DOVER, Del. — With state workforce employment reflecting the population of Delaware, the Delaware Department of Human Resources Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues its annual Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Report as part of the state’s ongoing commitment to transparency and fostering diversity within Executive Branch Agencies.

Since the enactment of Governor Carney’s Non-Discrimination Policy through Executive Order No. 30 in 2019, each Executive Branch Agency has been mandated to develop and implement an EEO/AA Plan. These plans are filed annually with the Governor’s office to promote inclusion, support diversity, and enhance accountability.

“As Delaware’s largest employer, sustaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce is a priority that requires action and commitment,” said DHR Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “Governor Carney’s Administration has remained focused on embedding these principles at every level in every state agency as we recruit, promote and retain talented, qualified state employees.”

Delaware’s workforce, as indicated by the Fiscal Year 2023 EEO/AA Report, closely aligns with the state’s population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, minorities constitute 40% of Delaware’s total population, while females make up 51%. Similarly, within Executive Branch Agencies, minorities account for 39%, and females are 52% of the state’s workforce.

This annual review broadly examines the state’s workforce by sex, gender, and job category, and plays a crucial role in advancing diversity, while gauging the effectiveness of recruitment and retention efforts focused on diversity.

The report encompasses the Executive Branch, specifying exempt, merit, and union employees across all state agencies, including Agriculture, Correction, Education, Finance, Health and Social Services, Housing Authority, Human Resources, Labor, Management and Budget, National Guard, Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Safety and Homeland Security, State Police, Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, Information Technology, and Transportation.

Job roles are categorized based on Federal EEO-4 Guidelines, spanning Officials and Administrators, Professionals, Technicians, Protective Services, Office & Clerical, Paraprofessionals, Skilled Craft, and Service Maintenance.

Overall, the EEO/AA Report revealed the following key insights:

• On the whole, in FY23 Executive Branch employment levels increased in comparison to FY22, with approximately 12,560 Executive Branch employees across all agencies in FY23 versus 12,485 employees in FY22 for a (0.60%) change.
• In FY23 minorities (male/female combined) represented 4,838 (38.52%) of the State’s 12,560 employee workforce, a 0.76% increase as compared to FY22.
• At 6,543, females represent (52.09%) of the State’s workforce, the same percentage rate as in FY22.
• Minority females comprise 2,928 or (44.75%) of the female workforce, and (23.31%) of the total workforce.
• At 6,017 Males represent (47.91%) of the State’s workforce, the same percentage rate as in FY22.
• Minority males comprise 1,910 or (31.74%) of the male workforce, and (15.21%) of the total workforce.
• Employees voluntarily identifying as having a disability included 224 females, and 230 males, totaling 454 employees.

“By closely aligning our workforce with the state’s population demographics, we have successfully created a more representative and inclusive environment. The report’s findings highlight our commitment to advancing diversity and evaluating the effectiveness of our recruitment and retention efforts,” said Richard M. Potter, Jr, Chief Diversity Officer.

The Department of Human Resources encourages stakeholders, citizens, and organizations to explore the EEO/AA Report and engage in an ongoing dialogue about building a more diverse and transparent future.

To view the report, visit the Department of Human Resources website.

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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

More than $75M from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) can fund recruitment and retention payments for workers

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday announced more than $75 million in financial support for Delaware hospitals, long-term care facilities, and State of Delaware-operated 24/7 facilities. Funding can be used to make recruitment and retention payments to Delawareans working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in facilities that are facing significant staffing shortages.

The new support, which will help address potential staffing shortages in front line industries, is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA was championed in Congress by members of Delaware’s congressional delegation — Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester — and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.

Visit de.gov/rescueplan to learn more about how the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) is helping in Delaware.

“This new funding from the American Rescue Plan will help Delaware hospitals, long-term care facilities and State of Delaware facilities keep workers who have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis – and recruit qualified new workers into these critical roles,” said Governor Carney. “That’s exactly how this federal funding was meant to be used, and it will help these industries stabilize their workforces so we can continue fighting the COVID-19 pandemic at full strength. Most importantly, I want to thank our health care workers, emergency response personnel, and all those Delawareans who have gotten us through a difficult 19 months. Let’s make sure we’re all doing our part. Getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to finally put an end to this pandemic. Find a vaccination provider near you by visiting de.gov/getmyvaccine.”

“As a nurse, I know how difficult it has been on our frontline health care workers as we have battled the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank all of our health care workers for their tireless effort and dedication to keep our families and communities healthy and safe every day,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “This $75 million investment from the ARPA funding will support the workforce of our hospitals and long-term care facilities that continue to take care of Delawareans. Thank you to the federal Delegation for this additional recruitment and retention tool to ensure we have a robust and qualified healthcare workforce in Delaware.”

