2023-04-27 Merit Appeals Board Minutes

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Merit Appeals Board April 27, 2023 sometimes then starting a full credit program or working with the chancellors and the deans (inaudible). MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yeah, we actually just—we're participating in Good Jobs Hawaii. I think that's what Kate is referring to. The State of Hawaii got granted—I think it's 10 or 15 million dollars for this Good Jobs Hawaii. And part of it is getting the applicant skilled in these classes, offering it for free because the funding will pay for all of these skills trainings and courses. And then, at the end of the program, they get employment. And so, the County participating in that employment piece on where we fit in there and how we canso, we've been to a couple of meetings. And so, we're still working with coordinators of that program. But it's a very—looks very good as far as our participation and we'll, definitely, take advantage of that. MS. DE SOTO: Okay, real quick. One of the things I'm hearing everyone talk about but I don't think we've specifically named, is that there's a whole portion of our community that is potentially experiencing some type of ailment—whether it be mental health challenges, whether it be isolation—diagnosable or otherwise ailments—and this is totally not directed towards County HR, `cause that is not the sole responsibility of County HR but it is just an interesting conversation that should be happening at community levels is to think about what are we doing, not to just build specific skills and access points to—and re-entering back into society—but how are we caring for people? Because some people don't need just skills. They need more support than that. So, that's not directed for you, Waylen, but just in general because there's this other piece that needs to be named. CHR. CABANAS: Mr. Wiseman. MR. WISEMAN: Yeah, I'd just like to add to this discussion and my opinion, back to jobs, back to work initiative that Kate mentionedI think is a great inducement label -type to go with your Jobs Hawaii. And if that's—if the program doesn't exist or if it's terminatedI don't know—it should be revived. I think that's a good catchall. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yeah, thank you. CHR. CABANAS: The governor also has a newly established Office of Resiliency, which I thinkI know this is way over and beyond the role of HR, but I think maybe the executive branch of the County maybe could look in—or network with the governor if they haven't already—maybe we have. And see—'cause Kate is right, there is that group that—there's a whole bunch of factors that areI don't want to say preventing them but holding them back. Whether it's subconsciously or not—or consciously. And if they could be helped to ease back in, I think it would help a lot of our employers and the County of Hawaii. Because there are a lot of organizations—now, they're willing to help the American Job Center with Denise folksGoodwill, they're willing to help people write resumes and even HCC willing to help the individual complete an application, complete the financial aid. Page 16