April 27, 2022
Good Afternoon,
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Department) has begun both ending its pandemic footing and preparing for a permanent telework policy effective September 6, 2022. We are calling the transition from April 25 to September 6 a “return to offices” or “re-entry” for short.
This transition and permanent telework policy do not apply to all Department workers. Many of us (myself included) have duties that cannot be conducted remotely. Such workers like those at our psychiatric hospitals, providing child and adult protective and crisis services, and in front-line roles have been on-site and in offices throughout the pandemic. Thank you for doing so. Going forward, emails with the subject line “Re-Entry Update” are directed to DHHS employees who are able to telework given their roles and responsibilities.
Similarly, deep thanks to those of you who have worked partly or fully remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate the challenges of adapting from offices to home and now a hybrid combination of home and offices – all the while, continuing the quality services that Maine people expect us to provide. You represent the majority of our workforce: we are grateful for your supporting continuous services during the pandemic.
Regardless of whether you have been in offices or working from home, you have performed work for residents of the State of Maine with honor, integrity, and compassion during last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you.
We are posting a new landing page for employees on our website with a calendar and information on our policy and the transition. It contains the Department’s telework policy, FAQs, and links. We will add information and opportunities to this landing page over time. The calendar shows four periods for Re-Entry.
- Information Sharing: The period from April 25 to May 27 (Memorial Day) is labeled as the “Information Sharing” period. We have posted the policy, FAQs, and calendar on the Department’s website. We will add webinars, trainings, and other information on an on-going basis.
- Submission of Authorization Forms: We will distribute the telework authorization form on May 31. From May 31 to July 1, workers will fill out that form. As during the Information Sharing period, we’ll offer information and training to help you all through this process.
- Approval of Authorization Forms: From July 5 to July 29 (if not sooner), supervisors will approve or disapprove forms. This timeframe allows for engagement and a full understanding of our workforce’s telework by the end of July.
- Preparing: From August 1 to Labor Day, the supervisor and building managers of our over 20 facilities will use the finalized telework plan to adapt offices as needed for Re-Entry.
Re-Entry is on the horizon and we are committed to communicating about it regularly and effectively, even if the answer is “we don’t know yet.” Along with me, Desirea Chase, our Director of Workforce and Development, will be sending All-Staff emails with the subject line “Re-Entry Update” in the coming weeks and months.
We will adapt our policies with an indication and notification of when we do so in parentheses on the Telework Policy and FAQs. This inbox is available for your own questions: employeequestions.dhhs@maine.gov.
We have received a number of questions about COVID-19 rules for our Department. The Department of Health and Human Services has no rules distinct from that of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) – except for Riverview and Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Centers and some of our workers who enter Federally-regulated facilities that have stricter rules. These work rules, including when workers are required to wear masks, can be found here. We will inform all staff if and when DAFS changes statewide worker COVID-19 rules.
Thanks, Jeanne
Jeanne M. Lambrew, PhD,
Commissioner