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Employee News & Updates
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Leadership Update

Dear Stanford Sierra Colleagues,


We will review our current Strategic Plan here in the Newsletter, through your own department/program meetings, and through agency-wide forums.

 

The current Strategic Plan went live July 1, 2023, and it serves as a guide to our agency through June 30, 2027. The Purpose of the Strategic Plan is to focus our work at SSYAF in a way that ensures long-term sustainability with the greatest possible positive impact.

 

As a part of the process of developing the current Strategic Plan, we completed a SCOT Analysis which included a look at the agency’s Strengths and Challenges, and the potential Opportunities and Threats based upon such things as community needs, industry trends, and legislative priorities. The SCOT analysis provided an opportunity to reflect on where we are and to identify what we need to leverage to move forward our mission, overcome challenges, and sustain our work. The board, executive leaders, managers, and staff provided input through focused SCOT discussions. We also utilized our data related to program outcomes, financial performance, staff and youth demographics, and the Employee Engagement Survey results. We solicited input from external stakeholders and received guidance from National and State Associations with specific areas of expertise. We completed a competitive analysis of “like” agencies of similar service breadth and size, as well as those which are larger. We synthesized the information to determine our focus areas under each of our Strategic Pillars. It is intended that the pillars of the Strategic Plan remain intact over time providing a strong structure for a thriving organization. Activities and measures under each pillar are not specified in the Strategic Plan as they are developed, reviewed, and updated annually by each department and program as reflected in the Annual Operating Plan.

 

Our Strategic Pillars include the following:


1. People: This pillar includes the staff, board, volunteers, donors, stakeholders, and youth and families served by Stanford Sierra Youth & Families.


We are the employer of choice. We attract and retain the most talented, diverse, mission-driven employees, interns, board members and volunteers. It is essential that we have a premier workforce and committed community members to ensure that the youth and families are well served.

 

2. Services: This pillar includes the organization’s programs, quality, evidence-based practices, and growth and development of the programs and services to meet the ongoing and changing needs of youth, families, and communities.

 

We offer effective, high quality, needs-driven, solution-focused, youth and family-centered

services.

 

3. Infrastructure: This pillar includes the organization’s physical facilities, systems, accreditation, assets and resources, diversification of funding, endowments, tools, equipment, fiscal sustainability, and information technology.

 

Our agency operations are efficient, effective, secure, and ready for growth.

 

4. Impact: This pillar includes the organization’s reputation, outcomes of services, quality, partnerships, and name recognition in the field and the community.

 

We make a positive contribution in our community and beyond by promoting our outcomes and creating partnerships that leverage the resources of many to have the greatest possible impact.

 

5. Innovation: This pillar includes the organization’s advocacy, creativity in finding solutions, thought leadership, seeking out opportunities to take a lead in community problem solving, sharing the vision of permanency, and planning for the future, reshaping foster care, and deepening prevention services.

 

We lead the field in partnering with stakeholders to develop and implement creative solutions, highly effective treatment, and positive intervention strategies to address complex challenges.

 

Next month, we will explore the thematic goals of our first pillar, People. Engaged, informed, and equipped people make the Strategic Plan come alive. We need each other (People) to move forward our mission of transforming lives by nurturing permanent connections and empowering families to solve challenges together, so every young person can thrive!

Be well,


Laura Heintz, Psy. D.

CEO

Employee Spotlight

Check out our employee spotlight on Facebook and LinkedIn


Meet Jean! Jean is one of our Family Partners here at SSYAF. She studied Community Studies with a concentration in Direct Services from Sacramento City College in 2020. Jean has had a 15-year-long journey with SSYAF; her family received services for a few years during a challenging time; in 2020, she completed her internship with us and became a full-time employee in 2023. Jean shares that the agency helped her find her voice and taught her the skills she needs to help support her own family and now her clients. Jean is dedicated to her work and passionately advocates for the families she serves. She hopes that, in this way, she can give back to families just like her own Family Partner helped her family when they needed it most.


Fun fact: She loves all things glitter!

