Message from Linda Dawson, Acting Chief of Field Services

Today, the Division of Public Assistance is being recognized for its outstanding achievements in attaining the highest accuracy rate in the active food stamp payment category and finishing second in the negative payment accuracy category. This incredible accomplishment would not have been possible without your hard work and efforts to ensure that benefits are authorized both timely and accurately.

While our commitment to excellent case work and customer service is key to our core business services, we also excel at teamwork. DPA employees embrace a common purpose and a deep desire to help every Alaskan who needs our help regardless of where they live. You consistently demonstrate your readiness to help our clients and your co-workers every time it has been necessary to reassign work. You recognize the importance of seeing our statewide caseload as a collective responsibility as offices struggle with vacancies and turnover that impact their ability to get the work done. There have been many times when an office or unit was short staffed and you were there to help. Your flexibility, willingness, and proven aptitude in assisting your teammates across the state helps guarantee that all of our clients receive the services and support they need in a timely manner. Your recognition that managing the Division’s workload is a statewide responsibility is deeply appreciated.

Despite the challenges, you have risen to the occasion to assist your fellow co-workers while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and accurate eligibility decisions. Your noteworthy contributions to the work we do are reflected in the SNAP award that the Division is receiving today from Allen Ng, the Regional Administrator for the Western Regional Office. While I won’t be able to attend today’s ceremony, I am sending my heartfelt thanks to you all for the making this achievement possible. I am very thankful to be part of this organization because of your commitment to quality service and quality results. It’s a small thing to say, but you all are appreciated each and every day for making a difference in the lives of the Alaskans we serve.

Let’s hope that we can repeat our success in FY13!