To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Derrick L. Britton, Director of Veterans Services
title
RE: Application to Establish a Position-Partnerships and Communications Specialist
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a request by the Genesee County Department of Veterans Services to establish a position of Partnerships and Communications Specialist to replace current Outreach Administrator position.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Veterans Services (DVS) has opportunities for improvements with internal processes, customer service, and appropriate oversight. This new position will help with our vision to provide better service for our internal and external customers.
DISCUSSION:
Internal Processes: Current role of Outreach Administrator does the majority of work outside of the office in the community. This does not lend itself to managing office personnel effectively, which has presented oversight challenges. Customer Service: The proposed position will be more aligned with duties and responsibilities to coincide with the vision of director. Focusing more on building productive community partners and effectively managing our social media/webpage for on time communications
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
HR assisted with the formation of the job description in conjunction with DVS Director. Outreach Administrator position to be eliminated; Veterans Services Partnerships and Communications Specialist will be a union position.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Non-General Fund; Veterans Millage. The annual cost difference for the Veterans Services Partnership and Communications Specialist is an increase of $2,894. The cost for this fiscal year (if approved in May ‘24) is $1,206.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Healthy, Livable, & Safe Communities: This position more than others in the office can promote county services and available resources both in person and through social media. Increasing brand awareness is essential to connecting with as many Veterans as possible to keep them informed of services and changes. Long Term Financial Stability: This position helps the department to embrace “lean management” by eliminating the managerial aspect of the current Outreach Administrator position. Inclusive, Collaborative Culture: This position will have the “pulse” of the Veterans through community interactions and social media engagement. This helps to embrace the role of the county as a convener to enhance relationships that contribute to growth. Community Growth: The position naturally must collaborate with other agencies and community partners for the benefit of Genesee County Veterans.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Director of Veterans Services to authorize establishing, posting, and filling one (1) Partnerships and Communications Specialist position and eliminating the Outreach Administrator position, said new position to be funded by the Veterans Millage, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the May 15, 2024 meeting of the Finance Committee of this Board).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board finds that extenuating circumstances exist supporting waiver of the hiring freeze, and directs the Director of Human Resources to have the necessary personnel position number created, as necessary, for said position and to commence the hiring process so that the position may be filled as soon as practicable in accordance with County policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.