Special Announcements & Resources
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EAP Now Offering Phone and Video Counseling Appointments
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Call EAP to make an appointment at (805) 654-4327
- Request a phone or video appointment.
- For a video counseling appointment, download the thera-LINK app on your phone or desktop.
- Need a demo video to get started? Click HERE.
- Verify with the EAP office that the appointment shows up on your phone and calendar.
- Be sure to show up for your virtual appointment!
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There is a place you can turn if you are in need of emergency financial assistance. The Employee Emergency Assistance Program is designed to help County employees and retirees manage in a sudden, difficult financial situation.
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Local Emergency Child Care Resources
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The Local Planning Council (LPC), an appointed council by our Board of Supervisors and the VC Board of Education, actively plans for quality child care based upon the needs of children, families, and early care and education professionals.
Child care providers currently operating as an ‘essential business’ must adhere to the specific requirements in the
STAY WELL AT HOME
order by the Ventura County Health Officer, dated March 20, 2020.
County employees performing critical functions are encouraged to verify with the child care provider that the above conditions are being met before enrolling their child.
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Nurse Hiring Event = Success!
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The County of Ventura Human Resources team and the Nursing leadership staff did an outstanding job hosting the Nurse Hiring Event! A special thanks to all those who participated and helped to make this event a success!
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On Saturday, March 14, 2020, a Nurse Hiring Event was hosted by Human Resources and Nursing leadership at the Academic and Family Medical Clinic (AFMC) located next to Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC). The goal was to streamline the recruitment and hiring process.
The event was a one-stop process allowing a job-seeker to apply, get screened for qualifications, be interviewed, receive an offer, complete on-boarding paperwork, and have a pre-employment physical exam, all in one day.
The Nurse Hiring event was attended by 91 prospective nurses, braving inclement weather and the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus. A total of 81 candidates were interviewed.
Offers of employment were extended to a total of 38 candidates. This addition to the VCMC workforce will greatly assist the hospital with its critical staffing needs.
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Complaint Resolution: Online Reporting Now Available!
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We believe employees should be able to voice concerns about tough workplace issues like harassment, discrimination, or discourteous workplace behavior. Employees are encouraged to first discuss concerns with their supervisors, then the HR representative in your department/agency. If resolution is still not reached, more information and online reporting are available at:
hr.ventura.org/complaint-resolution
.
Calls and online reporting can be anonymous so there is no fear of retaliation. Human Resources has made a commitment to compliance and your participation is essential.
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The County of Ventura is on LinkedIn!
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Don't forget to add us as your employer and connect with us to find out about upcoming jobs and more exciting Human Resources information!
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Employee Assistance Program - Stay Resilient
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The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can be a valuable resource to you in times of calm and in times of conflict. There's no doubt that the last few weeks have been unsettling as we experience fear, panic and a different way of life due to the pandemic. We have all been left feeling
uncertain. There is no “right way” to think or feel about the recent changes, but it is important to acknowledge your own, unique reactions. Doing so can go a long way in helping you manage the common, and
normal
feelings many of us are likely to experience, including, but not limited to: insecurity, anxiety, dread, powerlessness, and concern for loved ones.
If your reaction to the Coronavirus outbreak is interfering with any aspect of your personal or professional life, please contact EAP at (805) 654-4327.
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Learning & Organizational Development
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Access to Mandatory Training
Is Now EASIER!
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Did you know that the
Developing Cultural Competency and Inclusion
course is now part of the mandatory training for every County employee and accessible through the LinkedIn Learning catalog?*
Learning and Organizational Development has just identified a new and better way for you to access this mandatory training in LinkedIn Learning.
*The only exceptions are Fire and HSA.
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Developing Cultural Competency and Inclusion
This
mandatory
training
provides tools for minimizing behaviors that create snap judgments about dynamics, accidental moments of exclusion, and strained interactions that result in uncomfortable situations.
The
mandatory training
also provides tools for maximizing factors related to how you identify yourself and view others (allowing us to see them as they really are and not as we think they are), create a sense of inclusion and engagement, and develop productive conversations that re-establish team cohesion and productivity.
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The Developing Cultural Competency and Inclusion
mandatory training
can now be accessed in a much simpler way! Click the button above to view instructions for accessing and taking the training.
Employees will
NOT
be notified of this training assignment by email. You can ONLY see the assignment of the training by clicking on the '
Me'
drop-down menu and then clicking on the '
From Your Organization'
title.
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Risk Management - Why Go Ergo?
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Ergonomics
is the study of fitting the task to the individual, not the individual to the task. There are several risk factors associated with computer workstations that may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders. These risk factors include keying for long periods of time without breaks, keying with excessive force, forcefully gripping the mouse, sedentary posture, awkward positions, over-reaching, and continuous pressure on pressure points. Do not wait until you feel pain and discomfort. Learn to change the way you work by properly adjusting your workstation and becoming ergonomically aware. Watch
Office Ergonomics,
a short film on simple solutions for comfort and safety.
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Deferred Compensation -
Your Workplace Savings
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What are Circuit Breakers?
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As recent examples, on March 9, and again on March 16, 2020, circuit breakers were triggered at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell more than 7% upon opening, amid the growing global COVID-19 pandemic. But what exactly does that mean?
