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DBHDD Employee Newsletter September 8, 2011

Kronos is here!

Parallel testing for Kronos began on September 1, and staff was diligent in assisting all DBHDD employees with log-in tasks. Testing will continue through November 30 and Kronos will officially GO LIVE on December 1, 2011, becoming DBHDD's official time and attendance system. View the quick facts below for more information on how Kronos will be used.

Who uses Kronos?
All DBHDD employees use Kronos: Non-Exempt and Hourly Employees use either time clocks or their workstation computers to log on to Kronos and record their work hours, and to request leave. Exempt employees log on to Kronos to request leave. Managers log on to Kronos to edit and approve employee time cards, and to resolve leave requests.

If I don't clock in, or don't log in will my pay be affected?
From now until the end of November we are parallel testing Kronos. It is critical for all employees to log on using the method assigned to them (time clock, or time stamp) and to record hours and leave appropriately. However, because this is a testing period, the paper process is also being used and it is the paper process that is currently determining pay. Kronos does not currently affect your paycheck. 

How do I get help with Kronos?
Whether you area manager or employee, you can access Kronos help by first contacting your manager to alert them to the concern and seek guidance about next steps. Your local HR office can also provide assistance with Kronos related questions.

Employee Relations Suggestion

DBHDD employees serve the citizens of Georgia and are subject to the Governor's Executive Order regarding Conduct and Ethics in Government. You should access the DBHDD policies on our website and become familiar with policy 1201, Standards of Conduct and Ethics in Govern

Employee Spotlight: Dr. Risby

Dr. Emile Risby is board certified in General Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry and was named DBHDD's new Medical Director in August. Dr. Risby has held various positions throughout his career including: Clinical Director, Georgia Regional Hospital at Atlanta; Medical Director, In-Patient Psychiatry Service, Grady Memorial Hospital Atlanta, GA; Medical Director, Drug Dependency Unit Grady Memorial Hospital Atlanta, GA; Medical Director, Psychiatry Community Outreach Services Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA; Medical Director, Emory Schizophrenia Clinical Trials Program, Atlanta, GA;  Medical Director, DeKalb County Crisis Services, DeKalb County, Georgia;  Medical Director, Mental Health Services DeKalb County GA Jail and attending psychiatrist, Emory University Hospital and Clinic. He also holds the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Corps and was mobilized as a psychiatrist during Operation Desert Shield/Storm,and deployed as the Medical Command Mental Health Consultant during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Dr. Risby has numerous awards and plans to continue to furthering the mission, vision and values of DBHDD.

Fun Facts About Dr. Risby:

What is your favorite food? My dad's BBQ ribs

What was the last movie you went to see? It wasn't my last but the Exorcist made a lasting impact. Scariest movie I have ever seen in my life.  Even after all these years, I refuse to watch that movie again.

Do you have any artistic talents? My kids say I am good at exaggerating, is that an artistic talent?

Do you have any pets? Not that are still alive.  The last fish we bough died of natural causes after we forgot to feed him for a couple weeks.

Things You Should Know...

Georgia?s Suicide Prevention Stakeholders,September 8-10, 2011, Macon Conference Center,
Macon, Georgia

Georgia Telework Week, September 12-16 - Learn how telework helps organizations by attending a free event  Thursday, September 15, 2011 - 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Loudermilk Conference Center located at 40 Courtland Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month - Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of treatment for substance use and mental disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible.

National Preparedness Month - All Georgia citizens are encourage to read the Governor's proclamation and to visit the website www.ready.ga.gov.  At www.ready.ga.gov citizens can create a Ready profile that will give them a plan tailored to their entire family. 

Research Conference on September 20-23, 2011 at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Downtown Atlanta.

Customer Service Corner

"Georgia will have the best customer service of any state in the nation."

-Governor Deal

This month's newsletter spotlights "Customer Service" within DBHDD.  Customer Service Champion Benita Sanders conducted an interview with Dr. Bryce Mclaulin, Assistant Commissioner for Programs, to get his views on the importance of exceptional customer service within an organization.

1) What does customer service mean to you?

Basically it is the golden rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Graciousness, listening attentively, clarifying if you are unsure, calmness, and seeking to resolve whatever the issues are, are the key components.


2) How does exceptional customer service move an agency forward?

Good customer service always wins friends and that is always a good thing. Agencies need to be sensitive to those we serve. Although we may understand all the intricacies of what our agency does, the general public should not be expected to. Keep things simple and take the fasted route to solution. Also, good customer service yields good feedback and that is good for morale.


3) What do you expect from the employees here at DBHDD with regard to customer service?

Just what I said above. It is the same with all situations where one is dealing with the general public.

4) What thoughts on customer service can you leave us with today?

You will feel better about yourself and the work you do by keeping a positive attitude about good service to others.

When interacting with stakeholders, keep in mind the following Customer Service Attributes:

C- Courteous
H- Helpful
A- Accessible
R- Responsive
K- Knowledge

Customer Service Praise

"I just want to take this time to let you know how helpful and resourceful Earnest Gordon has been in getting my unit's computer needs resolved. He handled all of our request calls with a "can do" attitude. He always ended sentences with "let me see what I can do" and before we turn around, the request was taken care of. Earnest has made my staff a very happy group by assisting us in updating all our computer equipment and for once we feel like we belong to the new computer era. The change has become a reality because of all the extra effort put forth by Earnest. I want to make sure his dedication to customer service does not go unnoticed. For all of us in the provider compliance unit, Earnest has set the standards for customer service and for a job well done."

- Mai Tan, DBHDD-Provider Compliance Unit Director
 

"I am an employee with DBHDD's contract unit.  From my very first day working with the State, Ms. Sanders has gone over and beyond the call of duty to make me feel welcome and a part of the family.  I was warmed by her immediate recognition of me when we would encounter each other on the elevator or other floors of the building.  She always greeted me by name and took time out to inform me of any upcoming events that affected me as a co-worker.  I have had to enlist her advice on many occasions and she has always responded to my requests with professional and accurate answers.

Ms. Sanders has been a true God send to me during my short time with the State and I am certain her customer service branches out to all the State employees she services.  She is a true asset to the HR department.  Co-workers like Ms. Sanders make working for the State a pleasurable experience."


- Folayan Battle, Contract Specialist

Customer Service Tip


When answering phone calls or responding to inquiries, always practice the 4 Standards of Service:

-Greet  your customers properly
-Listen  and verify your understanding of the customer needs
-Help customers with you answers and actions
-Honor commitments in a timely manne

DBHDD In the News

Suicide summit to address causes
9/3/2011

Mental health system probed
9/3/2011

Penfield Christian Homes, Inc. Joins State in Efforts to Help Treat Substance Abusers
8/31/2011

Lion and the Lamb: Challenges of Mental Illness
8/30/2011
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