Watch the Rewind video here.

Did you miss the first Employee Resource Group Council’s Fireside Chat on Tuesday? Have a listen to the informal session now! The event was hosted by our LGBTQ&A ERG and featured their two executive advisors: Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric McDonald and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Andrew Potter. The two discussed the importance of mentorship in their career paths. After watching, take the event survey.

These virtual conversations, held in partnership with the County’s DHR Equity Diversity and Inclusion team, will be hosted by an employee resource group and rotate quarterly. Stay tuned for the next one!

AAACE Hosting Membership Drive

Join the African American Association of County during their Membership Drive Month.

The employee resource group is dedicated to building a sense of community through celebrating African-American culture; supporting diversity and serving as a strategic partner to the County of San Diego, and providing opportunities for professional growth so that new ideas and leaders can flourish. Join the ERG.

Lunar New Year

The County Administration Center was lit in red, orange and gold Tuesday night to celebrate the last day of the Lunar New Year celebration.

Update on Face Coverings in the Workplace

The County is updating its face covering requirements for employees in County facilities to follow revised workplace guidance by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Beginning Feb. 16, anyone working in a County facility (unless listed below) who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is no longer required to wear a face covering. You’re considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer series or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Please submit proof of vaccination to your Departmental Human Resources Officer or supervisor, if you have not already done so.

With current levels of COVID-19 in the region, face coverings will still be recommended for fully vaccinated employees.

Anyone not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face covering in accordance with CDPH guidance.  This requirement includes the use of a face covering while in an indoor setting or in a vehicle with others present.

Additionally, under CDPH guidance, some County facilities still require face coverings regardless of vaccination status. These include health care settings, long-term care facilities, detention facilities, cooling centers and child care settings.

For more information on vaccinations, visit coronavirus-sd.com.

Watch: AAACE Receives Proclamation

The Board of Supervisors awarded the African American Association of County Employees (AAACE) on Tuesday with a proclamation in honor of Black History Month and the work the employee resource group has done with the community.

Overcoming Our Unconscious Biases

The D&I Executive Council is excited to share a new online training that focuses on identifying and overcoming our unconscious biases. In it, you will learn how to challenge assumptions, enhance your objectivity, overcome stereotypes and broaden your perspectives. Coming soon to the Learning Management System (LMS). 

Feel the Beat During the Love Your Heart Week of Action

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, matters of the heart are front and center of many minds this month. There’s no better time to show your own heart some extra love and get your blood pressure checked than during the County’s Love Your Heart Week of Action from Feb. 12-20.

This year, Human Resources is offering a Lunch and Learn to promote employee wellness and kick off Love Your Heart Week 2022. The Happy Heart Happy Life Lunch and Learn will take place from noon-1 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Dr. Rafael Silva from Kaiser Permanente will address practical approaches to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system throughout our lives.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and the second-leading cause of death in San Diego County. In addition, hypertension is the most common underlying condition in people who have died from COVID-19 in our region. A Love Your Heart blood pressure screening is a good way to “know your numbers” and take charge of your own heart health.

Due to the pandemic, there aren’t as many onsite locations offering blood pressure screenings as in years past. Your doctor’s office is a great place to get a blood pressure checkup. In addition, the Love Your Heart website lists all of the locations in San Diego County that offer blood pressure tests during Love Your Heart Week.

See flyer below.

Join ‘Fireside’ Chats with County Leadership

Ever wanted the inside scoop on our County leadership’s secrets to career success? You’re in luck! The ERG Council’s Fireside Chat series, a quarterly moderated discussion with leaders, launches at lunchtime Tuesday, Feb. 15 from noon to 1 p.m.

These virtual conversations, held in partnership with the County’s DHR Equity Diversity and Inclusion team, will be hosted by an employee resource group and rotate quarterly.

LGBTQ&A ERG is up first. It will launch the series by featuring their two executive advisors: Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric McDonald and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Andrew Potter. They’ll discuss the importance of mentorship in their career paths.

The series is designed to be a passive mentorship opportunity. Attendees can look forward to a Q&A period following the topical moderated discussion.

No need to RSVP, just add this Teams link to your calendar. See the flyer below.