Staff Development & Training

This month's challenge is on the subject of CSSD. Warning...it's formated a little differently than previous challenges. Please follow the prompts and ques. There is a fun surprise at the end!

Click here to begin the challenge:
December Skill Challenge

(A special thanks goes to Debbie McDonald for her creative works!)

Your life may have gotten just a little bit easier! We are pleased to announce a new way to order your business cards - over the web. With our new online form, staff from the Division of Public Assistance (including Denali KidCare and Job Centers) can now quickly order cards in 3 easy steps.

It's October - which means PFD HH season and of course, Halloween! Do you have questions on PFD Hold Harmless on how to count retained PFD's as resources or how long to give a household hold harmless benefits or even which notice to send?

So if you do (or even just want to check your knowledge of the PFD HH program) and are up for a little Halloween fun, take our new PFD Hold Harmless Skill Challenge.

Do you know if a person who is exempt from food stamp work requirements due to receiving unemployment benefits may be disqualified - if they fail to comply with a work requirement by the unemployment program? Can the certification period be extended under special circumstances? Are utility expenses paid by an excluded member allowed in full? Take our New Food Stamp Challenge and put your knowledge to the test!

Our first star is a resident of Anchorage. He has worked for our agency for 20 years, in numerous positions and many different offices. Regarded by friends and co-workers as someone you can always count on, upbeat, respectful and courteous. Co-workers have described him as the "heart" of his unit. Accuracy is an important element to this star's work and he is described as someone who is up to the challenge with policy knowledge that is exemplary and a work ethic that is thorough and diligent. He is very family and community oriented and enjoys fundraising. Can you guess who this star is?

This weeks DPA Stars remind me of a certain pair of action super heroes. We now have our own Dynamic Duo right here at DPA!

Our Star's this month are teammates that could be called the "Dynamic Duo". According to their co-workers they are definitely the glue that holds their team together. They are both described as having genuinely big hearts, keen wits, are fun to work with, and do an awesome job!

Visiting Anchorage for training or work? Debbie McDonald and SD&T have created a cool "Flash" map of all the restaurants in midtown Anchorage near the Frontier Building. Who knew there were so many choices?!

The Food and Nutritional Services office (FNS - Food Stamps) has several foreign language brochures available on their web-site that cover topics such as "Questions and Answers about Getting and Using Food Stamps", "Immigrant Eligibility Questions and Answers" and a "Fact Sheet on Eligibility" just to name a few. Obviously not all languages are represented however some of these may prove helpful for you as you work with Food Stamp clients that do not speak English as their primary language. Additionally, brochures with income and allotment information will not reflect Alaska standards. You can find these brochures at:

Our first star is highly respected and very dear to her co-workers. She is described as someone who has a uncanny knack for inspiring, supporting, and encouraging others. Professional, compassionate, friendly, easy-going, effective, up-beat, knowledgeable, positive, and diplomatic are just a few of the words her co-workers used to describe her. Known for her unusual taste in food - this star has a sweet tooth for such delicacies as frozen whip cream and any type of vegetable, especially green beans. She is originally from Iowa and enjoys running, ice fishing, cooking, making smoothies, and plants. Can you guess who this star is?