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November 2009
What's New, What's Hot
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Compliance Programs Assumes DOTD'S Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Responsibilities
The responsibility for DOTD's Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Program (Title VII) is being transferred from the Human Resources Section (16) to the Compliance Programs Section (37). Any discrimination complaints should now be reported to Ms. Kathy Horsfall in the Compliance Programs Section. She can be reached by phone at (225) 379-1362 or by email at Kathy.horsfall@la.gov. Additionally, any questions or concerns related to DOTD's EEO/Affirmative Action Program should be addressed to Ms. Horsfall or Ms. Stephanie Ducote at (225) 379-1382 or Stephanie.ducote@la.gov.
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W-2 Reminder
All employees are reminded to check their address in LEO to ensure its accuracy. This is especially important if an employee changed his/her address during the year. For employees who have a "permanent" and a "mailing" address on file, the "mailing" address will be used for W-2 distribution. W-2s will be mailed from the Office of State Uniform Payroll (OSUP) by January 31, 2010. If you have any questions, please contact Janice Bernard, Human Resources Analyst, at (225) 379-1576 or Janice.bernard@la.gov or Cecelia Donald, Human Resources Supervisor, at (225) 379-1675 or cecelia.donald@la.gov.
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Insurance Updates
Flu Shots Administered at Pharmacies Are Now Covered - Effective September 30, 2009, immunization shots for influenza (both H1N1 and standard strains) administered at pharmacies are covered benefits under OGB's PPO, EPO (United Healthcare), HMO (Humana) and Medical Home HMO (Vantage) health plans. Claims will be processed by each OGB health plan, subject to the appropriate copayment and deductible. If your plan has an annual deductible and you have not yet met that deductible, this claim will be applied to the deductible. If your plan has no deductible but has a co-payment, the co-payment will be subtracted and you will be reimbursed the appropriate percentage of the claim. OGB plan members may find instructions on how to submit claims and receipts for flu vaccinations administered by pharmacies, by visiting the OGB website at www.groupbenefits.org , clicking on the link to the health plans web page, and clicking on the link for the health plan in which they are enrolled. If you have any questions, please contact Alanna Bankston, Human Resources Analyst, at 225-379-1640 or Alanna.Bankston@la.gov.
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Retirement Information Update
LASERS Board of Trustees Election - Voting for the 2009 LASERS Board of Trustees ended Friday, October 23, 2009. The results are published in the Winter Edition of the LASERS Beam http://www.lasers.state/la/us . The LASERS website provides links to: the Daily Beam weblog for current news, the Online Education Program for LASERS benefits information, and the Retirement Education Video for an explanation of the retirement process. If you have any questions, you may contact Ellen Catherine, Human Resources Analyst, at (225) 379-1229 or ellen.catherine@la.gov, or LA State Employees' Retirement System at (225) 922-0600 or toll free 1-800-256-3000.
LASERS Required Documents - As you submit paperwork to retire, please ensure that all required documentation is provided along with your application. LASERS will no longer pay a monthly benefit until all documents are on file at the retirement system.
DROP Participants - When your DROP participation period ends, please closely monitor your payroll to ensure retirement contribution deductions have resumed. If your payroll does not reflect such, please notify your respective Human Resources Analyst. If you have any questions, you may also contact Ellen Catherine, Human Resources Analyst, at (225) 379-1229 or ellen.catherine@la.gov.
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Department of Civil Service Updates
Proposed Changes to Civil Service Rules, Chapter 6-Pay Plan - The Civil Service Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday, November 4, 2009, to consider proposed changes to Civil Service Rules, Chapter 6-Pay Plan. The Commission will consider a proposal to repeal Civil Service Chapter 6 in its entirety. The proposed changes to Chapter 6 may be viewed online at http://www.civilservice.la.gov/progasst/csrules/Chapter6/proposedCHAP6.asp. If employees would like to appear before the Commission to present their comments, they are invited to do so by contacting the Department of Civil Service at 225 342-8083, in advance of the meeting. If you have any questions, you may contact Mike Tucker, Human Resources Manager, at 225 379-1219 or michael.tucker@la.gov.
