Author: Christy Nealey

Apply Now for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Christy Nealey

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal program that forgives student loan debt for borrowers who work for a government organization or a non-profit employer such as teachers, firefighters, nurses, members of the military, and other public service workers. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans, after you have made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments or while working full-time for an eligible employer. Whether or not you have made 120 payments, you should still complete the PSLF form annually to obtain credit. As a Henrico County employee, it may include you!

To apply and be considered for PSLF, you only need to submit a PSLF form. The easiest way to do this is by using the PSLF Help tool at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/. Follow the link and log in if you already have an account or create a new account. Prepare and sign your PSLF form digitally by following all the steps, and with the last step, request certification and electronic signature from your employer by entering the Human Resources General Government contact email address [email protected].

If you have any questions or need any additional help, please get in touch with Patricia Witmer, HR Business Supervisor, at 804-501-5078 or [email protected].

Read More

How’s it Growing? Join Henrico CASA and Henrico Firefighters for a Fuzzy Fundraiser 

Christy Nealey

Henrico CASA has teamed up with Henrico Firefighters for the Mustaches for Kids (M4K) fundraiser, an annual mustache-growing event in November that benefits kids throughout Central Virginia. All county employees are invited to participate in the fun by joining Henrico CASA and Henrico Firefighters as members of team Henrico Heroes.  

And here’s a furry fact: Mustaches are optional. 

“It’s true,” said Jeannine Panzera, Executive Director of Henrico CASA. “Just like firefighters and police officers and administrators and educators all have different superpowers — we can all grow different mustaches for a good cause.”  

So let’s get creative, Henrico. Grow your best real or faux mustache. It can be distinguished or droopy, sculpted or shaggy, bushy or pencil-thin. What matters the most is that you enjoy yourself and have a good time supporting a good cause.  

“Our mission at Henrico CASA is to advocate for vulnerable children and ensure that they can thrive in their homes,” Panzera said. “We’re thankful to the firefighters who are supporting M4K and Henrico CASA and want everyone who gets involved to have a great time.” 

Bill Boger, a longtime Henrico Firefighter and President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1568, agreed. “The Mustaches for Kids campaign resonates with firefighters,” he said, citing the IAFF’s 2022 participation. “We had 26 members combine to raise $13,000 for M4K last year. This year, we hope to exceed that, and we invite all county emergency responders, county employees and their friends and families to join us on team ‘Henrico Heroes’.” 

Panzera said that Henrico CASA and Henrico firefighters had separate teams during the 2022 campaign and decided this year to combine their efforts with a goal to grow a team of 75 Henrico Heroes and raise $50,000. 

Henrico Fire Chief Jackson Baynard applauded the partnership. “Service is at the heart of everything we do in the fire service,” he said. “And the connection between mustaches and firefighters is a fun aspect of our culture. A fundraiser that combines those two things and that also supports great organizations like Henrico CASA is a natural fit.” 

Are you up for the challenge? We know you are! After all — With a Great ‘Stache Comes Great Responsibility! So, grow your stache and raise some cash with us. REGISTER as a Henrico Heroes team member and sport a mustache this November or DONATE in honor of your favorite Henrico Hero.   

Read More

7 Tips to Meet the Early Timecard Deadlines

Christy Nealey

Did you know that four of the next six timecard deadlines are early? Below are some other important reminders to help you and your employees get your timecard in on time this upcoming holiday season.

  • Remember that timecard deadlines are for all timecards to be submitted and approved for HR. We suggest that departments set earlier internal deadlines.
  • Non-exempt employees should record their regularly scheduled hours on the early submission dates. For example, employees who typically work 8 hours on Thursday and Friday should record 8 hours for those days before submitting their timecards for approval.
  • Supervisors must review each timecard before approving. Please ensure that your direct reports have entered their time as regular hours, even if the total number of hours will exceed 40 hours for the week.
  • Supervisors must confirm that employees actually worked the hours recorded in advance. Any changes can be made as a correction on the retro timecard or as a payroll adjustment.
  • Timekeepers should advise supervisors with scheduled time off to set a vacation rule in Oracle, designating an alternate approver in their absence. For more information, please see the vacation rule guide.
  • Timekeepers must designate a backup for scheduled time off.
  • No timecards should be in ‘Not Started’ status on the deadline date. Timekeepers should utilize the timecard dashboards before the due date. 

