HHSA Job Shadow Program

About the Program

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

Year: 2009

San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Job Shadow Program is a low-cost, innovative approach to improving the quality of employee work life and contributing to the organization’s succession planning efforts. With support from management, this program provides 5,500 employees with opportunities to preview an assortment of jobs they are considering transferring and/or promoting to within HHSA. Having the opportunity to preview a job as part of career planning, employees are encouraged to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities that help them succeed in a chosen career path. Moreover, by previewing a job prior to accepting a promotion or transfer, the employees are empowered to make informed decisions in choosing career paths that enhance job satisfaction. Additionally, the Job Shadow Program creates an opportunity for the mentors to develop leadership and mentoring skills that contribute to their own professional growth by sharing their current job knowledge with a fellow employee. The program also helps expand cooperation and collaboration between HHSA’s many regions and divisions when employees exchange knowledge and share best practices. The Job Shadow Program is expected to empower the individual and strengthen the organization by developing an engaged and satisfied workforce committed to upholding HHSA’s values.