The Southern Area Consortium of Human Services (SACHS) and the Leaders in Action (LIA) executive development program hit the ground running in 2023!
SACHS directors recently launched the SACHS Southern Counties Legislative Committee and are excited about synthesizing their collective impact to increase advocacy for California’s social safety net services. In continued collaboration with the County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) and California Department of Social Services (CDSS), directors look forward to strengthening networking relationships and increasing coordination to address critical issues affecting human services in southern counties and across the state.
As workforce recruitment and retention are “top of mind” for employers nationwide, SACHS kicked off its February meeting by hosting a group of university partners to discuss the intersection of schools of social work and the human services workforce. Human services leaders, academic department heads, and county designees convened to discuss opportunities to enhance partnerships and build capacity to support the growing demand for skilled human services professionals. Among its top priorities, SACHS directors are committed to examining the latest research and workforce strategies to mitigate staffing challenges within county social service departments.
In alignment with SACHS priorities, the LIA executive development program is underway and set to graduate in May 2023! LIA (Cohort) 17 consists of 30 mid-level managers and directors from various human services departments across Southern California. Since January 2023, participants have completed four of five training Blocks, engaged in monthly individual executive coaching sessions, and worked with their county teams on a final assignment which they will present to SACHS directors this month. During each three-day Block, participants received leadership guidance by highly skilled professionals including current and former SACHS directors. Added to the curriculum this year were a moderated dialogue titled, “Managing the Changing Landscape of Human Services Leadership” with current and former human services leaders and a powerful session and practical exercise on Strategic Leadership. Participants also enjoyed a luncheon with SACHS directors where they discussed issues in their respective counties.
Thus far, participant feedback and LIA training evaluations indicate learning opportunities afforded by the program and SACHS leadership have been relevant, informative, and applicable to their role as managers/executive in human services.
SACHS and LIA are on course to wrap up a very productive and exciting program year!