Author: Angela Kraft

DHR Training Update: July 2022

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UPDATED TRAINING CALENDAR

The DHR training schedule is now posted through the end of Fiscal Year 2023! Please share this information with others at your agency and encourage them to participate in upcoming classes.

JULY MICRO-LEARNING MODULES

Register now for DHR’s quarterly micro-learning modules! These 60-minute webinars are a great introduction for those who have not had a chance to attend one of our full-day courses and an excellent refresher for staff who have completed courses with DHR before. Micro-learning modules are available for free to all State of Idaho employees!

  • Accountability: Setting expectations lays the groundwork for everything we accomplish in the workplace. New office environments and remote teams can make it even more of a challenge to hold employees accountable. During this micro-learning module, we will identify ways to effectively communicate expectations, hold everyone accountable, and strengthen work relationships.
  • Motivation: Discover how to identify and enhance motivation in the workplace.  Participants will learn motivation theories and how leadership styles influence motivation and engagement.  Participants will discuss methods and options to incorporate into the workplace increasing engagement, morale, and productivity.
  • Performance Evaluations: Performance evaluations are the most important feedback tool a supervisor has. They should be a year-long process and deserve our time and energy. This micro-learning module explores core principles behind not only effectively writing a performance evaluation, but how to deliver one as well.
  • Providing Feedback: How can we deliver feedback so it will be heard, accepted, and sets the stage to initiate improvement? In this DHR micro-module learn how to offer and solicit feedback to strengthen relationships, improve performance, and recognize good work.  Sign up to learn the feedback formula!
  • Leaders in Motion: Change the way you think about employee wellness! Participants will learn simple strategies to help employees prevent burnout and create positive shifts in workplace culture. Leaders in Motion is designed to empower participants to weave well-being into the status quo and start a wellness movement within their agency.
TRAINING SPOTLIGHT: Getting Things Done

How often do you catch yourself saying “If I only had more time,” or “I can’t take one more thing to add to my plate!”? It’s time to redefine how you approach your life and work with Getting Things Done. Go beyond productivity tips and learn a personal workflow management system through instruction, application, and coaching in this one-day course offered by DHR online. A course fee ($178.00 + $6.34 online registration fee) is associated with this training to cover the costs of training materials provided by Crucial Learning. Register for an upcoming Getting Things Done class.

Supervisory Academy

Supervisory Academy is a 3-day training that covers best practices for supervising a team of employees. Supervisory Academy is provided by DHR at no cost to state employees! See dates, times, and registration information.

Crucial Conversations® for Mastering Dialogue

Crucial Conversations® for Mastering Dialogue is a 2-day course that teaches nine powerful skills for working through disagreement to achieve better results. See dates, times, and registration information.

Crucial Conversations® for Accountability

Crucial Conversations® for Accountability is a 2-day course that will help you identify and resolve performance gaps to hold anyone accountable, no matter their power, position, or authority. See dates, times, and registration information.

First Friday Update: June 2022

Posted on | updated:

JUNE 6, 2022

PERSI Re-Employment Benefit

House Bill 555, approved during the 2022 legislative session, allows state agencies to rehire public service (PERSI) retirees who retired before January 1, 2022, without any impact to their retirement benefit. Retirees may be rehired effective April 1, 2022, or after. With the assistance of PERSI, DHR has drafted guidance for agency HR to ensure reemployed retirees are set up correctly. We have also attached an MOU template to utilize when rehiring retirees under this law.

Both the guidance and form can be found on HR Professionals page on the DHR website.

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Connect With Us

DHR is excited to share our new social media accounts! Liking and sharing these pages will assist with spotlighting recruitment, highlighting events (like the upcoming State of Idaho Job Fair on June 8), and sharing HR news.

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

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Welcome New DHR Team Members

DHR has filled five new roles that will be imperative in providing the support needed to move forward with HR Modernization! We had outstanding applicants for these positions and were impressed with the talent we were able to interview.

Please join us in welcoming our newest staff (as well as congratulating some already familiar faces) and take a moment to “get to know” them by reading a little more about them.

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June HR Shout-Outs!

Amanda Greco
HR Associate, M.S. HR Development

Amanda Greco, HR Associate, from Lewis-Clark State College, received her M.S. in Human Resource Development from Idaho State University in May 2022. This graduate-level program teaches the principles and practices of learning and development, performance improvement, strategic planning, and leadership. Congratulations, Amanda!

