The Division of Human Resources (DHR) was established by Idaho Code chapter 53, title 67. DHR administers the State classified personnel system, promoting operational excellence by encouraging collaboration and efficiencies among State agencies to recruit, develop and retain a proficient and diverse workforce. DHR also provides administrative and financial support to the Idaho Personnel Commission. The Division's Administrator, Susan E. Buxton, was appointed by Governor Otter in February 2016.
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Human Resources Administrator Susan Buxton |
MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATOR BUXTON
I grew up in Boise and I am very proud that my family represents several generations of Idahoans. As an attorney in private practice starting in 1991, I served as the City Attorney for dozens of Idaho cities and local government entities, as well as many businesses and individuals. Consequently, my prior career provided me with substantial experience in all aspects of human resource management - from recruitment, retention, discipline, policy and contract drafting to litigation in state and federal courts and tribunals.
One of my first priorities was to start meeting with our State agency directors and administrators to discuss human resource concerns and how DHR may be able to provide support. Based on these discussions, improving communication, expanding human resource-specific training and education services to our State agencies, and upgrading the Applicant Tracking System and I-PERFORM training are some of the areas I would like to focus upon.
IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS
DHR's plan to improve communications is to reinstate regular meetings with State HR professionals to provide training and education of HR trends with federal and State law implications (including case law updates). DHR is updating state human resources policies and forms, and will be reinstating the Monthly Newsletter starting in June 2016. The newsletter will include a calendar of DHR and other agency meetings and training opportunities for State employees.
DHR WEBSITE REMODEL
DHR's new Website will not only have a new look but also will provide a separate public interface and a new secure State Human Resource Professional site. DHR will provide HR resource information and HR templates for agency use. Navigation has been simplified, making most materials available in three clicks or less. The Website will be launched on Tuesday, May 31, 2016.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Supervisory Academy
. DHR will continue offering Supervisory Academy classes to State employees, with new cohorts starting in July 2016. Addressing best practices when it comes to supervising a team, the cohort covers the following topics: Understanding the Generations, Setting Expectations, Development Planning, Coaching and Feedback, Motivation, Documenting Performance, Progressive Discipline and Writing & Delivering Performance Evaluations/I-PERFORM. Visit our Website for more information or to register for a cohort.
CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS
Beginning in August 2016, DHR will offer certified Crucial Conversations training to State supervisors and employees. Classes are open to all employees regardless of agency or position. More details and course dates are available on our Website.
IPERFORM TRAINING
Along with onsite training for IPERFORM, DHR has updated the IPERFORM training manuals and added interactive training modules accessible from the DHR Website.
IMPROVING THE STATE'S APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM (ATS)
The Applicant Tracking System is being updated in partnership with the Idaho Department of Labor. By the fall of 2016, the system upgrades will provide easier navigation options for Applicants and Agency Users.