“Delaware’s frontline health care workers have been critical in keeping Delawareans safe and healthy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sens. Carper, Coons and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “We applaud Governor Carney for allotting $75 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, a bill your federal delegation voted to pass in March of this year, to fund hospitals, long-term care facilities, and state operated 24/7 facilities. This funding can be used for the recruitment and retention of health care staff throughout the state, a critical step to ensure that Delaware’s health care facilities have the staff necessary to continue their essential work.”

“We are grateful that the Governor is recognizing the tremendous burden COVID-19 response continues to visit upon our hospitals and health care facilities through provision of these funds,” said Wayne Smith, President & CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association. “Having the needed amount of front line workers to care for all who access our facilities is not optional. This announcement is a great help and very much appreciated.”

““The pandemic triggered unprecedented challenges for long-term care facilities and the seniors that rely on this care,” said Cheryl Heiks, Executive Director of the Delaware Health Care Facilities Association. “Today’s announcement demonstrates the commitment of both the Governor and Delaware’s federal delegation to the importance of these facilities and the critical care they provide.”

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on Tuesday announced a plan to use American Rescue Plan Act funds available to Medicaid programs to recruit and retain Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide home and community-based services to Delawareans with disabilities. Under DHSS’ plan, new DSPs employed on or after May 1, 2021, and existing DSPs who were employed prior to April 30, 2021, would be eligible for a one-time $1,000 payment if they work a minimum of 25 hours a week.

Governor Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long and members of Delaware’s congressional delegation have recently announced several initiatives funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Last week, Governor Carney announced plans to invest $26.4 million in affordable housing in Wilmington, $50 million for jobs training programs statewide, and $50 million to build a modern Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna. 

In Bridgeville last month, Governor Carney announced a $110 million plan to provide universal, wired broadband access for all Delaware homes and businesses. Delaware is aiming to become the first state to close every “last mile” with wired, high-speed broadband.

Additionally, Governor Carney and Lt. Governor Hall-Long announced a $100 million Community Investment Recovery Fund to support major, nonprofit capital projects statewide. 

Click here for the Community Investment Recovery Fund application for nonprofits. 

Visit de.gov/rescueplan to learn more about how the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) is helping in Delaware.

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Investments will expand Forward Delaware, and fund Pathways 2.0, which will expand the Pathways program to reach more than 6,000 Delaware middle school students and 80 percent of Delaware high school students

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Hall-Long joined private sector leaders at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) on Tuesday to announce a $50 million investment in workforce development, including an expansion of the Forward Delaware jobs-training program for industries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and additional work experience services for Delaware students.

The investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. ARPA was passed by Congress and then signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.

“We’re focused on investments that will build on the strengths of Delaware’s world-class workforce and support Delaware families and businesses who were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Carney. “These workforce development programs will help Delawareans develop the skills they need to succeed in a 21st century economy. And the expansion of our Pathways program will connect even more students with real-world work experience while they’re still in school. I want to thank President Biden and members of Delaware’s federal delegation for making these important resources available.”

Tuesday’s announcement includes a $15.8 million public-private expansion of Delaware’s Pathways program, which links education and workforce development programs and allows students to gain real-world work experience while in school.

“This investment in Delaware’s workforce will meet the challenges of tomorrow by working together, to strengthen Delaware’s economy, while providing our families the tools and skills they need to succeed,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “This public-private partnership makes strategic investments in our workforce that were not only hit the hardest during the pandemic as well as those that will lead us into the future with a focus on careers in STEM, healthcare, increasing women and minorities in construction, and our restaurant and hotel industry.”

Pathways 2.0will expand the Pathways program into Delaware middle schools, reaching more than 6,000 students. The investment will also grow the Pathways program in Delaware high schools to reach 32,000 students, about 80 percent of all students attending Delaware public high schools. Formed in 2015, the Pathways program currently serves about 20,000 high school students.

“The pandemic has made significant changes to our economy and workforce needs, and Delaware must adapt in order to be a competitive state with a first-class workforce now and in the future,” said Sens. Carper, Coons and Rep. Blunt Rochester. “We commend Governor Carney for his focus on workforce development throughout this difficult period, and Delaware Technical Community College for always adapting their programs to provide practical workforce needs.”

The State of Delaware will invest $8.3 million in the Pathways 2.0 expansion – targeting support for workforce development in health care, IT, finance, and engineering. The investments will also expand employer-driven apprenticeship programs that allow Delawareans to “earn and learn” in high-growth, high-wage industries.

Private and public entities contributed major funding toward the next phase of work through 2024, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, Walton Family Foundation, ASA (American Student Assistance), JPMorgan Chase, the Delaware Business Roundtable Education Committee (DBREC), and the Delaware Department of Education (DOE).

“Delaware is an important proof point for the nation on how states can rethink their schools as economic engines for the 21st century,” said Jenny Sharfstein Kane of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Bloomberg Philanthropies was proud to help catalyze Delaware’s pathways system in 2018, and we’re excited to partner to accelerate this work even further. This is also a significant example of how private and public funding can come together to mobilize maximum support and impact of the work.

