Shasta County is fortunate to have many exemplary employees. On a daily basis, their dedication, integrity, creativity, and professionalism are called upon to maintain the high quality of local public services enjoyed by the citizens of Shasta County. Their jobs are becoming more challenging as public expectations of service and demands for increased efficiency escalate. In this environment, it is important that we recognize those employees who set the standard of excellence and dedication for the entire organization. Their contribution deserves the thanks and appreciation of the entire County family and the citizens of the community.
In this spirit, the Board is being asked to recognize the Employee of the Month, who has been nominated by the Employee Recognition Committee. This nomination is based on a review of all nominations using the selection criteria provided for in the Employee Recognition Policy. It is the recommendation of the Employee Recognition Committee that Jennifer Brooks, Probation Assistant, Probation Department, be recognized as the February 2017 Employee of the Month.
Jennifer Brooks served as the low-risk case load officer and currently works with the Youth Violence Prevention Council. Jennifer is the Probation Department's liaison with the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP). As the liaison, she works with many departments including the District Attorney's Office and the Public Defenders Office, to assure clients are receiving the necessary services while pregnant. Due to Ms. Brooks ability to work collaboratively and with other agencies, she has increased enrollment in NFP and has been able to connect several clients with services.
Ms. Brooks designed a self-esteem and boundaries program for the girls in the Juvenile Reabiliation Facility (JRF) because she saw a need and believed she could help.
Ms. Brooks is a stabilizing factor in our Juvenile Division and regularly volunteers to assist in the Adult Division working the reception desk where she makes contact with 75-90 people a day. She believes in the value of service to others and human relationships. These values can be seen in her daily interactions with the families she works with and the relationships she has built with other agencies. She truly wants to help others succeed.
Community partners have specifically indicated that Ms. Brooks is a role model for other county employees and exemplifies the high standard we expect from all public employees. She is always positive, encouraging, and willing to step up to fill a need or gap in services.