Employee Benefits Highlight

One of the hallmarks of our Employee Development Plans (EDPs) is a Focus on Growth. The EDP is meant to be a professional development tool for staff to find meaning in their work and grow their skills within their role, their program or department, and within the agency. There are two specific benefits we are highlighting this month, related to professional development. 

 

The first is our Professional Development Assistance policy which was recently renamed in our latest Employee Handbook Update (formerly Tuition Assistance). The Agency is committed to the educational growth and development of employees. To demonstrate that commitment, the agency will contribute financially to the cost of an employee’s education, certification, licensure exam, or threshold language course that offers growth in an area related to the agency’s mission and to the employee’s current position or that may lead to advancement within the agency. Regular Full-time and Regular Part-time employees may be eligible for reimbursement of tuition in college up to $2400.00 per fiscal year. If you are interested in learning more about this policy, please contact Holly Hoppman in HR.

 

Finally, another way the agency invests in the professional development of our staff is through our Learning Management System, Relias. Relias offers a content library with over 600 courses that are applicable to our mission and work. Part of the reason the agency contracts with Relias is specifically for the CEUs available for staff among the Relias created content. If you are licensed or have obtained a certification that may require Continuing Education Units, it’s likely that Relias has built in content that you can take advantage of as a benefit of working here at SSYAF. For those who are registered with the Board of Behavior Sciences (BBS), the BBS website indicates that there are several accredited boards that provide BBS eligible CEUs. Of those listed, at least 3 boards have courses in Relias that staff can take for CEU credit at no additional cost because they have full access to it as part of their employment at SSYAF.

What's New

Leadership Promotions

Molly Howard has been promoted to Clinical Program Manager in the Juvenile Justice Intervention Services program. Molly has been a clinician and case coordinator since the inception of the JJIS program, dating back to 2019. She has served as the liaison between Probation, our families, and our team. Molly has also served as an official task supervisor for all of the JJIS student interns that have come through our program in the last 3-4 years. She recently became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in August of 2023, and is a tremendous clinician and natural leader. She has been instrumental in forging relationships, creating standards for documentation submitted to court, and providing comprehensive clinical assessments to all youth coming into the Valley Oak Youth Academy. Molly is an individual that both her team and system partners look to for guidance. This role is the next step in her personal and professional development, and she is excited for the opportunity. 

Announcements & Updates

Q2 Agency Impact Report


The Q2 Agency Impact Report has been published on the I Drive. Please take a moment to review this report, which showcases the amazing work and impact we have on youth and families in the community, and look at the collective change being made by our staff. (Copy and paste the following folder path link to find the PDF report): I:\Agency At-A-Glance\Evaluation Reports & Logic Models\Quarterly Agency Impact Reports\FY23-24\Q2


UKG Mobile App Update


UKG is launching a new mobile app called UKG Pro. Soon UKG will sunset the Classic version of the app which we have been using. The Classic version of the app cannot be updated to include the new features since it's a new platform. This means you will need to download the new UKG Pro app and stop using the Classic version. Below, you will find QR codes to download the new version. The new app has kept many of the same features, such as access to pay information, time sheets, and time off requests; these features are unchanged. Among the new features are an updated user interface; a calendar feature; increased access to most content within UKG; extra security with face ID or fingerprint ID; and customized content. Managers will also have the ability to see their team’s profiles through the app. Just like with the Classic version of the app, to log into the app you will need the company access code (StanfordYS), your UKG username (your @ssyaf.org email) and your UKG password.


When adding the new UKG Pro app to your work phone, please have your Apple ID Login information ready as the Apple Store will ask for your Apple ID password. Scan the QR codes below to download the app on your phone today. We will be turning off access to the Classic app on Friday, March 15th

Finance


Have a question regarding your timesheet? Need clarification on how to use Gift Cards for agency spend out to clients? Need a refresher on what an itemized receipt is and how to obtain it? Every month the Finance department holds an Open Hour for staff to join and get clarity. Maybe you’ll hear something that another staff mentions that benefits your understanding of financial processes here at SSYAF. This month the Open Hour will be led by our General Ledger team. Want to know how the team codes expenses to your budget? Need understanding of a budget line as a leader? Log in and join! Staff will receive an invitation for the pop-up hour soon. In the meantime, contact financemanagement@ssyaf.org if you have questions and aren’t sure which department handles the process. The leadership team will assist.


