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CUTBACKS
As
many, we have gone through extensive budget cuts - really bad - like
60%. We
have staff in the 30's down from 81 - yet the same work and the same
service to customers is expected. we
are even moving to a place 1/3 our former size - yet still need 1 stop
area. We are on a freeze-as
people leave we absorb their jobs - but so many are gone!!
We try to get grants - it is highly competitive.
I have been with my 1-stop 19 years -never, ever saw anything
like this. It is so
stressful and overwhelming. And
the fear that the quality cannot last if we are stretched so far.
I know others are going through this... any ideas, suggestions? HELP! Thanks – Anonymous
RESPONSES:
Good
morning, I have been away from the office as well this week and
appreciate seeing the email from you. It is interesting to read how much
of the social service field is suffering in our country right now while
there is so much being put in to Iraq…we too have been put on a
“freeze” for hiring as we are awaiting funding…and we see programs
in our areas hurting for funding to provide their services as well. Over
the past 1-2 years there have been very important programs shut down in
our area due to the issues of funding (i.e. homeless program, health
clinic…) which forces us to look for creative ways to provide these
services…which has not always been easy or successful (especially with
low staff level and high needs of cases). The
suggestion I would like to offer to the low staffing is to network with
the local colleges if possible. Especially at the graduate level there
are students who need to complete internships in public agencies who
have the appropriate education in fields which are orientated to social
service programs (education and counseling for example). They can be
utilized creatively for meeting client and program needs. Also,
networking with other programs that provide similar services is
especially valuable since they can collaborate on the responsibility to
provide public services. In doing this, it may help programs which are
suffering to provide those adequate services because of the overwhelming
responsibilities to meet the needs of the public (where lack of funding
and lower numbers in staff is common challenges). Although
grant applications are competitive right now, programs that can come
together to share the responsibility of serving the public community
usually have the option of applying for grants together which funding
sources support by actually awarding such multi-agency applications. I
tend to promote such collaborative tactics because it not only
encourages community partnerships but can also support and even create
unity among people which can have a great ripple affect…we don’t
usually get to see that ripple affect but it happens in even the
simplest of gracious happenings. Although the responsibilities that many
of us end up taking on can outweigh our capacity to perform these
additional duties at times, (since they can become daunting and
strenuous), public service agencies as a whole carry the continuous
responsibility to know when to identify and develop innovative means for
providing appropriate (and if possible, more than adequate) services for
clients. Knowing area resources in order to link into other agency
services and build collaborations among those public agencies is
especially crucial during our trying times today.
MSilver I don't think Anonymous’ one stop can continue to provide the same level of services, nor should they. Maybe when constituents understand the impact of budget cuts they will contact their government representatives to let them know how important these services are. RM HAPPY HOLIDAYS, PAUL! Greetings
from Anita O in "May your Christmas be a joyous celebration of His special love for you!" MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! My
response to "Anonymous"
is to try to concentrate on what is within your power to do and provide
the best possible service to each one you serve. It is
unfortunate that many of the One-Stops are short staffed and, yes,
it can get overwhelming and stressful. However, (and I need to
practice what I preach) we can always strive to provide quality customer
service to each individual we are blessed to help. It is still somewhat subjective; however, when you are observing a person over a period of time, you can tell what their motivation level is. We will note, for example, if when the person clocks in they jump in and start working or do they try to visit with everyone on the way to their chair, drag their feet, etc. When they come into work, are they smiling or griping? Do they respond to requests with enthusiasm or just do what they’re told. These are the types of actions/reactions that we track/note to determine their motivation levels.
It’s not “scientific”, but when these actions/reactions are noted over time, you can take measure of a person’s motivation level.
Reni I
think anyone in public service can relate to the letter on cuts,
although it might not be as sever as that individuals organization is
going through at this time. I know in my office we are also experiencing
cuts and we not only have a need to take on the "slack" from
those empty position, but having new duties placed on top of this
absorption as our focus changes again. One thing I have found in my many
years of public service is that those who want and can make a difference
stay and do the best they can with what they have until they can give no
more. I also know that people will decide on their own what they are
going to give up as less important parts of their job. That what we have
to do is as a group decide what is the most important focus to assisting
our customers and what items can we let go of as a group. This way we
make a conscience decision as a group that is consistent for all the
customers no matter what individual in the office they see. It also
elevates the staff from having to make that decision and they know we
understand and are willing to do what we can to help our customer with
our limited resources. CS |