| FUND: GENERAL |
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES |
Karen Galbraith
The Human Resources Department administers the County’s
policies in the areas of recruitment and selection, salary administration,
insurance and fringe benefits, worker compensation, equal employment/affirmative
action, personnel records and transactions, employee safety and health, labor
contract negotiations, grievance processing, leave programs, orientation and
development, training and other related employee and labor relations matters.
Human Resource staff post all job openings, advertise when appropriate,
administer the employment application and related testing process, screen all
eligible applicants and assist management staff in conducting interviews and
determining which applicant to hire in accordance with all existing federal and
state laws governing the employment process.
Human Resources staff serves as consultants to managers and supervisors in
handling corrective action, staff development, and employee relations issues on
a daily basis. Human Resources strives to encourage positive employee relations
and open communication.
In addition, Human Resources staff advises the County Executive and the
Finance/Human Resources Committee of the County Board of Supervisors concerning
all matters regarding personnel and/or labor relations.
The department has settled seven labor unit contracts with
insurance changes on a voluntary basis and is continuing to bargain with five
additional labor units. The department is working on reaching voluntary
agreements in accordance with the parameters set by the County with three
additional labor units whose contracts expire on or before December 31, 2002.
The current health insurance plan was evaluated and a second plan was developed
in an effort to control continuing cost increases. This plan is included as part
of the bargaining strategy.
A revised Human Resources ordinance was submitted and passed by the County Board
of Supervisors. The new Human Resources policy manual was implemented as of
January 1, 2002 and modifications/revisions are being addressed on an as-needed
basis.
The department safety program included a Zero Tolerance Workplace Violence
policy which was implemented January 1, 2002. County building-specific training
on this policy began in 2002. A plan on the use of Automatic External
Defibrillators (AEF) is being developed.
The Human Resources Website became operational and available to all employees on
a 24/7 schedule.
A review of the Performance Appraisal System was conducted and changes made
accordingly.