 

Departmental timekeepers should be the first point of contact for questions about recording time. Please consult the Policies and Procedures on the HR Employee Portal for more information.

Read More

National Career Development Month: Take Charge of Your Career

Christy Nealey

Have you thought about your career lately? Well, now is the time! November is National Career Development Month, so whether you’re currently working on your career goals or it’s been a while since you reviewed your resume, now is the perfect time to focus on your career path and aspirations.

 

Career development for people at all stages of their professional journeys is the purpose of National Career Development Month. It’s a reminder of the importance of taking charge of your own career and professional growth to increase your job satisfaction and fulfillment. Henrico County supports this mission through our HR Career Resources Program, where you can find tools, resources, and personalized guidance to help you along your career journey.

 

There are many ways to invest in your career development. If you need ideas or inspiration to get started, here are some examples:

 

  • Self-reflection: Set some time aside to reflect on your current job and what you want to achieve in your career. Some questions you might ask yourself include:
    • Am I happy with my current role?
    • Do I already have a career path in mind or am I struggling with direction?
    • What are my interests?
    • What kinds of tasks and projects do I love doing? How can I fit them into my career?

 

  • Career coaching and assessments: If you’re not sure which career is the best choice for you, there are assessments that can help you match your skills and interests with a variety of jobs. Many qualified career counselors or coaches can administer and interpret these assessments to help you discover your ideal job fit.

 

  • Researching different jobs and careers: Another way to find the job or field that interests you is to do some research to get a better understanding of the knowledge and skills that are needed. Reviewing job descriptions, classifications, or postings will provide specific information, and websites like O*Net OnLine allow you to research careers using criteria like interest, abilities, and work values.

 

  • Informational interviewing: One of the best ways to find out what an occupation is really like is to have a conversation with someone who does the job. This is known as an informational interview, and it’s a great opportunity to get a more realistic idea about the job or career and what key skills and abilities are needed. You can view our informational interviewing video to learn more about how to conduct one.

 

  • Creating a career plan: Once you have decided on the job or career you want to pursue, devise an action plan to identify your goals and outline steps to reach them. Include short and long-term goals, action items, deadlines, and support/resources (people, finances, organizations, etc.) in your plan. Check with your department to see if they have their own career development plans or equivalent resources for employees, or use the Individual Learning Plan created by the Human Resources Department.

 

Discuss your career plan with your supervisor. While they can help you chart a course toward your goals, it’s up to you to start the conversation and make things happen. 

 

  • Getting the skills/training/education you need: Identify the gaps between your current skills and those needed for the job you want. Then, determine what you need to do to acquire them. Can you learn these skills on the job? In a single class, such as Excel? Through more formal training and/or education? Through volunteer or other outside activities? OLTD offers a variety of learning opportunities and videos that can help you learn new skills. For leadership skill development, consider joining Leadership Henrico (LH)or the Emerging Leaders Certification Program (ELCP).

 

An excellent way to grow your skills on the job is to ask for stretch assignments. These are projects or tasks that are just beyond your current skill level or experience. If this isn’t an option, you may be able to do so in a volunteer position you hold in a civic organization in your community, giving you an opportunity to gain or practice key skills and helping organizations fill vital roles. For more ideas around on-the-job skill development, check out this Upskilling video.

 

If you need more formal training, like a certification or degree, check with your department to see if they offer specific classes or programs to help you fulfill this requirement. Henrico County also offers tuition reimbursement and education leave, so check with your department on what’s available to you. 

 

  • Building and keeping your network strong: Maintaining good relationships and building new ones is critical to career success. Your network should include contacts internal to your organization as well as outside it. Attend work and organization functions, OLTD classes or join programs such as LH or ELCP to build your internal network. Externally, reach out to former colleagues, join professional associations, and get active on professional online networks like LinkedIn.