Bryan Etters, HR Specialist, Senior, from the Department of Health and Welfare, completed the certification process to become a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Practitioner in May 2022. Certified MBTI Practitioners have the knowledge, skills, and tools to help others improve their self-awareness and make constructive use of personality differences. Bryan will train others to boost performance and enhance their communication, decision-making, and collaboration. Nice job, Bryan!

Jen Irgo
HR Specialist, Senior, SHRM-CP

Jen Irgo, HR Specialist, Senior, from the Department of Juvenile Corrections, completed a Society of Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential in May 2022. The SHRM-CP exam evaluates HR professionals in six areas: people, organization, workplace, interpersonal, business, and leadership. SHRM credential holders are recognized experts and leaders in the HR field with the necessary capabilities in both aspects of HR practice—competencies and knowledge. Way to go, Jen!

Kate Nihipali
Training Specialist, MBTI Practitioner

Kate Nihipali, Training Specialist, from the Department of Health and Welfare, completed the certification process to become a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Practitioner in May 2022. Certified MBTI Practitioners have the knowledge, skills, and tools to help others improve their self-awareness and make constructive use of personality differences. Kate will train others to boost performance and enhance their communication, decision-making, and collaboration. Great work, Kate!

Nicole Plumb
HR Specialist, CIWCS

Nicole Plumb, HR Specialist, from the Idaho State Liquor Division, completed and passed the Certified Idaho Workers’ Compensation Specialist (CIWCS) Program and exam in May 2022. The Idaho Industrial Commission has developed this course with the following curricula: review of statutes and decisions; compensability; claims reporting requirements; medical fee payments and disputes; lump sum settlements (LSS); and change of physician and subrogation. Attendees have a final exam that they must pass with an 85% or higher and will be recognized as Certified Idaho Workers’ Compensation Specialist for a period of three years. Nicely done, Nicole!

Suzanne Perron
HR Specialist, SHRM-CP

Suzanne Perron, HR Specialist at the Division of Veterans Services, completed a Society of Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential in February 2022. The SHRM-CP exam evaluates HR professionals in six areas: people, organization, workplace, interpersonal, business, and leadership. SHRM credential holders are recognized experts and leaders in the HR field with the necessary capabilities in both aspects of HR practice—competencies and knowledge. Great job, Suzanne!

Please let DHR know if someone on your HR team has recently earned a professional certification or anything else noteworthy. We would love to include additional shout-outs in future First Friday updates!

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We want to hear from you!

DHR will continue to send monthly updates, and we would appreciate your input! Please let us know information you would be most interested in receiving each month. Email your suggestions to communications@dhr.idaho.gov.

First Friday Update: May 2022

Posted on | updated:

MAY 6, 2022

DHR Summer Forum

Register now for the DHR Summer Forum scheduled for June 15, 2022! This will be an in-person event held in the Lincoln Auditorium in the Idaho State Capitol from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. A streaming option will be available for those who cannot attend in person.

The forum’s theme will be “What’s Next?” as we focus on topics that will help us all move forward toward a consolidated model for state human resources. Download a copy of the agenda to see an overview of the day.

We are excited to welcome keynote speaker Kristin Scroggin, who will present “Generation ‘Them’: Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce Plus Hiring and Retaining Quality Employees.” This activity has been approved for SHRM credits. Class code details and instructions will be provided at the forum.

REGISTER NOW!

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2022 Training Schedule

DHR has posted training events scheduled through the end of 2022. We are excited to be back to in-person classes! Online options for all courses will still be available for those who prefer a virtual environment.

Check out the DHR website for all training courses, schedules, and registration information at dhr.idaho.gov/trainings.

Supervisory Academy

Supervisory Academy is a 3-day training that covers best practices for supervising a team of employees. Supervisory Academy is provided by DHR at no cost to state employees!

Crucial Conversations® for Mastering Dialogue

Crucial Conversations® for Mastering Dialogue is a 2-day course that teaches nine powerful skills for working through disagreement to achieve better results.

Crucial Conversations® for Accountability

Crucial Conversations® for Accountability is a 2-day course that will help you identify and resolve performance gaps to hold anyone accountable, no matter their power, position, or authority.

Getting Things Done®

Getting Things Done® is a 1-day course that teaches how to increase focus, organize information, prioritize commitments, and create mental space.

Verbal InterventionTM Training

Verbal InterventionTM is a half-day course that teaches how to recognize the stages of an escalating crisis and apply techniques to appropriately de-escalate the situation.  

We will also continue to offer quarterly micro-learning modules that spend 60 minutes reviewing key concepts from the courses listed above. These are great refresher webinars for folks who have completed courses with DHR before and also a great resource of new information for staff who have not had a chance to attend the full course.