Accounts Receivable

We’ve completed billing for 6 months of the fiscal year and things feel like they are starting to stabilize for billing at the county level. The beginning of the fiscal year was turbulent, especially with the onset of CalAIM, but the teams are hopeful to have turned the corner on most of those challenges. Everyone is excited to start the second half of the year and are anticipating a smoother billing quarter. We want to send our appreciation to all the program staff, managers, and directors for helping us stay on course and always being valuable teammates. These next two quarters will bring their own set of unique challenges and we are excited to continue our partnership!


Data

Do you have an upcoming test or certification that would change your County Credentialling? Are you scheduled to work on-call and are unsure if you are credentialed in that county to be available to clients? Maybe you have received a request for documentation from Finance-Data that is urgent and requires immediate attention? Our data personnel are actively working to ensure program staff credentialling is up to date and current within all the counties in which we have a presence. With your help, we can ensure you are up to date with credentialling and documentation so that you can continue providing services to your clients without lapses due to county non-compliance. Reach out to Finance-Data@ssyaf.org if you have any questions.


Accounts Payable

As a reminder, once you have any Flex Funds and/or credit card advances open, please be sure to upload your receipts and have managers approve them in a timely manner. It is important to have these funds available for the families; however, we do need receipts back to be reimbursed by our county partners, which then allows us to continue to serve the families in our community.


Payroll

The Payroll team appreciates your effort to meet our timecard submissions and approvals deadlines and we encourage you to ensure all staff are allocating time daily. To continue implementing the best practices, the Payroll team would like to remind you that all PTO requests need to be approved before timecards submission.

Supervisors, please have in mind that no overstated hours should be allocated for hourly pay group employees. Payroll team will be more than happy to assist you with the total hours required for the pay period. Payroll-related inquiries should be sent directly to Finance-Payroll@ssyaf.org; we want to ensure that your email is answered in a timely manner.

IT


Update regarding Loaner Laptops

We maintain a small inventory of loaner laptops at each SSYAF site. These laptops are intended for use in an emergency when a staff laptop breaks or is not available for use. When we had our VMware Horizon virtual desktops systems, getting up and running on a loaner laptop took only a few minutes. However, since migrating to the new system, things have changed! Now, all settings and configurations are on the physical laptop you use, which require additional time and assistance from IT. If you do need a loaner laptop, please expect 20-30 minutes of collaborative assistance from IT to get you up and running again with all your applications. Please reach out to IT as soon as possible if you know you’ll need a loaner. We appreciate your patience and understanding!


Tech Tip of the Month!

Microsoft Teams is a very useful tool for staying connected with your co-workers, and Teams can be used on your laptop and iPhone! If you’re looking for more training and support, check out our knowledge base article on Teams Training Videos: https://ithelpdesk.ssyaf.org/helpdesk/KB/View/40902428-


For this newsletter, we wanted to highlight the Chat tool - it has a ton of easy to use and helpful functions that are laid out here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/start-and-pin-chats-a864b052-5e4b-4ccf-b046-2e26f40e21b5?wt.mc_id=otc_microsoft_teams#

If you have any questions or would like support, just make an IT Helpdesk ticket (the app on your desktop/iPhone, go to https://ithelpdesk.ssyaf.org/, or send an email to ithelpdesk@ssyaf.org), and we’ll be happy to help.

Training Corner

Training Compliance

The Training team continues to evaluate our training plans and look for ways to increase training compliance across the agency. As of 02/05/24, our agency training compliance rate is 97.91%. A learner is considered compliant if they are not yet past their due date for a given enrollment. Learners are considered non-compliant if they have passed their due date without completing their requirement. Thank you all for your continued attention to training and many thanks to everyone for ensuring that we remain compliant.

 

As a reminder, if you are unable to attend a “live training”, you must have permission from your supervisor, and when emailing agencytraining@ssyaf.org, your supervisor needs to be included in the email. We are committed to responding in a timely manner. The agencytraining@ssyaf.org inbox is monitored daily, and you can expect a response to your inquiry within 48 hours. We are also committed to having Relias transcripts updated within 5 days of trainings being completed, or training certificates being received.

