P&P August 2015
our do’ers profile
In Our Do’ers Profile, we highlight some of the hardworking and talented individuals in public human services. This issue features Rachael Wong, director of the Hawaii Department of Human Services.
Name: Rachael Wong, DrPH Title: Director, State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) Term of Service: Eight months Rewards of the Job: First, leading what feels like the biggest, best nonprofit in the state because of the mission-driven nature of this agency and our team. Second, having the opportunity to truly address the social determinants of health and impact the trajectory of current and future gen- erations in Hawaii. Third, it’s all about our neighbors: As our team will say, it comes down to making one more child safe, covering one more individual, providing benefits to one more family, and finding one more person a home. This is why we are all here. Accomplishments Most Proud Of: First, bringing together stakeholders to address social service licensing period—color changes based on percentage of rules moni- tored and period end date; Flag feature allows staff to flag and un-flag specific rules for a center, usually as a reminder to follow up or re-check rule at next visit; Tag feature allows users to create own custom rule groupings; and Synchronization is transparent to users—even when an Internet con- nection is not available. WISCONSIN continued from page 27
create social contracts, make human services a community responsibility, and change the narrative. We are col- laborating to bring down silos and streamline efficiencies, and all of this will take time and shared effort. Changing culture is not easy, but we have a great team and can do it together. Little Known Facts About Me: I root for Roger Federer (tennis), University of Hawaii (all sports), and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels (basketball). I don’t get jet-lagged. I have two dogs named Mana and Pua (manapua is a type of Chinese dim sum in Hawaii). Outside Interests: Yoga and boot camp, traveling, and good (healthy) food. I hope to get back to reading, but I’m not sure when that will happen!
and health care issues that affect us all. One example is hosting a gathering with leaders from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) states, the state- based marketplace, and our Medicaid program. This grew into other meetings that included local hospitals, federally qualified health centers, physicians, and health plans to address the unique and complex needs of this community, which we will continue to do. Second, the lawsuits, press conferences, and legislation that did not happen. Future Challenges for the Delivery of Public Services: Our department provides programs and services to one in four residents in Hawaii, and we know that we need to invest in our programs, IT system, and people to be able to become more efficient and innovative in what we do. Concurrently, we are developing relationships with policymakers, community stakeholders, and the media so we can build partnerships, of 2015, we have already noticed the following improvements: Child care providers are receiving results of their visits 1.5 business days faster; Licensing staff are averaging 3.5 more visits per FTE; The average number of violations issued per visit did not change; The average length of time spent at a center for monitoring did not change; and The average length of time pro- viding on-site technical assistance or determining readiness for an
initial license increased by nearly 14 minutes.
Fingerprint background checks and the Child Care Checklist app modern- ization efforts have helped Wisconsin keep moving forward in regulating child care programs. The next challenge will be implementing the new CCDBG requirements, creating new opportuni- ties for innovation, and modernization efforts in early childhood education.
In comparing data from the second quarter of 2014 to the second quarter
Jason Wutt oversees theWisconsin State Bureau of Early Care Regulation.
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