 

  • Updating your resume and/or your LinkedIn profile: Don’t wait until you apply for a job to create or update your resume or LinkedIn profile. Update them regularly so they reflect your current role and accomplishments. If you need resume assistance, our HR Career Coaches can review your resume and provide recommendations. You can also get tips from our resume videos in the Career Development section of our HR YouTube page as well as find helpful articles and videos on our Career Development Resources page.

 

  • Brushing up on your interviewing skills: Many of us would agree that interviewing is stressful. Make sure you’re prepared to make a great impression on your interviewer by preparing and practicing ahead of time. That might mean preparing behavioral examples for potential interview questions, or practicing answering your prepared responses to interview questions with a friend, mentor, or career coach. Our Career Resources Program offers individualized interview preparation assistance as well as videos in the Career Development section of our HR YouTube page to help you prepare. You can also find helpful resources on our Career Development Resources page.

Taking charge of your career development has many benefits, including boosting your confidence, increasing your satisfaction with your career, and enhancing your value to an organization. Take advantage of National Career Development Month and the many resources Henrico has to offer to take your career to the next level.

Read More

Vaccine Recommendations from Employee Health Services (EHS)

Christy Nealey

In the fall, we all hear about getting the annual flu shot. Questions about that and other vaccines arise yearly, especially since COVID-19 in 2020. Who should get a flu shot, and when should I get one? What other vaccines should I be considering? 

Where can I get these vaccines? Can I get more than one at a time? And the list can go on. We hope to answer a few of those questions this month.

Who and When

Most people six months and older should receive an annual flu shot. The vaccines are based on the virus that was present at the end of the last season. While it may not be 100% effective against keeping you from getting sick, it lowers the severity and the number of influenza-related hospitalizations. The elderly and young are most affected, as well as those with other health issues, including breathing problems, heart issues, and diabetes. Please stay healthy for those around you, too!

CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends the flu vaccine be administered in September or October to last into the influenza season. 

It takes two weeks to take effect in your body. The newest recommendations also state that EGG ALLERGY is no longer a contraindication to vaccines. 

Other vaccines to consider:

COVID: a new vaccine is being made for the fall of 2023, and recommendations will be made when available.

Pneumonia: adult vaccines include PCV 15 or 20 and PPSV23. Please speak with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or pharmacist about your requirements.

Tetanus (Td/Tdap): should be given every ten years or sooner with certain injuries; at least one Tdap as an adult to prevent pertussis (whooping cough)

Shingles: for those with lowered immune systems and 60+ years of age

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)- common cold-like symptoms but can be severe in infants and older adults; will soon be offered to those 60+ years of age.

Where to get vaccines

Your PCP or local pharmacy can provide you with these vaccines.

Can I get more than one vaccine at a time?

If you can only get one vaccine appointment, it is typically safe to receive more than one vaccine at a given time. 

Try to get them in separate arms, and beware that the side effects like fatigue and arm soreness may be more significant with more vaccines at once.

Let’s all do our part to stay healthy this fall and winter with up-to-date vaccinations.

Many questions can be answered on the Anthem website, the CDC website, or with your PCP.

Check Your Symptoms or Call EHS

If you are feeling under the weather, check out this symptom chart and get an idea of the cause. While Employee Health Services (EHS) does not replace your primary care provider, they can treat employees’ minor illnesses and injuries, including prescription medication if needed. Examples of these types of minor illnesses include: 

  • Sore /strep throat
  • Cold/Flu
  • Allergy symptoms
  • Eye Problems (scratch, pink eye)
  • Ear Problems (infection, wax build-up)
  • Cough
  • Urinary Tract/Bladder Infection
  • Skin Rashes /Insect Bite
  • Minor cuts/Abrasions
  • Strains/Sprains

Call 804-501-1600 to schedule an appointment. The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please visit the Employee Health Service webpage for more information on their services.

Also, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Visit https://www.covid.gov/tests for more information.

 

 

Cold, flu, COVID or allergies: what are my symptoms?