CPTP Classes - The Department of Civil Service will no longer be providing participants with a copy of the training manuals for classes taught by Civil Service. Participants will need to print or obtain a copy of the training manual and bring it to class with them. Course manuals may be obtained from the Department of Civil Service website (www.civilservice.la.gov).
LA Careers - When applying for vacancies in DOTD, please be reminded that ONLY applications submitted prior to the announcement closing date through the Louisiana Department of State Civil Service LA Careers website are accepted. Paper applications may be found at the following web address (http://www.civilservice.la.gov/info/FAQs.asp) and must be postmarked prior to the announcement closing date in order to be considered.
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STARS OF EXCELLENCE - Recognize Outstanding Performance
The new "Stars of Excellence" recognition program has replaced the DOTD Employee, Manager, and Team of the Quarter/Year. To nominate an employee for a "Star of Excellence" award you may Click Here. The nomination form will automatically be sent to the appropriate Award Committee Coordinator. The deadline for Headquarters nominations is the last day of each month. Please note that the deadline may vary among districts. Each award recipient will receive a monetary award of $150, a Stars of Excellence certificate, and a choice of a DOTD T-Shirt or Polo Shirt. For additional information, refer to PPM # 49, contact Rebekah Henderson, Employee Relations Analyst, at (225) 379-1241 or rebekah.henderson@la.gov, or contact your District Awards Committee Coordinator.
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How to Select the Best Qualified Candidate
DOTD's hiring authorities, managers and supervisors work to select the best qualified applicant to fill a vacancy. This process involves screening, interviewing and evaluating applicants. Sarah Ragona, Human Resources Specialist, is available to provide assistance to all hiring authorities, managers and supervisors to develop interview questions and an applicant evaluation matrix, conduct on-site evaluation of actual interviews, and provide subsequent feedback to further enhance the selection process. Please contact Sarah at (225) 379-1258 or sarah.ragona@la.gov.
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Substance Abuse and the Workplace: A Harmful Combination
DOTD is committed to providing a safe, healthy and drug-free working environment and wants to take this opportunity to remind employees of its importance to their safety and the safety of their co-workers. Alcohol and drug use can seriously impair judgment and coordination, which can lead to workplace accidents, injuries and even death. Substance Abuse can weaken an organization's ability to operate productively. It is also associated with lower levels of employee morale-not only for employees struggling with alcohol or drug problems, but also those who work alongside them. The key to preventing alcohol and drug problems is for all employees to understand that there is help available. If you (or someone you know) are struggling with alcohol and/or drug problems, please use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), call 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) or visit www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov, and www.dol.gov/workingpartners. If you have any questions or need assistance, you may contact Rebekah Henderson, DOTD's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator, at 225 379-1241 or Rebekah.henderson@la.gov.
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2010 DOTD Calendar
The 2010 Calendars are available on the HR Website! These calendars are available in 8 ½" x 11" and 11" x 17" formats. In addition to the regular calendar, ISIS and OSUP Pay Period Charts are available to assist with payroll processing. You may access via the Intranet under http://ladotnet/mgmt_finance/hresources/home.asp?page=downloads$E.
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November 2009 Events
| November 4 |
Department of Civil Service Commission Meeting |
| November 5 |
Preventing Harassment Training-HQ Auditorium - 9:00 am |
| November 11 |
Veteran's Day Holiday |
| November 12 |
Preventing Harassment Training-HQ Auditorium - 1:30 pm |
| November 17 |
Standing Committee on Human Resources (SCHR) meeting |
| November 19 |
New Employee Orientation |
| November 26 |
Thanksgiving Day Holiday |
| November 27 |
Acadian Day Holiday (Proclaimed by Governor Jindal |
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| **Famous Quote: |
"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit ."
- - Harry S. Truman |
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Number of Visitors Since 11/13/2006