September 2018: Volume 1, Issue 3

Our Mission: To provide merit-based, innovative workforce solutions which enable state government to attract, develop and retain a productive, diverse and engaged workforce that excels in delivering quality services to the citizens of Louisiana.
Outstanding Human Resources Program Evaluations

State Civil Service would like to announce an outstanding Human Resources Program Evaluation recently conducted by their Accountability Division. Department of Children and Family Services received an outstanding evaluation with 100% compliance in all categories audited.

Shelly Johnson, DCFS HR Director; and Sherell Spurlock, SCS HR Consultant Specialist

“For an agency with that many people and with their mission, to have a perfect human resources report is very admirable.” Chairman David Duplantier

The State Civil Service Accountability Division is responsible for providing an objective evaluation of the human resource practices used by state agencies to manage the classified work force. It assesses the effectiveness of those practices and overall adherence to merit principles and compliance with State Civil Service Rules.

Other excellent evaluations conducted this fiscal year, having minimal deficiencies were:
Department of Corrections—Administration
Louisiana Special Education Center
Dixon Correctional Institute
Pinecrest Supports and Services Center 
The evaluation reports received by these agencies show the value and importance of excellence they place on human resources management in state government. It is rarely an easy task to receive this type of report as agencies face the many complex challenges in human resources.
September is Emergency Preparedness Month

Visit the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness to take advantage of resources to help you and your family prepare for an emergency.
Office of Group Benefits Announces Annual Enrollment Meetings

Annual enrollment for the 2019 plan year begins October 1, 2018 and runs through November 15, 2018. The Office of Group Benefits (OGB) will be hosting informational meetings for members across the State of Louisiana beginning October 2. These meetings are aimed at educating our members on OGB’s benefit offerings and answering member questions.

It is important to note that this is a passive enrollment. If a member would like to remain in their current OGB health plan with the same covered dependents for the 2019 plan year, they do not need to do anything. Their coverage will continue for the 2019 plan year. (Members enrolled in the HSA and/or FSA options MUST update their contributions for 2019.)

Enrollment guides for the 2019 plan year will be arriving in your mailboxes very soon. In it you will find information on eligibility, health plan options, premium rates and other benefit offerings. If you have questions concerning annual enrollment and/or your coverage, please plan to attend one of the annual enrollment meetings. You can find a schedule of meetings in your enrollment guide and below. Be sure to bring your annual enrollment guide with you to the meeting. 
ACTIVE EMPLOYEE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT MEETINGS
Active Employee Annual Enrollment Meetings
All meetings begin at 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM
October 2
West Monroe Civic Center
901 Ridge Ave.
West Monroe, LA 71291
October 9
Houma - Terrebonne Civic Center
346 Civic Center Blvd.
Houma, LA 70360
October 10
University of New Orleans
(University Center Ballroom)
2000 Lakeshore Drive
New Orleans, LA 70148
October 17
State Police Headquarters Auditorium
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
October 17
Heymann Center
1373 South College Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70503
October 24
Country Inn Conference Center
2727 Monroe Hwy.
Pineville, LA 71360
October 26
Southeastern Louisiana University
(Student Union)
303 Texas Ave., Hammond, LA 70402
October 30
Lake Charles Civic Center
900 Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70602
November 6
Bossier City Civic Center
620 Benton Road
Bossier City, LA 71111
Beginning October 1, employees may also visit our annual enrollment website, annualenrollment.groupbenefits.org , for more information on their benefits.

If you have any questions, please contact OGB customer service at 1-800-272-8451.
Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Launches Interagency Coastal Storm Surge-Based Flood Risk and Resilience Awareness Campaign

In an effort to better understand how we can prepare for future flood risk; the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) partnered with Louisiana State University, as well as the Louisiana Departments of Education, Health and Transportation and Development, to create resources for residents across the state in the Interagency Coastal Storm Surge-Based Flood Risk and Resilience Campaign. These resources include story maps that promote awareness of Louisiana's Comprehensive Coastal Master Plan and highlight effects of flooding on three key service areas.

The Office of the Governor's press release stated, "the Master Plan is the foundational document underlying the campaign, as it identifies the risk to state infrastructure such as roads and bridges; and to services, facilities and systems for health care and education."

The interactive story maps give an in-depth picture of Louisiana's changing coastal landscape and the potential impact of future storm surge-based floods. Click on the images below to learn more about each area.
For more information, visit the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority .
The Louisiana Chapter National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Holds Local Conference
Have Something To Add?

This publication is intended to provide for increased communication between the Department of State Civil Service and all stakeholders within our system. Email your questions, comments, or suggestions to us, and we'll do our best to respond promptly. Your feedback may even be chosen for publication as part of this feature! Participants will remain anonymous if requested. Please note that not all feedback will be published and that only fact-based questions will receive a response.