Health Care Reform - Achieving Success Through Partnerships

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

A strong benefits program creates a competitive edge in recruiting and retention in the public versus private sector, despite typically lower wages than private sector organizations. Camden County's ability to maintain a strong benefits program and a competitive edge in recruiting and retention was swiftly deteriorating. The goal became to improve the quality and the administration of the County's EHP by reviewing budgetary considerations and sustainability models through the reassignment of staff responsibilities, community business partners and other local government entities. Thus our mantra became: Reinvent the EHP and create a sustainable model that could be adapted and replicated at any level - local, state, and/or national. The model would include partnerships with citizens, community groups, other governmental entities, non-profits and local businesses. It consists of comprehensive benefits, financial sustainability, proactive reviews by the Departments of Finance & Budget and Human Resources, employee field meetings. It also includes community members with professional skills that complement the County's staff and include them in the solution, model, and team.