Please share this information with your agency staff who might be interested.

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May HR Shout-Outs!

Haley Westenskow
DHR HR Specialist, Senior, AWI-CH

Haley Westenskow, DHR Human Resource Specialist, Senior, completed the Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Program in April 2022. The Association of Workplace Investigators a professional membership association for those who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations, including attorneys, human resources managers, private investigators, and others. To earn the AWI certificate, participants must take a series of three tests to assess their knowledge and skills in successfully perform impartial workplace investigations. Congratulations, Haley!

Michelle George
ISP HR Specialist, Senior

Michelle George, Human Resource Specialist, Senior, at Idaho State Police received an award from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators in February 2021. She was recognized with the “Service Awards, Improvement Through Efficiencies for Idaho State Police – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Title VI Program.” AAMVA’s awards program fosters a tradition of excellence in the motor vehicle and law enforcement community by honoring individuals, teams, and organizations who have committed their time and resources to safety initiatives, outstanding customer service, and public affairs and consumer educational programs throughout North America. Way to go, Michelle!

Please let DHR know if someone on your HR team has recently earned a professional certification or anything else noteworthy. We would love to include additional shout-outs in future First Friday updates!

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We want to hear from you!

DHR will continue to send monthly updates, and we would appreciate your input! Please let us know information you would be most interested in receiving each month. Email your suggestions to communications@dhr.idaho.gov.

First Friday Update: April 2022

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APRIL 1, 2022

HR Modernization

Below is the most current DHR internal reporting structure, with updated positions related to HR Modernization. This structure will continue to evolve and change as we identify additional needs required to modernize the HR model statewide.

The updated positions will offer specialized knowledge in each area to drive critical procedural and process decisions. The additional bandwidth provided to our team will also allow for more support and subject matter expertise for agency HR staff.

As a reminder, the positions of Civil Rights/ADA Manager, Employee Support Services Manager, Investigations Manager, Occupational Health Manager, and Recruitment Manager will remain open for recruitment until Sunday, April 3, at 11:59 PM MDT.

We encourage you to visit the HR Modernization webpage for a project timeline, regular updates, FAQs, and to submit questions and suggestions you may have about the process.

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Legislative Wrap-Up

The 2022 legislative season officially ended on March 31! DHR is the process of reviewing and analyzing legislation that came out of this year’s session. We will provide an overview during the Statewide HR call on Thursday, April 7, as well as a legislative wrap up in the May “First Friday” Newsletter.

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Feeling Stressed by Change?

Watch this short video to learn how a growth mindset can help you manage stress during seasons of change.

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April HR Shout-Outs!

Lupe Arteaga
IDPR HR Specialist, SHRM-CP

Lupe Arteaga, HR Specialist at Idaho Parks and Recreation, completed a Society of Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential in February 2022. The SHRM-CP exam evaluates HR professionals in six areas: people, organization, workplace, interpersonal, business, and leadership. SHRM credential holders are recognized experts and leaders in the HR field with the necessary capabilities in both aspects of HR practice—competencies and knowledge. Congratulations, Lupe!

Please let DHR know if someone on your HR team has recently earned a professional certification or anything else noteworthy. We would love to include additional shout-outs in future First Friday updates!

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Feathered Friends

Lisa Herriot, new DFM Analyst, and Janelle McDonald, DHR HR Specialist, Sr. ran into Big Bird while at a meeting at Idaho Public Television!

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We want to hear from you!

DHR will continue to send monthly updates, and we would appreciate your input! Please let us know information you would be most interested in receiving each month. Email your suggestions to communications@dhr.idaho.gov.

First Friday Update: March 2022

Posted on | updated:

MARCH 4, 2022

Legislative Overview

Change in Employee Compensation (CEC)

JFAC approved the CEC Committee’s recommendation for a fully funded 3% pay structure shift for all employees. This is different than previous years where only employees at the minimum were shifted. In addition, agencies will receive $1.25 for each permanent employee to disperse based on merit. DHR and DFM are preparing the CEC guidance memo to be sent out once Governor Little signs off on the budget.

DHR also received approval on supplemental budget requests for the transfer of five vacant HR positions (detailed in the HR Modernization update below) and for the spending authority to conduct a full classification and compensation review for approximately 2,500 classifications. In addition, DHR was approved to invest in a system that supports statewide employee engagement surveys as part of the FY 2023 budget.

DHR Proposed Legislation

Click on the bill numbers below to see the progress of each bill in the legislature.

