Episodes

There is only one way for us to get through the COVID-19 pandemic and that is together. A growing number of Oregonians are turning to us for help and our determined workforce has found creative ways to meet the demand. We must take care of each other so we can continue serving Oregonians. Our labor unions are critical partners in helping our leadership team understand what employees need to do their best work with Oregonians in these unusual circumstances. SEIU 200 Secretary and Steward Sara As...

There is only one way for us to get through the COVID-19 pandemic and that is together. A growing number of Oregonians are turning to us for help and our determined workforce has found creative ways to meet the demand. We must take care of each other so we can continue serving Oregonians. Our labor unions are critical partners in helping our leadership team understand what employees need to do their best work with Oregonians in these unusual circumstances. SEIU 200 Secretary and Steward Sara As...

This week the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) launched a new initiative called Trauma Aware. DHS is the first state agency in Oregon to adopt a trauma-informed organizational policy and launch a Department-wide effort to promote healing and resiliency among its workforce and the people it serves. Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Chief Administrative Officer Don Erickson, the sponsor of the initiative, said rolling out the Trauma Aware program now is a way to bring more supports and res...

This week the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) launched a new initiative called Trauma Aware. DHS is the first state agency in Oregon to adopt a trauma-informed organizational policy and launch a Department-wide effort to promote healing and resiliency among its workforce and the people it serves. Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Chief Administrative Officer Don Erickson, the sponsor of the initiative, said rolling out the Trauma Aware program now is a way to bring more supports and res...

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) is operating very differently than it was just a few weeks ago. Some programs are operating virtually. Others are encouraging client communication by phone or online, and limiting in-person appointments so they can practice good physical distancing. Much of our workforce quickly converted to telework. We’re doing things we’ve never done before and we’re all learning how to navigate our way through this health crisis together. Director Fariborz Pakser...

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) is operating very differently than it was just a few weeks ago. Some programs are operating virtually. Others are encouraging client communication by phone or online, and limiting in-person appointments so they can practice good physical distancing. Much of our workforce quickly converted to telework. We’re doing things we’ve never done before and we’re all learning how to navigate our way through this health crisis together. Director Fariborz Pakser...

On March 23, 2020, Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order called Stay Home, Save Lives to strengthen physical distancing requirements to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The order does not apply to much of our workforce because our Department is one that must stay open to provide the critical services Oregonians depend on during crisis. Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Deputy Director Liesl Wendt share what the order means for our Department and its staff. “If we had an earthquake or a maj...

On March 23, 2020, Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order called Stay Home, Save Lives to strengthen physical distancing requirements to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The order does not apply to much of our workforce because our Department is one that must stay open to provide the critical services Oregonians depend on during crisis. Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Deputy Director Liesl Wendt share what the order means for our Department and its staff. “If we had an earthquake or a maj...

The virus that causes the disease COVID-19 has changed the way the Oregon Department of Human Services – and all of Oregon – are operating. Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Deputy Director Liesl Wendt talk about the Department’s response to the pandemic and the steps being taken to balance the need to protect staff health and maintain services to Oregonians, especially those who are high-risk for COVID-19. “We all came to this organization because we had the passion of service - and we'll get ba...

The virus that causes the disease COVID-19 has changed the way the Oregon Department of Human Services – and all of Oregon – are operating. Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Deputy Director Liesl Wendt talk about the Department’s response to the pandemic and the steps being taken to balance the need to protect staff health and maintain services to Oregonians, especially those who are high-risk for COVID-19. “We all came to this organization because we had the passion of service - and we'll get ba...

Advancing Equity and Inclusion is a priority for the Oregon Department of Human Services. With a workforce of approximately 9,000 people serving 1.5 million Oregonians, the Department can be a leader in moving the dial to create a more equitable and inclusive Oregon. Director Fariborz Pakseresht talks with Alberto Moreno, the director of the Office of Equity and Multicultural Services, about the work Alberto and his team are doing to integrate equity and inclusion in all we do. Download full sc...

Creating equity is one way we can help both staff and the people we serve reach their full potential. Equity and service equity are about each of us getting what we need to be successful such as access to opportunities, networks, resources and supports based on where we are where we want to go in life. Oregon Department of Human Services Director Fariborz Pakseresht talks with LeMont Boyd about the levers and mechanisms the Department is using to get us closer to equity in all we do, inside and ...

Advancing Equity and Inclusion is a priority for the Oregon Department of Human Services. With a workforce of approximately 9,000 people serving 1.5 million Oregonians, the Department can be a leader in moving the dial to create a more equitable and inclusive Oregon. Director Fariborz Pakseresht talks with Alberto Moreno, the director of the Office of Equity and Multicultural Services, about the work Alberto and his team are doing to integrate equity and inclusion in all we do. Download full sc...

Creating equity is one way we can help both staff and the people we serve reach their full potential. Equity and service equity are about each of us getting what we need to be successful such as access to opportunities, networks, resources and supports based on where we are where we want to go in life. Oregon Department of Human Services Director Fariborz Pakseresht talks with LeMont Boyd about the levers and mechanisms the Department is using to get us closer to equity in all we do, inside and ...

Episode 2: RiSE, Part 2: Making organizational culture change stick - 2020 Positive organizational cultures don’t happen by chance. We ask Oregon DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Research Implementation Manager Kirsten Kolb what it really takes to make the organizational culture change DHS staff are asking for stick. Find out how the RiSE organizational culture is becoming reality in DHS. Download full script by clicking here.

Episode 2: RiSE, Part 2: Making organizational culture change stick - 2020 Positive organizational cultures don’t happen by chance. We ask Oregon DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Research Implementation Manager Kirsten Kolb what it really takes to make the organizational culture change DHS staff are asking for stick. Find out how the RiSE organizational culture is becoming reality in DHS. Download full script by clicking here.