 

Relias Course Updates

Periodically, Relias updates their library of available content. The Agency Training team keeps catalogues of available content and a list of recent and upcoming course changes to the Relias content library as a resource for staff and supervisors. This information can be accessed from the I: drive (copy and paste into a folder address bar to access the location): I:\Training\Course Content\Course Catalog. If you come across a Relias course that you feel would be beneficial for your team(s), please let your supervisor know and share with agencytraining@ssyaf.org. Thank you! 

Message from Pathways to Permanency

We are pleased to tell you that the number of young people in foster care has been decreasing over the past few years. It is our goal to eventually have no need for out-of-home placement. Unfortunately, we are not there yet though, and the need for resource families continues - especially those who have the resources, willingness, and ability to care for youth with higher needs such as our Intensive Service Foster Care clients and our Home-Based Shelter Care youth. We have a continued great need for Resource Families. Families referred to us by someone already connected to our mission, vision, and values have a higher likelihood of following through on the approval process, are more likely to take young people into their homes, and are more likely to accept coaching and guidance on their journey in supporting permanency. 

 

To celebrate your help when you refer a family to us, we have a referral bonus system which some of our colleagues have already received. If you refer a family, you will receive a bonus at the time of their first placement - either a $200 bonus for a respite (short-term care) home or a $500 bonus for a resource family home. 

 

A few other guidelines: referred families can’t be those you meet during your role at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families. For instance, if you are a therapist it can’t be a family to whom you are providing services. If you depart from the agency prior to their approval you are no longer eligible for the referral bonus. 

 

Thank you all for everything you do to support young people and families we serve. If you know any great people who would be willing to step forward to support older youth in foster care, please have them give us a call at 916-344-0199 to sign up for orientation.  


Call to Action:

Please scan the QR code below or visit https://linktr.ee/pathways_to_permanency

and share the information with anyone wanting to find out more about our permanency programs. The QR code and link will take you directly to the inquiry form, our program, our video, and our podcast.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Corner

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Corner highlights

cultural observances, shares resources, and celebrates the diversity of our agency.

If there is something you would like to see in the DEI Corner, connect with Erin Reynolds.


Celebrating Black Art: A Tribute to Black History Month

As we immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Black History Month, we pay homage to the vibrant and profound legacy of Black artistry. This month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black artists throughout history whose creativity and vision have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.


Black art encompasses a diverse array of expressions, from visual arts and literature, to music, dance, and film. It serves as a powerful medium for storytelling, resistance, and celebration, reflecting the complexities of the Black experience and serving as a catalyst for social change.


At the heart of Black art lies a profound sense of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride. From the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement and beyond, Black artists have continuously challenged conventions, defied stereotypes, and redefined artistic boundaries, paving the way for future generations.


This month, let us take the time to explore and honor the myriad voices and narratives encapsulated within Black art. Let us celebrate the beauty, resilience, and diversity of Black creativity, recognizing its transformative power in shaping our understanding of history, identity, and society.


As we commemorate Black History Month, let us recommit ourselves to amplifying Black voices, supporting Black artists, and advocating for equity and inclusion within the arts and beyond. Together, let us embrace the spirit of Black artistry and continue to strive towards a more just and equitable world.


If you are looking for opportunities to explore Black art check out the resources below:

 

Crocker Art Museum: Black Artist in America Exhibit

https://www.crockerart.org/exhibitions/black-artists-in-america


National Museum of African American History and Culture

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/black-history-month-2024

Cultural Brokers



Meet our SSYAF Cultural Brokers! Cultural Brokers serve as intermediaries (i.e., peer advocates and support) bridging the cultural gap between service provider staff and the youth and families served by communicating differences and similarities to ensure effective service delivery. Each of our Cultural Brokers brings their lived experience and unique understanding of their culture and identity to support us in being responsive to the needs of our families and communities. Their commitment and dedication are always what’s working!

