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Reporter Tools About the agency
DHS and its contract partners deliver services and benefits to more than 1 million Oregonians a year, or more than one in four of the people who lived in the state at some time during the year. In addition, DHS public-health programs serve entire communities by monitoring drinking-water systems, inspecting restaurants, preventing communicable disease, maintaining vital records, preparing for bioterrorism and performing other functions. Back to top Integrated services DHS began reorganizing administrative and field operations in 2001 to streamline central-office functions and to improve services to those clients who receive more than one type of service. DHS created an Administrative Services group that centralized staff responsible for contracting and purchasing, facilities, financial services, forms and document management, human resources, and information services functions, which had been spread across the agency. Likewise, a single Finance and Policy Analysis office was created to manage the agency budget, forecast caseloads and costs for major DHS programs, review the impact of federal and state policies, and develop rates paid to DHS program providers. In the field, DHS began working toward a "no wrong door" approach in which clients, many of whom receive more than a single benefit or service, could find the benefit or service they needed at most DHS full-service offices. Back to top Organizational structure DHS leadership comprises a director, a deputy director and several assistant directors. The assistant directors are responsible for Administrative Services; Children, Adults and Families; Children, Adults and Families Field Services; Finance and Policy Analysis; Health Services; and Seniors and People with Disabilities. A DHS manager provides local leadership in each of the agency's 16 service delivery areas. For details, see the high-level organization charts and brief biographies of DHS leaders. History The 1971 Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Department of Human Resources, an agency providing a spectrum of human services to individuals, families and communities. Over the years parts of the agency were spun off, becoming the Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon Employment Department, the Oregon Youth Authority, and the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services. The 2001 Oregon Legislature reorganized the department and changed its name to the Oregon Department of Human Services. Back to top |
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