Know the Code: Updated Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy

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Stamp of "Know the Code"

The County has updated its Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy to support the County’s goal of ensuring that every employee is treated with respect and dignity.

The County’s policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 and over), disability, pregnancy, medical condition, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Sexual harassment is also a form of discrimination and is prohibited.

The policy also addresses retaliation. The County prohibits retaliation against any employee who reports discrimination or harassment violations or takes part in an investigation looking into those reports. 

As part of the policy updates, all complaints of harassment and/or discrimination are directed to the Office of Ethics, Compliance and Labor Standards (OECLS). This means complaints of harassment and/or discrimination are handled independently of departments, ensuring a thorough and objective investigation.

If you feel you’re being harassed or discriminated against, you can take your complaint to your supervisor, your departmental human resources officer or directly to OEC.

Leaders, managers and Human Resources are required to report discrimination and harassment to the OECLS.

As always, you can contact OECLS directly or call the Ethics Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-549-0004. A form is also available online. 

“We want employees to know the OECLS is here to help them and that they can trust us with their complaint,” said OECLS Director Branden Butler. “Departments are no longer investigating themselves; an independent office will look into these complaints of harassment or discrimination.” 

If you have questions about the policy, Ethics and Compliance training, or how to access the training and other resources, contact the OECLS team at oec@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-531-5174.

For information about upcoming Ethics and Compliance Program events, training and resources including monthly “Know the Code” articles and micro-training videos, visit the OECLS webpage on InSite. 

Click on the image below to see it full screen.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Sign Up for Renew

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graphic of person sitting down with legs crossed and hands up on knees

Sign up for the Employee Wellness Program’s quarterly challenge Renew. Renew is a 6-week program that helps to reinvigorate the mind and body, clarify purpose, and strengthens relationships. 

It offers strategies for all aspects of well-being — physical, mental, social and emotional. In the next few weeks participants will learn and practice activities to create calm and refresh your mind and body in the following areas of interest: 

  • Boost Happiness 

  • Create Calm 

  • Sharpen Focus 

  • Increase Energy 

Each week, a portion of beautiful scenes are revealed as personalized Renew activities are completed. 

Register now. 

Employees requesting accommodation or with questions can email DHRWellness.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov. 

Show Us How You Love Your Heart

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person giving another person a blood pressure screening

Show us how you’re celebrating American Heart Month! Snap a picture of a blood pressure screening site you visited, your Love Your Heart sticker, a healthy meal, or exercise routine. Whether it’s the view at the top of a local mountain hike, your running shoes, or yummy meal we want to get inspired by your commitment to heart health!

Email communications@sdcounty.ca.gov showing us how you Love Your Heart. Submissions will be listed here on InSite.

If you wish to visit a free blood pressure screening location, go to LoveYourHeartSD.org.

The HHSA team that helped organize Love Your Heart

Your View: Beautiful Sunset in Valley Center

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Elizabeth Aguilar from the Department of Parks and Recreation submitted a photo of a beautiful sunset overlooking the Valley Center Community Hall and Park.

Share your photos! If you see a coworker getting the job done, a beautiful sunset over your office or a wonderful County program being offered—snap a pic and submit it.

Be sure to include information about the photo and your name. Images may be posted to InSite and shared on social media. 

See more of Your View photos. 

Tax Forms Coming Your Way

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Most County employees will receive important 1095 tax filing forms in the mail that serve as proof of health insurance, as required under current IRS guidelines.

What You Need to Know

When filing 2024 taxes, you will need to indicate whether you had minimum essential coverage, as defined and required by the Affordable Care Act, during the year. By March 1, 2025, you will receive:

  • Form 1095-C from the County if you worked full time (30 or more hours per week) for at least one month in 2024. 

    • You may print a copy of your 1095-C from PeopleSoft Self Service today

  • Form 1095-B directly from the medical provider if you elected medical coverage through the County.

    • If you covered any dependents on your medical coverage, they will be reflected on the 1095-B from the medical provider

What You Need to Do

Upon receiving the form, you should:

  • Keep it for your records.

  • Use it as a reference when completing your 2024 taxes.

Do not send Form 1095-B or 1095-C to the IRS with your tax return. A copy of each form will be sent to the IRS by the County and your insurance provider.

You can file your federal taxes before receiving these 1095 forms.

 Learn more about the 1095 Forms and what to expect.

Communicate with Impact

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You're invited to Communicate with Impact, a dynamic new training program designed to elevate your professional growth. This program will help you strengthen communication skills, public speaking, leadership development, feedback and evaluation, networking, and community building. Take your skills to the next level with this Employee Resource Group program!

Join the kick-off meeting to learn more about the program, connect with fellow participants, and enjoy interactive public speaking icebreaker activities. The kickoff will take place from 5 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6 at the County Operations Center, 5500 Overland Ave., Room 120.

After surveying interested participants, the program was structured into two tracks.

Level 1: Building Confidence and Foundational Speaking Skills

This group is tailored for beginners or those seeking to develop essential public speaking skills.

Topics will include:

  • Structuring speeches effectively.

  • Managing speaking anxiety.

  • Developing a clear and articulate delivery style.

Level 2: Advancing Professional and Public Speaking Skills

This group is geared toward individuals aiming to refine their speaking abilities for professional or public-facing roles.

Topics will include:

  • Crafting compelling stories.

  • Mastering persuasive communication techniques.

  • Engaging diverse audiences with confidence.

Both Level 1 and Level 2 sessions will be held monthly. Stay tuned to InSite for the announcement of the first sessions in March.

PerkSpot: Save on Valentine’s Day Gifts

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You’ll love saving money on Valentine’s Day gifts this year. Shop sweet deals on flowers, chocolates and more though PerkSpot.  

Here’s a few examples:  

  • 20% off treats and chocolate covered strawberries from Shari’s Berries 

  • Up to 25% off select flowers and gifts from 1-800-Flowers.com 

  • $15 off charcuterie boards from Boarderie 

  • 20% off jewelry from Baublebar 

PerkSpot offers benefits and discounts through more than 400 service providers and retailers. Go to SDCounty.PerkSpot.com and shop.