Multifaceted campaign is underway to help bolster the workforce for all state agencies and services in Delaware

DOVER, Del. (Aug. 3, 2022) — The Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR) has launched a multifaceted marketing communications campaign aimed at bolstering the workforce for all state agencies. The strategies underway focus on recruiting quality candidates for many of the state’s high-demand positions, including nurses, corporation specialists, employment services specialists, unemployment insurance claims processors and field agents, vocational rehabilitation counselors, disability determination adjudicators, and law enforcement officers across multiple agencies.

Delaware, like public and private-sector employers nationwide, is in the grips of acute worker shortages driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, an imbalance between the technical skills required and the positions available, and generational changes regarding work-life balance. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are 5.5 million more job openings in the U.S. than there are workers available to fill them.

“State workers come to work each day to serve their fellow Delawareans and have been stretched thin,” said Gov. John Carney. “Our efforts have two objectives: finding qualified candidates, especially for high-demand positions, and easing the strain on state agencies that have been operating short-staffed for a while. By strengthening our workforce, we can make sure Delaware remains a state focused on opportunity and positioned to support a thriving economy well into the future.”

The campaign officially started in mid-June and is designed to educate jobseekers from Delaware and neighboring states about the variety of positions available, as well as motivate them to “explore, apply, and succeed.”

“Our marketing campaign to spread the word about careers in state government is part of a larger effort to recruit and retain dedicated employees,” said DHR Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “This integrated plan will motivate people from all walks of life to apply for and embrace state employment based on exceptional benefits and a public service mission. Thanks to Gov. Carney and the members of the Delaware General Assembly, we are significantly increasing state employee salaries to be more competitive with the private sector, offering signing and retention bonuses for high-demand jobs, and continuing to offer the best health care and retirement benefits to our dedicated employees.”

The state’s marketing communications campaign, which continues through October, integrates radio; social media; and outdoor, transit, and digital advertising.

StateJobs.Delaware.gov provides everything an individual needs to explore all opportunities available, understand job descriptions and benefits, and apply.

Media Contact:
Karen Smith, Communications Director
Cell: 302-505-6090
Karen.M.Smith@delaware.gov

UPDATE: Severe Weather Conditions & Emergencies Alert Thursday, February 18, 2021

State of Delaware offices in New Castle County are now closed on Thursday, February 18, 2021 during regular business hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees designated for severe weather are to report as scheduled.

Local nonprofits are encouraged to apply to participate in this year’s campaign through March 31.

DOVER, Del.— The State of Delaware and the State Employee Charitable Campaign Steering Committee invite local nonprofit organizations to apply to participate in the 2021 State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC). Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2021.

The SECC provides state employees and pensioners the opportunity to support organizations whose programs and services benefit the health and welfare of all Delawareans.

“Through the generosity of our state employees, participating nonprofits provide meals, shelter, and clothing to Delaware’s homeless, veterans, disadvantaged, and families in need,” said Governor Carney. “This past year, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for these vital services. The SECC provides employees the opportunity to support Delaware’s nonprofit community during a time when it’s needed the most.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the state’s annual giving campaign.

“State employees and pensioners are dedicated to their legacy of giving,” said Amy Bonner, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources and SECC Chairperson. “Despite telecommuting, social distancing, and the inability to host in-person events during the 2020 SECC, the campaign was still a great success. In its 30th year, we want to ensure that all eligible nonprofit organizations are aware of the opportunity to participate in SECC.”

Interested charities must submit their application by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. To learn if your organization is eligible to participate, please review the information on the Resources for Charities page of the SECC website.

For more information, contact Bridget Wallace, Statewide SECC Coordinator, by email at Bridget.Wallace@delaware.gov or SECC@delaware.gov or call 302-672-5226.

###

Severe Weather Conditions & Emergencies Alert Monday, February 1, 2021

State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will close from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm on Monday, February 1, 2021.

Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County are to leave for the day. Non-essential employees who work other shifts are to report at 4:30 pm or scheduled work time whichever is the later. Essential employees designated for severe weather are to remain at work or report as scheduled.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Friday announced the State of Delaware will host Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR) public meetings in each county as part of an ongoing review of state regulations. Governor Carney and members of his cabinet will host the meetings, and accept public comment on ways to improve state government and the delivery of state services.

