Public Relations/ Human Resources Committee

Promoting VR by public awareness campaigns on the services VR and educating the public on what VR has to offer and the mission. Collaborating with public and private partners building relationships to work towards addressing the needs of unserved and underserved populations.  Educating the partners and communities about VR services and goals.   Assisting VR with analyzing programs directed at educating, training, and retaining and promoting qualified VR staff, as well as assessing employment programs for VR consumers. Also participates in the development of the state plan.

Members

Chairperson

• Michael Hale

Committee Members

• Charles Lamb

• Virginia Harris

• Valencia Thomas

• Dorie Tuggle

VR LIAISON

• Ava Scearce

• Janet Ericson

Key Action Items/ Next Steps

• Michael will contact Ava and determine if the group needs to contact an Human Development Resource person.

Goals

• Determine what programs exist that can give SRC direction in relation to State Plan Goal #2 and public relations programs.

• Determine how we recruit

Report

The committee was active in its analysis and discussion of local and national salary information for rehabilitation professionals, as well as turnover rates and trends, in order to understand thoroughly the circumstances surrounding hiring issues, particularly in light of the lean budget. Members continued to be concerned about the vacancy rate and the lengthy recruitment /hiring time to fill vacancies, and offered assistance to agency personnel officials in any way deemed appropriate. Committee members also contributed their expertise to help ensure that facility counselors at Roosevelt Warm Springs be charged with performing the same responsibilities as the VR field counselors, thus assuring that they meet the CSPD standard for CRC and become eligible to be compensated accordingly.