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Homeland Security

DHSTogether Employee and Organizational Resilience Safety Stand Down

The first Department of Homeland Security Safety Stand Down is an opportunity for all members of the Department to pause to consider employee resilience and wellness.

"Because our jobs often can be stressful, and sometimes dangerous, it is important that we work to build a culture of support and wellness. We must promote the health and well-being of our entire DHS workforce and ensure that employees have the tools and resources at their disposal to balance work and life issues – and the stresses that can result." --Secretary Janet Napolitano

Background

At the request of Secretary Janet Napolitano and Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute, the first Department of Homeland Security Safety Stand Down is an opportunity for all members of the Department to pause to consider employee resilience and wellness. The Secretary believes that the health and well-being of the entire Homeland Security workforce is critically important to effectively carry out our mission. The Stand Down will introduce a new employee and organizational resilience program called DHSTogether. Employees will hear from Secretary Napolitano and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alex Garza, learn what it means to be resilient, and have a facilitated group discussion exploring these issues and existing resources.

Overview

The Safety Stand Down is designed for a group setting. Materials consist of three elements: a video, a discussion guide, and component-specific resource guides. In order to ensure timely access to the video, it is highly recommended that the WMV be downloaded and tested beforehand.

All employees should view the video, use the discussion guide for a supervisor or facilitator-led discussion, and review/receive a takeaway copy of their Component’s resource guide.

As directed by Deputy Secretary Lute, the Stand Down is to be completed by the end of February 2010 by as many employees as possible without disrupting mission critical functions.

Instructions for Stand Down

Please follow instructions for your Component so that your participation will be counted.

  • Headquarters Components - In order to receive credit for participating in this program you should log in to DHScovery rather than watching directly from this web page. If you need assistance, contact your training coordinator.
     
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - will be using multiple methods to disseminate the program, as follows:
    • DVD/VTC
    • Web Conferencing via Adobe Connect
    • FEMA .NET
    • Reservist (non-deployed) workforce may directly access the materials and video below on this page
       
  • Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) - FLETC employees will participate in this program in either smaller, division level formats or at larger presentations where available. Employees should ensure their immediate supervisor is aware of when they complete the stand-down requirements. This information will be collected by Division Chiefs for submission to the FLETC POC Mike Poillucci.
     
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA) - The item for this program should be available on your Online Learning Center learning plan. To receive proper credit use your OLC account to complete and receive credit for the required activities. If you are having difficulties, please contact your local Training Manager/Specialist or Training Point of Contact for assistance.

    Transportation Security Administration/Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) - It is imperative to have this information recorded in FAMIS and OLC immediately after completion due to reporting commitments to the Department of Homeland Security.
     
  • United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - In order to receive credit for this program employees should log into the Virtual Learning Center rather than watching directly from this page.
     
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - USCIS employees will participate in this program in facilitated groups within their local offices. Employees will be notified by their local Resilience Initiative Facilitators regarding the schedule for all local events.

    Facilitators - A Resilience Initiative package is being sent to your local office including a hard copy of the DVD. The video is also located on the DHS.gov site, downloadable in a Windows Media File in advance of your session; please do not use the flash file.
     
  • United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - USICE personnel will participate in this program in facilitated groups. Employees will be notified through their supervisory chain when and where their office will conduct these sessions.

    Facilitators & Supervisors - If you will be using ICE-TV, ensure that your connection is working prior to your session. If you are going to download the file, please do so in advance of your session; please do not use the flash file. Please report your completion numbers through your Program Resilience POC.
     
  • United States Coast Guard (USCG) - Coast Guard personnel should access the DHS Employee and Organizational Resilience Program materials at the Coast Guard Portal. Once at the CG Portal, go to the CG Portal Collaboration Tab and do a Place Search for: “DHS Employee”
     
  • United States Secret Service (USSS) - For additional information or comment, please contact Mr. Ralph Biase, EAP Program Coordinator via email at Ralph.Biase@usss.dhs.gov.

Discussion Guide

Component Resource Guides

WMV File for Download

USCI Resilience Training Video
USCI Resilience Training Video Captions

Safety Stand Down Video

 

 

If you have questions about or problems with accessing this material, please email DHSTogether@dhs.gov to receive a version that is compatible with DHS system requirements for electronic communication.

 

 

Last Published Date: August 19, 2015

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