The Delaware Departments of Labor; Health and Social Services; Education; Natural Resources and Environmental Control; and Transportation will be among the agencies participating. State of Delaware constituent relations staff also will be available to assist Delawareans with questions or concerns. 

“Since taking office, I have talked to Delawareans about our commitment to operating our state government as efficiently and effectively as possible – so we can focus on investing taxpayer dollars where they are needed most,” said Governor Carney. “These GEAR public meetings are another chance for us to hear directly from Delawareans on how we can improve our state government – and strengthen our work around education, public health, workforce training, and social service delivery. Members of our GEAR team have done important work to identify statewide improvements, and we are going on the road to hear directly from Delawareans about their priorities.”

Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February 2017 to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, and improve the delivery of state services for Delaware families.

A review of state regulations is required every four years by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The following executive branch agencies of the State of Delaware are accepting public comments: 

• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Education
• Department of Finance
• Department of Health and Social Services
• Department of Human Resources
• Department of Labor
• Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
• Department of Safety and Homeland Security
• Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families
• Department of State
• Department of Transportation
• Office of Management and Budget

Members of the public who would like to provide comments regarding state rules and regulations can submit comments online, by email, or by mail:

• • Online at: https://gear.delaware.gov/public-comment/ 
  • Email to: reg_review@delaware.gov
  • Mail comments to:

                       GEAR – Attn: James Myran
                       Carvel State Office Building
                       820 North French Street, 8th Floor, Office 813
                       Wilmington, Delaware 19801

 

Kent County – GEAR Town Hall

WHAT:          Governor John Carney and state agencies will host a GEAR Town Hall to accept public comment on which state regulations should be modified or eliminated.

WHO:             Governor John Carney

                        Secretary Rick Geisenberger, Delaware Department of Finance

                        James Myran, Executive Director, Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR)

                        Members of Governor Carney’s Cabinet

                        State Senator Trey Paradee

                        State Representative Bill Bush

                        State Representative Lyndon Yearick

                        Representatives from State of Delaware Agencies

WHEN:          Thursday, March 19, 2020

                        6:00 p.m.

WHERE:        Wilmington University, Dover Campus

                        Building A Auditorium

                        3282 N DuPont Highway

                        Dover, DE 19901

 

 

Sussex County – GEAR Town Hall

WHAT:          Governor John Carney and state agencies will host a GEAR Town Hall to accept public comment on which state regulations should be modified or eliminated.

WHO:             Governor John Carney

                        Secretary Rick Geisenberger, Delaware Department of Finance

                        James Myran, Executive Director, Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR)

                        Members of Governor Carney’s Cabinet

                        State Senator Brian Pettyjohn

                        State Senator David Wilson

                        State Senator Gerald Hocker

                        State Representative Ruth Briggs King

                        State Representative Daniel Short

                        State Representative Ronald Gray

                        State Representative Tim Dukes

                        State Representative Stephen Smyk

                        Representatives from State of Delaware Agencies

WHEN:          Tuesday, March 24, 2020

                        6:30 p.m.

WHERE:       Delaware Technical & Community College

                        Owens Campus – Arts and Science Center Theater

                        21179 College Drive

                        Georgetown, DE 19947

 

 

New Castle County – GEAR Town Hall

WHAT:          Governor John Carney and state agencies will host a GEAR Town Hall to accept public comment on which state regulations should be modified or eliminated.

WHO:             Governor John Carney

                        Secretary Rick Geisenberger, Delaware Department of Finance

                        James Myran, Executive Director, Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR)

                        Members of Governor Carney’s Cabinet

                        State Senator Darius Brown

                        State Representative Kendra Johnson

                        Representatives from State of Delaware Agencies

WHEN:          Monday, March 30, 2020

                        6:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Route 9 Library & Innovation Center

                        Black Box Theater and Multipurpose Room A

                        3022 New Castle Avenue

                        New Caste, DE 19720

 

 

###