Common Symptom

COLD

FLU

COVID

ALLERGIES

Onset

gradual

fast

within 14 days

gradual

Lasts

4-10 days

5-7 days

varies

seasonal

Body aches

slight

yes

sometimes

no

Cough

yes

yes

yes

yes

Fatigue/weak

mild

yes

sometimes

slight

Fever/chills

rare

yes

sometimes

no

Headache

sometimes

yes

sometimes

sinus

Itchy eyes

no

no

no

yes

Nasal congestion

yes

yes

sometimes

yes

Nausea/vomiting

sometimes

sometimes

sometimes

no

New loss taste/smell

sometimes

sometimes

sometimes

sometimes

Runny nose

yes

sometimes

sometimes

yes

Short of breath

rare

rare

serious infection

sometimes

Sneezing

yes

yes

sometimes

yes

Sore throat

yes

yes

sometimes

sometimes

 

*Symptoms may vary depending on vaccine status and underlying health problems

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

https://www.anthem.com/preventive-care/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/fall-2023-vaccination-guide-7642488

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/it-cold-flu-or-covid-19

gundersonhealth.org/health-wellness/be-well/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-cold-the-flu-or-covid-19

https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/health-information/health-infographics/allergies-cold-flu-or-covid-19-virus

Read More

Open Enrollment for 2024 Benefits Need to Knows

Christy Nealey

Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to enroll or change your coverage and add or drop dependents for your health, dental, short-term income protection, and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Open Enrollment will be Sunday, October 1 through Friday, October 27, 2023. All changes must be submitted through Employee Direct Access by 4:30 p.m. on October 27, 2023.

We will be re-introducing Open Enrollment Information Sessions this year! Consider attending a session to learn more about our plans and speak with benefits staff and our various vendors. No sign-up is required, and the sessions will be “open house” style.

 

 Tuesday, October 3, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                                    Henrico Training Center

                                                                          7701 E. Parham Road

                                                                          Rooms 2029/2030

 

Thursday, October 19, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                                   Eastern Government Center

                                                                         Community Room

                                                                         3820 Nine Mile Road

What do you need to know?

  • Healthcare rates will not increase for full-time employees! Anthem will continue to administer our health care and prescription drug benefits. There will be new group numbers in 2024, so plan participants will receive new insurance cards for 2024. Please make sure you use the new card for services starting January 1, 2024.
    1. Due to IRS inflation guidelines, there will be an increase to the high-deductible health plan (HDHP)’s deductible. For employee-only coverage, the deductible will increase by $200, totaling $3,200. The deductible for any dependent-level coverage will increase by $400, totaling $6,400.
  • Delta Dental will continue offering the same plan options for 2024 with a minimal rate increase.
  • TASC will continue to provide our Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) benefit. This year, the minimum annual election for both healthcare and dependent (day) care FSAs will be $100. The new maximum to the healthcare FSA will be $3,050. The dependent (day) care FSA limit will remain at $5,000.

 

 What do you have to do as an employee?

  • Re-enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts if you wish to participate in 2024.
    1. Up to $570 will roll over into your 2024 healthcare flexible spending account.
  • Review your current plan and dependents to see if changes need to be made.

Note: Healthcare, dental, and short-term income protection enrollments will roll over for 2024 unless you change them during Open Enrollment.

We encourage you to take advantage of Open Enrollment to choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Visit our dedicated Open Enrollment webpage at https://employees.henrico.us/info/oe for more information!

As a reminder, Open Enrollment for Voluntary Benefits will also be from October 1, 2023 – October 27, 2023. Enrollments and changes to your voluntary benefits are handled through Pierce Insurance Agency, Inc. on the web at pierceins.com/henrico or call 800-421-3142 ext. 170.

Read More

Save Energy This Month and Every Month

Christy Nealey

October is National Energy Awareness Month, and with energy prices at all-time highs, there has never been a better time to think about saving energy. Remember, the easiest way to save energy is through conservation – turning off, unplugging, or setting back energy-using systems when they’re not needed. It’s estimated that energy bills can be reduced by up to 20% with simple behavior changes. 