  • H0504 “State Employees, Ed Reimbursement”: Adds to existing law to establish an educational reimbursement program. Changes the current loan repayment program for physicians, psychologists, and mid-level practitioners to an educational reimbursement program for eligible state employees.
  • H0515 “State Personnel, Public Health”: Amends the existing law to clarify that public health district employees are not part of the state personnel system. Provides “clean up” language from last year’s passage of HB 316. Removes reference to the state’s personnel system (IC 67-53). Last year’s bill changed the authority of personnel decisions to the board within each health district and removed state funding for public health districts. With this change, public health district employees no longer fall under the laws and rules of the state personnel system. References were removed from statute.
  • H0516 “Public Health Districts, Personnel”: Amends the existing law to provide for the power of a district health director to establish a personnel system. Provides “clean up” language from last year’s passage of HB 316. Removes reference to the state’s personnel system (IC 67-53).
  • H0594 “State Employees”: Amends and repeals the existing law to provide for consistency of terminology with respect to state employees. Clarifies rule applicability and requirements for non-classified and classified employees.
  • H0595 “State Employees, Compensation, Increases”: Amends existing law to provide for compensation increases based on performance as well as consideration of certain internal and external factors.

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HR Modernization

DHR’s first steps of conducting a needs assessment and gap analysis began last September. This included meeting with agencies and creating a draft reporting structure based on bodies of work. We are now in the process of defining job duties and refining the reporting structure. In addition, our agency requested the transfer of five vacant HR positions from other agencies in our FY 2023 budget, which JFAC approved on February 18. These positions include statewide managers for recruitment, employee services, training and development, occupational health, and civil rights/ADA. They initiate the first significant shift in the staffing infrastructure needed to proceed with HR Modernization. DHR will notify the HR group once these positions are open for recruitment.

We encourage you to visit the HR Modernization webpage for a project timeline, regular updates, FAQs, and to submit questions and suggestions you may have about the process.

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Training

DHR is pleased to announce the return of in-person training beginning in April 2022! In-person trainings will be held without social distancing or mask requirements. Online options for all courses will still be available for those who prefer a virtual environment. For current information and updated class offerings, please see the DHR training page.

Idaho’s 5th Annual Statewide Mandatory Cybersecurity Awareness Training is going on now! Please remind employees to complete their annual mandatory cybersecurity training by March 25, 2022. The training is expected to take about 20 minutes and does not have to be completed in one sitting. All executive office agency employees should have received an email with a link to the training on Monday, February 28. If you have any questions, please email cybertraining@dhr.idaho.gov.

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HR Shout-Outs!

Sheena Buffi
DHR Human Resources Program Manager, CCP

Sheena Buffi, DHR Human Resources Program Manager, completed a Certified Compensation Professional® (CCP) credential in January 2022. The WorldatWork Society, a professional organization for human resource employees, administers the CCP certification. Completing a CCP certification program involves a great deal of study and passing a series of rigorous exams, which touch upon total rewards management; job analysis, documentation, and evaluation; accounting and finance; performance-based pay, market pricing, variable pay; and compensation regulations. Congratulations, Sheena!

Janelle McDonald
DHR Human Resource Specialist, Senior, SHRM-CP

Janelle McDonald, DHR Human Resource Specialist, Senior, completed a Society of Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential in December 2021. The SHRM-CP exam evaluates HR professionals in six areas: people, organization, workplace, interpersonal, business, and leadership. SHRM credential holders are recognized experts and leaders in the HR field with the necessary capabilities in both aspects of HR practice—competencies and knowledge. Nice job, Janelle!

Andrew McConnell
DEQ Human Resource Specialist, Senior, SHRM-CP, MBA

Andrew McConnell, Human Resource Specialist, Senior, at the Department of Environmental Quality, completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) through Boise State University in August 2021. He was recently featured in an article on BSU’s website sharing his story of working at DEQ while completing BSU’s online MBA program. Way to go, Andrew!

Please let DHR know if someone on your HR team has recently earned a professional certification or anything else noteworthy. We would love to include additional shout-outs in future First Friday updates!

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COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Summary

Thank you to everyone who helped promote the COVID-19 vaccine incentive. A total of 8,843 state employees utilized the incentive, coding 34,972 CVT hours. The final day for employees to code CVT for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine was January 31, 2022.

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We want to hear from you!

DHR will continue to send monthly updates, and we would appreciate your input! Please let us know information you would be most interested in receiving each month. Email your suggestions to communications@dhr.idaho.gov.