Circuit breakers are regulatory measures that temporarily halt trading on an exchange and are in place to curb panic-selling. They apply both to broad market indices such as the S&P 500 and to individual securities, and occur in the United States as well as in other countries. In the event of a decrease in the S&P 500 Index at predefined circuit breaker levels, securities will be temporarily halted at each circuit breaker level once per day.
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*These circuit breakers do not halt trading after 3:25 p.m. ET
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As market volatility continues to evolve, keeping emotions in check can be difficult. Understanding market cycles and the emotions we feel during these transitions can help steady the nerves and guide us through what we should do versus what we want to do. The recent issue of Fidelity Viewpoints
Market Volatility: Markets, emotions, and you
provides helpful insight into these market cycles and managing the emotions that come with them.
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Notice Regarding Annual Benefit Statements
Each year, the Annual Benefit statements are prepared in partnership with VCERA, utilizing your 401(k) and 457 accounts balance information as of the
last day of the prior year.
The future planning projections included in these statements are estimates of the approximate growth for these accounts. This year’s statement balance and projection information is as of
12/31/2019
.
We understand that due to recent market volatility, this information may not be reflective of current balance information and you may have concerns or questions about your retirement savings. We encourage you to take advantage of our dedicated Fidelity Retirement Planner, Andrew Kremer, to assist with developing or reviewing your current retirement plan. You can reach Andrew by phone at
877-895-5986
, or by e-mail:
Andrew.kremer@fmr.com
.
Fidelity’s phone-based representatives are also available to address any questions or concerns that you might have. These representatives are also licensed retirement planners and can provide the same assistance as Andrew. They can be reached at
800-343-0860
. Don’t forget that there are additional tools and resources available through the “Tools” menu option on
www.Netbenefits.com/ventura
.
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VC-WELL (Wellness Program)
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Stay Calm and Exercise On!
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Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all in-person VC-WELL activities have been postponed until further notice. This includes Wellness Profile screenings, classes and events. Check the
VC-WELL website
regularly for any updates on the status of in-person activities.
Staying active during these times of change and uncertainty will help your mood and will earn you points towards the WELLthy Reward$ cash incentive. Online VC-WELL health education courses and WELLtrek challenges are still ongoing and worth lots of points, so don't miss out! Visit the
VC-WELL website
now to learn more!
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Although Corporate Games was canceled, you can still participate virtually in VC-WELL's Corporate Games Challenge! Completing this challenge is worth 20 WELLthy Reward$ points. If you don't have an account yet, click
HERE
to register. If you already have an account, you have been added to the challenge. Good luck!
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Getting anxious to go back to the gym? Gold's Gym SoCal and Planet Fitness are now included on the VC-WELL
Health Club Discount list
. When gym doors open again, you will have access to these new discounts! Check it out!
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Did you know?
VC-WELL's newest program can help you learn healthy eating habits and make lifestyle changes.
County employees who purchase a Weight Watchers (WW) program, or are current members, can receive a partial reimbursement worth up to $50. For program details, visit the
VC-WELL website
.
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Annual Bowling Tournament
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The 2
nd
annual County Employee Bowling Tournament took place in February at Buena Lanes with 39 teams and a total of 174 County employees participating
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Congratulations go out to repeat champions - '
Why Nots Again
' for capturing the title with a total pin fall of 2664!
A special fist bump goes to Michelle Fredette and Richard Paschal for earning the high bowlers bragging rights!
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The
Why Nots Again
- pictured left to right: David Valenzuela, Julie Stuart, Richard Paschal, Kathy Ax
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Keeping Your Balance with WorkLife
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The WorkLife Program provides resources to help you care for the most important people in your life! Visit the
WorkLife webpage
to access resources on child care discounts, positive parenting, lactation accommodation, elder care support group, housing benefits, and new baby resources.
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Over 70 licensed child care/preschool programs in Ventura County offer discounts to County employees.
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You knew parenting wouldn't be easy, but no one told you it would be like this! If you are tired of the exhausting power struggles, the meltdowns, the fights and the guilt, now is the time to make a change! Learn how to break the cycle and be the parent you have always wanted to be!
Watch a
free 60-minute webinar
, exclusive for County employees, that gives you some tools to reduce the yelling and nagging. You will discover an exciting benefit (available to regular County employees) that will help you feel more confident and successful as a parent.
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Caring for an elderly or sick relative can be stressful, whether your loved one lives with you, across town or is out-of-state. Caregivers need to nourish their spirit, and support their physical and mental health. Join us for support and resources at the
Elder Care Support Group
on the last Wednesday of each month (January-October). No registration required, drop in as your schedule allows.
May 25, June 24
Tentative dates based on restrictions in the future.
Noon - 1:00 pm
Mediterranean Conference Room (3rd floor)
Hall of Administration, Government Center Ventura
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Thinking about Buying a Home?
Attend a Free Home Buying Seminar!
May 19 - 5:30-7:00 pm, Ventura
Tentative date based on restrictions in the future.
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Whether you are a first-time home buyer, move-up buyer or getting back into the housing market, the information provided will give you the tools you need to be a more informed buyer. For more information and to register for an upcoming seminar, visit the
Coastal Housing Partnership
website.
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