Here are a few everyday conservation tips to practice at home and work:

  • Program your computer to go into standby mode when idle;
  • Unplug chargers and small appliances when not in use;
  • Turn off lights that aren’t needed.

The Henrico Environmental Action Resource Team has a subcommittee focused on energy and resource conservation. On the H.E.A.R.T. website, you can find a dashboard displaying the actual energy use of County facilities and schools, information on County efficiency and renewable energy efforts, and resources for home and business owners in Henrico. Check it out at https://henrico.us/heart/energy-and-resource-conservation/. 

We’ll be celebrating Energy Month at the Fall Energy Fair on Friday, October 13th, from 11:30-1:00 in the courtyard of the Administration Building. Learn about current Henrico energy and solar projects, home energy and solar resources, recycling, and more. L.E.D. light bulbs (for the first 150 visitors) and other fun giveaways will be available. Food trucks will also be set up nearby between the Administration Building and the parking deck. The fair is rain or shine, barring inclement weather.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Henrico’s Energy Manager, Carrie Webster at 804-501-5763 or [email protected].

Read More

Open Enrollment & Voluntary Benefits

Christy Nealey

The open enrollment period for Henrico County’s core benefits (health, dental, STIP, flexible spending accounts) and voluntary benefits is coming soon! For benefit-eligible employees, Open Enrollment will be from October 1 to October 27, 2023, with coverage effective January 1, 2024.

 

We are excited to introduce TWO additional voluntary benefit offerings through our third-party administrator, Pierce Insurance Agency… Vision and Pet Insurance!

 

The Henrico County Employee Benefits Committee, in partnership with Pierce Insurance Agency, continually monitors your total benefits package to ensure access to the most cost-effective options available. Current voluntary benefit plans include Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Cancer, Identity Theft Protection, Legal Plan, and Life Insurance with Long Term Care. New for the 2024 plan year is the addition of Vision and Pet Insurance!

 

The supplemental plans provide financial protection with benefits paid directly to you regardless of any other insurance you may have.

 

You are encouraged to attend a voluntary benefits information session with Pierce Insurance Agency. During Open Enrollment, employees can schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one with a Pierce Insurance Agency benefits counselor to review the voluntary benefit plans and assist with enrollment. In late September, more information will be announced regarding registration and sign-up for individual meetings.

 

Visit pierceins.com/Henrico for details.

 

There will be TWO Voluntary Benefits Information Sessions before the start of Open Enrollment. No sign-up is required to attend: 

 

Thursday, September 21, 2023

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                                          Eastern Government Center

                                                                                   Community Room

                                                                                   3820 Nine Mile Road

 

Thursday, September 28, 2023

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                                          Henrico Training Center

                                                                                   7701 E. Parham Road

                                                                                   Rooms 2029/2030

 

Stay Tuned for the Next Issue of the County Connection

The next issue, coming in October, will include more information about our core benefits, including medical, dental, and flexible spending. We will also update the employee website later this month (September) to include the new Open Enrollment Benefits and the current benefits.

Read More

Enhancing Health and Wellness: Empowering Positive Change 

Christy Nealey

Henrico County is making an effort to improve employee health and wellness by fostering sustainable behavior changes. From interactive lunch and learn sessions to in-service training for police officers and functional movement screens for fire personnel, these initiatives significantly impact the overall well-being of individuals and our community. 

Nourishing Body and Mind: The Healthy Eating Lunch and Learn Series 

Embarking on a journey towards better nutrition isn’t just about temporary diets; it’s about embracing long-lasting changes that fuel our bodies and minds. The monthly Healthy Eating Lunch and Learn series is a testament to this philosophy. These sessions provide a platform for participants to delve into the realm of sustainable behavior changes surrounding nutrition. 

By exploring the science behind food choices and understanding the connection between food and mood, participants gain valuable insights into how to make informed decisions about what they consume. This series emphasizes the importance of balanced eating, portion control, and mindful consumption. Through interactive discussions and expert guidance, attendees are equipped with the tools they need to make healthier food choices a part of their daily lives. 

