Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
At the Illinois Department of Human Services, we are committed to ensuring the well-being of our staff and the communities we serve. IDHS serves one in every three Illinoisans with essential medical, nutritional and other life-sustaining supports.
I know and understand what a trying time this has been to take care of yourself, your loved ones, children, and family during the pandemic. Our heroic hospital and other 24/7 facility staff have been working onsite from the beginning of this pandemic, often at great personal sacrifice. For others, one job has turned into two or three as we attempt to balance workload, online learning with our children, and other unanticipated family responsibilities.
We have worked diligently with the Department of Public Health to put in place polices that protect the health and safety of our staff and accommodate the varied needs of our workforce, including Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Family Medical Leave.
These are difficult, unprecedented times and I take the needs and concerns of our staff very seriously. As we approach the end of the month, we want to be sure everyone has communicated with their supervisor on expectations for September and moving forward.
If for any reason, you need additional information about your assignment or duties, please contact your supervisor or send an email into: DHS.Reinvent-Restore@Illinois.gov.
I have every confidence we will work together to ensure our ongoing commitment to safeguard the basic needs of Illinois residents. Please be well and take good care.
Sincerely,
Grace
Grace B. Hou
Secretary, IDHS
