

THE INSIDER
HOLIDAY TIME CARD APPROVAL CHANGE
By: Dee Howell
Due to the upcoming Independence Day Holiday, ADP has changed the payroll processing submission date for our next pay date of 07.05.24. Both employees and managers will need to have their timecards approved no later than noon on Friday 06.28.24. Please plan accordingly.

HEALTH HOME UPDATE
By: AJ Martha and Madeline Hjalmarson
The Health Home Training Lead position is a new position here at JFS that was created after receiving feedback from Care Coordinators in our Health Home department on what would improve their job quality. The role was implemented in September of 2023 to assist staff with the constant changing of regulations from the Department of Health and the Office of Mental Health in NYS. They work directly with staff to solve problems and conduct any new trainings required by the state. Training Leads host multiple group “Study Halls” per month which provide staff with a smaller setting to receive training refreshers and assistance with any day-to-day concerns that may arise with their clients.
Since the implementation of the roles, the Health Home Department has continuously billed at over 90% on all services rendered The Department has also seen a positive reflection in audit scores, staff satisfaction, and client satisfaction in their services The position is continuously changing to better reflect the needs of the team given their feedback, and we are excited to see the ways that they continue to grow to benefit the program.
When asked what the Training Leads like about their new roles, Madeline says, “Being there for my coworkers and being able to be a reliable support for them is the most gratifying part of the role.” AJ says, “supporting my peers in a new way is a lot of fun, being able to work constructively to help solve problems and assist them is very rewarding.”

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE UPDATES FROM CEO, MOLLY CARR
Housing Department: We are establishing a Housing Department that will work to support the entire agency's housing needs including Resettlement, RICH, Coordinated Entry, Care Coordination, and any other program that may need assistance. This department will be led by a housing manager and have several housing case workers. While being built out, this department will report to the VP of Programs, Peter Scott. This position will transition to the supervision of Community Services once it is established and work on the Coordinated Entry program is well underway. Management of the tenants of Weinberg will fall under the Housing Manager.
Coordinated Entry Program: To lead the housing efforts and delivery of services through our new Coordinated Entry Program CEP}, Sierra Johnston has been promoted to Associated Director of the program. CEP will be housed under the VP of Programs for the duration of the work. The program will employ 6-8 additional staff including administrative support and case workers.
Administrative Changes:
Chief Administrative Officer: You may have seen the posting for a Chief Administrative Officer on the website. This new position will report directly to the CEO and will oversee administrative functions of the organization including Human Resources, Finance, Compliance, Grant Life Cycle Management, Data Management, Facilities, and Operations. This position will be part of the Executive Leadership Team and will play a critical role in operational management to support our strategic plan and vision
Human Resources: The Sr. Director of Human Resources will be promoted to VP of Human Resources and become part of the Executive Leadership Team.
Procurement Specialist: This new position will oversee all purchasing, vendor relations, and state required vendor oversight for the organization. This person will also manage the agency's purchasing needs including supplies and vendor relations.
Compliance Associate: This new role will support programs as part of the Impact and Outcomes Department.
Marketing and Operations: We reassessed processes for creating, storing, and distributing printed and promotional materials. Marketing and Communications will handle the creation, design, and printing/ordering of all print and promotional materials. Staff should continue to contact Madison Ruffo for needs related to designing print materials and flyers Operations staff, Patty Hoyt and Kara Kane, will be responsible for maintaining the inventory of print / promotional materials and managing the distribution of those materials for staff. To request print or promotional materials from our inventory, please use this link.


M BEDLHUSSEIN - ADULT HEALTH HOME CARE COORDINATOR

RASHID BAKRI - REFUGEE SERVICES CASE WORKER
FRANK HANDLEY - CASE WORKER ASSISTANT (NIAGARA FALLS)
LA-VERNE BLADES - PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
JOWELLA BROWN - CUSTOMER SERVICE RECEPTION
INTRODUCING THE INITIATIVE SMALL WINS
As a new Health and Wellness Committee initiative, we’re collecting “Small Wins” from staff to celebrate every victory, no matter the size, at JFS!
Example Small Win: “I recently heard from one of our employment partners that a client is really thriving in their new role!”
If you’d like to share one (or as many as you want) small win(s), click below for it to be featured in upcoming editions of the Insider!



UPCOMING EAP SESSIONS
THE SHAPE OF OUR CITY: HOW ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM IMPACTS EVERYONE
Tuesday June 25th 12:00pm-1:00pm
We will explore how Environmental Racism has shaped Buffalo and still impacts all its citizens Whether or not we will have a chronic disease, the number of accessible grocery stores and even our life expectancy are just a few things determined by our zip codes.
LEARN MORE/REGISTER
GENERAL EAP SUPERVISOR TRAINING
Wednesday June 26th 12:00pm-12:30pm
Training Objectives: This 30 minute training offers strategies and practical information about using EAP services as a tool to more effectively manage people. Participants will learn about: What EAP services are available to supervisors, employees and family members; How to recognize signs of a distressed employee; How to have a constructive conversation about sensitive subjects; and Types of EAP referrals and Confidentiality.
This event is open to supervisors and HR professionals. This will not be recorded.
LEARN MORE/REGISTER

With the beginning of summer upon us and flowers and gardens in near-full bloom, we want to see your plants! Inside, outside, green thumb or not - show off your flora!
We’ll be showcasing everyone’s plants and gardens at the beginning of July so submit your photos today!



MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024

INSIDER CONTRIBUTERS
MADISON RUFFO
AJ MARTHA
MADELINE HJALMARSON
MOLLY CARR
LAUREN MAGUIRE
KELLY BROWN
MEGHAN STITH
FRANK HANDLEY
WASA MURPHY
KIERA AGEE
ALBA MERCEDES
DEE HOWELL
HAVE AN IDEA FOR THE INSIDER? WANT TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE? WANT TO PROMOTE AN EVENT?
SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS HERE!