Join an Affinity Group


Affinity Groups, also known as Employee Resource Groups, are one of the many ways SSYAF practices and promotes our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They support us in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and create a space where employees can bring their authentic selves to the table. We currently have several Affinity groups, and if you see a gap it doesn’t mean there isn’t a need, it just hasn’t been started yet. If you haven’t done so, consider joining an affinity group or starting one!


If you are interested in joining one of our current affinity groups, connect with one of our amazing and fearless group leaders. Looking to start a new affinity group? Connect with Erin Reynolds.



Connection Corner

Do you have exciting news about the agency? Do you want to share team kudos or provide an acknowledgement of work well done? Have you heard about a community event happening that you think your colleagues might benefit from? Send your news to Brittany Honeyman at bhoneyman@ssyaf.org to be featured in the next edition of Employee News & Updates. 

Employee Referral Raffle Winner

 

Congratulations to Kennedy White for winning January’s Employee Referral Raffle. If you refer someone for employment at SSYAF, you too could win a $25 gift card. Be sure to tell your referral to list you on their application when they apply so we can enter you in the monthly raffle. For more information, please email the recruitment team.

How do you find your building security code to

disarm the office building alarm system?


The first employee to reach out to

bhoneyman@ssyaf.org

with the correct answer will receive a gift card.

Staff Milestones & Updates

Birthdays - February


02/07    Ro'Mel Smith

02/08    Denisse Gonzalez

02/10    Ernest Perkins

02/10    Holly Hoppman

02/13    Jamie Silva

02/14    Jennifer Heck

02/14    Stephanie Rubio

02/17    Jennifer Joyner

02/18    Madeline Tomko

02/18    Trevor Thompson

02/21    Raj Randhawa

02/22    James Thyssen

02/25    Brittany Honeyman

02/27    Michael Goularte

02/28    Guadalupe Yanez

02/28    Jamar Smith

Anniversaries - February

() = Years of Service


02/04    Nalee Moua (4)

02/05    Ro'Mel Smith (5)

02/12    Amy Loehlein (6)

02/15    Danielle Vanaman (2)

02/15    Katie Nerelli (7)

Greetings!! January New Hires


Cameron Du Pont – Clinical Student Intern, Career Pathways

Clarissa Holguin – Clinical Student Intern, Yolo CBFS

Cassidy Paige – Family Partner I, Family & Youth Partnership

Julie Gibson – Parent Partner, Family & Youth Partnership

Shawnee Foster – Parent Partner, Family & Youth Partnership

Ariel Payne – Facilitator II, Prevention Wrap - EDC

Mission, Vision, Values

Mission

Transforming lives by nurturing permanent connections and empowering families to solve challenges together, so every young person can thrive.


Vision

We envision our communities with safe, lifelong connections for all young people, built and strengthened through generations of empowered families.

 

Values

Compassion

Equity

Excellence

Honor

Integrity

Partnership


Please see the full list of value definitions here or on the I: drive at the following pathway (copy and paste into a folder address bar to access):


I:\Agency At-A-Glance\Agency Culture\Our Values

Executive Leadership Team
  • Laura Heintz, Psy.D., Chief Executive Officer
  • Jovina Neves, Chief Financial Officer
  • Ontson Placide, Chief Program Officer
  • Brittany Honeyman, Executive Assistant
  • Christie Shorrock, Director of Development
  • Christina Cagle, Director of Family and Youth Partnership
  • Christine Stanescu, Controller
  • Danielle Paminto, Program Director, Pathways to Permanency & Destination Family
  • Danielle Vanaman, Program Director, Family Preservation
  • Deborah Bennett, Clinical Director, FIT, RYSE Above, Clinical Supervision
  • Gibrán Méndez, Director of Quality Improvement
  • Jacquenette Michael, Program Director, Yolo CBFS, Napa CBFS
  • Kimberly Woods-Burch, Director of Human Resources
  • Richelle Whiteford, Director of Administrative Services
  • Sara DeCoursey, Program Director, TBS, School Based Services, EDC Programs
  • Terrell Thomas, Strategic Initiative Officer
  • Tonya Bauhofer, Clinical Director, JJIS, Wraparound Services, Kaiser Managed Care
  • Beatriz Lodia, FYP Manager, Family and Youth Partnership
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