“Young adults want meaningful, applicable learning experiences as they craft their unique path to a successful life,” said Romy Drucker, Interim Director of the K-12 Education Program for the Walton Family Foundation. “Only with deeper connections and collaboration between K-12 schools, colleges and employers can this be the reality for all students.”

“Delaware’s collaborative efforts will further ‘blur the lines’ between school and work—and make the world after graduation much more tangible and attainable for thousands of young people,” said Rodman Ward III, president and CEO of Corporation Service Company (CSC) and board chair of Rodel, a nonprofit that supports the public-private partnership in career pathways.

“We know that middle school is a crucial point in the education continuum when there is an enormous opportunity to help students better know themselves and understand their long-term education and career goals,” said ASA President and CEO Jean Eddy. “However, middle schoolers often experience stress when thinking about the future because there are so few resources available to help them plan. We are excited to partner with the state and other dedicated funders to significantly increase access to highly effective and engaging career exploration experiences that will empower thousands of young people to discover their interests, explore their options, and get hands-on experience that can help build students’ confidence in the future, as well as the skills necessary for their long-term success.”

“The negative, financial effects of the pandemic have disproportionately affected restaurants more than any other business sector, and with 5,000 open positions statewide, Delaware’s restaurant industry will only recover with a skilled workforce,” said Carrie Leishman, President and CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association. “With 98% of Delaware restaurants reporting open positions, these funds will be used to rapidly advance training into all corners of our state, by supporting opportunity and upward mobility for those seeking to enter and re-enter the hospitality industry. We thank the Governor for continuing to support restaurants and the 46,000 Delawareans that make up its workforce.”

“This funding will accelerate our pathways models—bringing more students face-to-face with employers, while providing opportunities to earn college credit and industry credentials sooner,” said Joseph Jones, superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District.

Additionally, the investments announced on Tuesday will support:

• $1.5 million – Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) Workforce Programs. Training programs will be offered statewide and designed to assist Delaware workers and their families who have been impacted most by the COVID-19 crisis. The initiative will focus on health care, logistics, and transportation. 
• $1.2 million – Expansion of Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Workforce Development Academy. Funding seeks to increase the participation of women, minorities, and disadvantaged Delawareans seeking employment in the highway construction industry. 
• $1 million – Restaurant and Hotel Industry Support. Funding will focus on training and pathways to employment for Delawareans seeking employment in Delaware’s hospitality industry. 

“DelDOT is making significant infrastructure investments across our state and it is important we are doing all we can to build the workforce of today and tomorrow and establishing a workforce that looks like the communities we represent,” said Nicole Majeski, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation.

“We are pleased that the Governor has continued investment in Forward Delaware. The program has become a recognized hub for employers and employees seeking information, data and resources to help Delawareans impacted by the COVID Pandemic,” said Karryl Hubbard, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. “These critical federal funds will enhance an already successful model for developing and upskilling workers and will positively impact employment prospects for many underserved groups across the state. We look forward to working with our partners and providing training for critical industry needs.”

Click here to view video from today’s announcement.

Click here to view photos from today’s announcement.

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Community call-to-action issued for workforce support

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney expanded his community call-to-action on Saturday morning, urging all Delaware citizens with health care and child care experience to offer their expertise in Delaware’s fight against COVID-19.

Last week, Governor Carney urged citizens, businesses and nonprofits with access to emergency materials and supplies to support Delaware’s response.

The State of Delaware has launched an online application portal at de.gov/coronavirus to recruit Delawareans with health care and early education credentials to fill critical positions in our health care and emergency child care workforce.

Click here if you can offer to work in health care, child care, or early education.

“We need all Delaware citizens, businesses, and nonprofits to support Delaware’s response to COVID-19,” said Governor Carney. “If you have experience in health care or child care especially, please sign up at de.gov/coronavirus and help us fill critical positions. Thank you to all of Delaware’s health care workers who have been on the front lines, risking their own health and safety to protect others. Thank you to Delaware’s child care workers, our grocery store employees, teachers, and all Delawareans who are stepping up for their neighbors during this difficult time. We’ll get through this, but it will take all of us.”

If you are looking for ways to support Delaware’s response – and specifically if you have expertise in areas of medicine, public health, and/or behavioral health – please apply through the online workforce portal. Applications will be reviewed by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and shared with institutions in need across Delaware. Anyone who is licensed or certified to work in child care or education is also encouraged to submit their information for potential temporary employment by emergency child care sites. Applications will be reviewed by Delaware’s Office of Early Learning.

The community call-to-action also reminds Delawareans that donations of cleaning supplies and other items for emergency child care sites are urgently needed.

Click here if you are a citizen, business or nonprofit with materials and supplies to support Delaware’s response.

Critical needs include:

• Hand sanitizer
• Sanitizing Wipes
• Nitrile Gloves
• Tyvek Suits
• N95 Masks
• Face shields and/or eye protection
• Impermeable gowns

Delawareans with questions about COVID-19, related to medical or social service needs, should call 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Questions may also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit: de.gov/coronavirus.

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