Strengthening Protectors: Fit For Duty – Experiences and Strategies For Our Tactical Athletes 

Police officers are the backbone of community safety, and their physical and mental well-being are paramount. In-service training takes on a new dimension with weekly sessions to empower police officers with strategies and applications for enhancing their fitness, nutrition, and injury mitigation techniques. 

These tailored presentations delve into the unique challenges that law enforcement professionals face. By providing actionable tips for maintaining physical fitness and adopting a balanced diet, officers are better equipped to manage the demands of their jobs. Moreover, insights into injury prevention and recovery strategies serve as crucial tools to ensure officers can perform at their best while safeguarding their long-term health. 

Moving with Purpose: Functional Movement Screens for Fire Personnel 

The Division of Fire is no stranger to physically demanding tasks that require optimal movement quality. To mitigate injuries and improve the overall performance of fire personnel, the introduction of functional movement screens is a game-changer. These screens offer a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s movement patterns, identifying areas of strength and areas that need improvement. 

By pinpointing movement deficiencies, Fire personnel can work on targeted exercises to enhance their mobility, flexibility, and overall movement mechanics. This minimizes the risk of injuries during intense tasks and ensures that firefighters are better equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. Functional movement screenings empower Fire personnel to move purposefully, efficiently, and confidently. 

These health and wellness initiatives are more than just programs; they are pathways to positive change. From fostering sustainable eating habits to providing essential training for police officers and enhancing movement quality for Fire personnel, these initiatives reflect a commitment to holistic well-being. By empowering individuals to make informed choices and prioritize their health, these initiatives have a far-reaching impact that resonates throughout communities and professions. 

Read More

Professionally Developing Students Through Internships

Christy Nealey

As summer comes to a close, Henrico County’s internship program has successfully hosted high school and undergraduate students this summer leading to the County being recognized as a 2023 Top Virginia Employer for Interns. 

Under the guidance of Debbie Lumpkin, Internship Program Coordinator, the program began in the summer of 2012. Since then, the number of students participating in Henrico internships has increased exponentially yearly. This year, interns have come from as near as local Henrico high schools to as far as universities across the East Coast. 

The internship program is about giving students “opportunities to open their eyes to the ways in which county employees serve the community,” said Mrs. Lumpkin. “I always recommend to a student that the more you put in, the more you get out,” she said.  The program focuses on “teaching people how to work, what is expected at work, [and] how to communicate,” among many other skill sets. 

Interns work on various projects within their departments while gaining professional business skills. David Sacks, Community Development Manager, explains how his interns participate in the office. It is “very common for interns to develop the annual action plan,” and “we’ll have an intern working with us to develop the annual report.” The intern’s role is to manage the department throughout these projects. “I teach them to be a project manager,” said Mr. Sacks.

In the County Manager’s office, intern Sincere Slade-Reading, has had the chance to explore multiple avenues of work. She explained that her typical day could consist of “brainstorming with deputy county managers, spending time in the Varina community with Supervisor Nelson, attending committee meetings, or researching solutions to Henrico issues.” Throughout the summer, “the ability to advocate for myself, manage projects, and form connections that … will not only make me a better student but also put me ahead in my planned future career in law,” said Ms. Slade-Reading.

Chance Phillips, the budget office’s intern, echoed these sentiments. He said, “I’ve definitely had and appreciated the opportunity to develop my professional communication skills and the general skills and habits required to work in an office environment.” In addition to his strengthened skillsets, Mr. Phillips said he “enjoyed the ability to become acquainted with everyone working in the Budget office the most.”

The internship program provides a space for interns and supervisors to engage and create connections. Senior Victim Specialist Nicole Mayton was once a County intern herself and said that the program is “a chance to see different perspectives.” While hosting students, “I enjoy being able to share with interns and like to see them learn … and see how it impacts them,” she said.

In many departments, this summer has been filled with meaningful learning for interns and supervisors. Now is the time to start thinking about your workload, projects, and ability to mentor a student for upcoming semesters. Please submit your request to Debbie Lumpkin by September 30 for spring 2024 interns and by December 1 for summer 2024 interns.

Read More