1999 Outstanding Program Awards
Submissions
Human Resources/Training

Submission Categories (click below to see the submissions in each category)

Public/Private/Non-Profit Partnerships * Human Resources/Training * Purchasing & Fleet Management * Public Works * General Governmental Services * Technology/Technology Application

Alaska - Workplace Alaska
aaaa Workplace Alaska is a complete on-line recruitment , application, and hiring process for state of Alaska classified service positions. Workplace Alaska allows hiring manager to request recruitment via the Intranet, use the Internet as primary means of advertising, gives applicants an on-line method to apply and is completed with certifying the selected candidate on-line. Workplace Alaska then provides the data needed to report all recruitment, position, and hiring information.
aaaa The hiring manager completes a job request via the Internet, the request is approved by the agency resource office and posted by the Division of Personnel. Individuals seeking employment can access Workplace Alaska at http://notes.state.ak.us/jobs to view vacancies. The application process consists of two on-line forms. The application package is electronically submitted and available immediately for review from the hiring manager.
aaaa The simplicity of Workplace Alaska is contrary to the previous recruitment process in which the state maintained registers to supply the hiring manager with eligible candidates. Previously applications applied and were tested - which took approximately six to eight months. Workplace Alaska allows for instantaneous request for position, advertisement, application, review and certification. The entire process, including all approvals and documentation, is done and retained on-line. The only paper generated is that of recruitment bulletins which are downloaded by a variety of agencies. Additionally, hard copy applications are still accepted form approximately 3 percent of applications who do not have Internet access.
aaaa Significant costs reductions have been gained because of the reduction in printing recruitment bulletins and applications. In addition, paper copies are not retained, so less storage space is necessary.
aaaa For more information, contact Robert Poe, Jr. Commissioner, Alaska Department of Administration at 907-465-2200 or at Bob_Poe@admin.state.ak.us.

California - Performance Consultation
aaaa The California Department of General Services has brought together its numerous employee performance services under one entity: the Performance Enhancement Section. This section offers managers and supervisors a performance consultation process that helps: assess employee performance needs; identify solutions to those needs, and if necessary, and correct performance. Performance consultation provides "one-stop" access for managers and supervisors to obtain help with performance issues.
aaaa Similar to most large organizations, DGS includes a sizeable personnel office. Historically, when managers and supervisors had concerns about an employee's performance, they would ask the office for specific assistance: perhaps additional training for the employee, perhaps a referral to the Employee Assistance Program, perhaps advice on discipline. This approach, although often successful, lacks consistency and any type of "upfront" evaluation.
aaaa In 1996, the department established the Performance Enhancement Section to develop and implement a performance management process. The section worked to devise a process that contained: a consistent approach for perfomance issues; one entry point for services; an assessment at the beginning of the process; timely service referrals after the assessment; equal access for all employees; and a method for measuring and evaluating the success of the process.
aaaa Performance consultation establishes a consistent approach to the very difficult subject of employee performance, including performance enhancement and/or correction. Performance consultation renders important benefits. Managers and supervisors can go to one source for information on performance services, will obtain an objective analysis of an employee's performance, will receive options and recommendations to resolve problems, will receive expert assistance with complicated civil service issues, and will receive guidance through complex process. Employees receive an objective and knowledgeable analysis by an outside party and will obtain the performance tools needed to succeed on the job.
aaaa For more information, contact Debra Bouler, Office Chief, at 916-322-5991 or at dbouler@dgs.ca.gov.

Connecticut - The Performance Profile
aaaa This performance appraisal system has been applied to state of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services managers since 1996 and has migrated to other agencies since its inception. It has helped to better refine the focus of the work of managers and to build a performance measurement culture within the organization.
aaaa The novelty of the Performance Profile is that it is a system of performance appraisal easily adaptable to the needs and values of an organization rather than a typical fixed check box or rating scale form. The philosophy is that managers add the greatest value to the jurisdiction when they achieve real results in all of these key performance outcome areas. Therefore, managers attempt to build as much activity as possible for their level of responsibility into their Profile. The chief beneficiaries of this program are the people who rely on the results of managers.
aaaa For more information, contact Barbara Waters, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Administrative Services at (860) 713-5100 or at barbara.waters@po.state.ct.us.

Idaho - Information Technology Resource Management Council Information Technology Training Program (ITRMC ITTP Program)
aaaa The Information Technology Training Program provides statewide professional development training for information technology professionals in the State of Idaho. ITTP was established in late 1997 by the Information Technology Resource Management Council (ITRMC) in response to the serious difficulty of recruiting and retaining IT professionals at the state government level. It is a collaborative program, utilizing resources from Idaho's State government, technical colleges, the Idaho Workforce Training Network, and major computer hardware and software firms and businesses, as well as private training organizations.
aaaa Through the leadership of the Information Technology Resource Management Council and the State Division of Vocational Education (SDVE) the State of Idaho has been able to utilize a "tool box" approach in helping to alleviate the IT shortage problem in Idaho State Government. The resources in the tool box include the following: recruit the best IT talent available to the state; retain IT professionals currently; employed by the state; retrain IT professionals in technologies strategic to the state; and overall, increase the IT technical expertise in the state.
aaaa Solutions to the problems related to recruiting, and retaining qualified personnel salary issues such as bonus caps were reviewed by the Idaho Personnel Commission in response to inquiries and action by the ITRMC. As a result, and in response to specific ITRMC recommendations, the Idaho Board of Examiners revised bonus procedures to help the state compete with business in these areas. Moreover, to address issues related to professional development, the ITTP was created to aid in maintaining a comprehensive training environment. The focus of the program is to allow each individual to advance professionally and personally during their association with the State of Idaho.
aaaa Quantitative benefits realized by service recipients, taxpayers, agencies, and/or the stateUser Driven Scheduling; Multiple Methods of Instruction Face-to-face vendor delivered training;Web-based training; Uniform Curricula; Certified Classes and Instructors; Unless specified by user, ITTP uses vendor certified curricula/ trainers; Professional Development Career 'Track' offerings; Consistent, Low Costs - Easy Budgeting; and Easy to use - ITTP offers.
aaaa For more information, contact Miles Browne, ITRMC Project Team at 208-332-1875 or at mbrowne@adm.state.id.us.