Below you will find links to different articles and documents that can be helpful when telecommuting:
Atziri, an employee of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, witnessed firsthand the power of City entities working together in unison to fight against the spread of COVID-19. Through the partnership of St. Joseph’s Church and various City entities including the LAPD, LAHSA, and the LA County’s Fire Department, Atziri’s work at the Hollywood Recreation Center couldn’t have been more rewarding. “The care, attention, and passion that the leadership put into their work made me work harder and provide my work with excellence.”
“We all worked together for one common goal, to help beat this virus! This experience has made me come home and hug my kids a little tighter at night. Truly humbling and rewarding, I am blessed to be given the honor to serve as a DSW.”
Together we thank Atziri and the rest of the team that has been working to help protect the most vulnerable populations during this time of crisis.
The City of Los Angeles has a number of “drive-through” COVID-19 testing sites which rely on City personnel to keep the procession of cars moving in a safe and orderly manner as samples are being collected from the patrons.
#DisasterServiceWorker Noel, an employee of the Los Angeles Public Library answered the call to help. “I wanted to do something for the people of California who are suffering from COVID-19.” He continued “if we can help someone get better, then that is a marvelous accomplishment and an extremely satisfying one.”
Noel and other Disaster Service Workers, like his colleague Hannah, view themselves as models who become of the City’s positive spirit despite not wearing a uniform and badge like their LAFD counterparts. Hannah explains, “A true helper does not work for money, but to answer that SOS call, whenever and wherever.” The community views them as true heroes.
Hannah helps those in need during this crisis because she hopes that if she or one of her family members ever needs help someday, someone would rise up to the call and help. Our Disaster Service Workers are called upon on a daily basis to serve. We and our community thanks you for answering the call!
Natalie arrived at her assigned Recreation Center where a temporary housing facility had been constructed to help shelter some of LA’s most vulnerable homeless population. It was the genuine care and concern of the leadership team from the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and the Fire Department that resonated with Natalie the most. Jennifer, a Director of RAP, kept the operation running as smoothly and safely as possible while caring for the patrons and volunteers who were faced with adjusting to these uncertain times.
Natalie situated herself with personal protective equipment and joined other City Disaster Service Workers to provide care for the shelter patrons. Natalie’s experience as a Disaster Service Worker added to the pride and sense of accomplishment that she already had as a City employee. “I commend all the workers that have stepped up and taken on new responsibilities as a DSW.” The experience of working with LA’s homeless population opened her eyes not only to the needs of the City and its vulnerable homeless population, but also to how wonderful the City truly is when it comes together during a time of crisis.
Art, an employee in the Personnel Department, volunteered to work as a DSW. He was assigned to the Westwood Recreation Center, which was setup as one of the City’s temporary homeless shelters designed to prevent the transmission of the Coronavirus among the homeless population. His duties included feeding homeless residents at the shelter. Kitchen duties included serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snack breaks to temporary residents. Although he received praise from residents every time he served food, he felt that one resident really deserved the praise.
Art said “There were over 100 homeless residents at the time, and before lunch began a resident asked me if he could play the piano that was in the main dining area, for other shelter residents eating. Out of curiosity I asked why, and the resident simply said ‘I want to put people here at ease during these tough times, at least while they eat.’” Art then asked the Facility Manager who gave approval. As the resident began playing the piano, foregoing his own lunchtime slot, Art said “Something really awesome seemed to happen, the residents eating lunch really appreciated the music, quite a few were clapping in admiration! To me, that was a true lesson in kindness and compassion. I really appreciate the praise I received as a DSW, although more importantly I gained a true appreciation for the people I’m helping. I look forward to continuing my DSW service to this wonderful City.”
Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Los Angeles City employees were asked to serve as Disaster Service Workers (DSW) at shelters to assist in providing housing and meals to the homeless population. Jessica, an employee of the Personnel Department, had the opportunity to serve at the Westwood Recreation Center site, which housed over a hundred homeless persons.
Jessica shares, “In a time where we are told to distance ourselves and to remain in our homes as much as possible, the thought of serving at a homeless shelter can be intimidating.” However, as she was assured her safety was a priority, she felt she had no real reason not to give it a try.
Jessica’s day began by putting on personal protective equipment including coveralls, gloves, and a mask. Then the on-site nurses checked her temperature just as they do for residents. From there, the DSW team prepared and served meals to residents, released residents to utilize the showers, and assisted the nurses in checking new residents in and out.
The care DSWs provide are the simple necessities: shelter, food, and basic medical attention, but it means so much to this population who rarely sees it. Jessica shares, “Between tasks, I found myself making conversation with the residents. Listening to their stories and appreciation for our service was heart-warming.”
Since working at the recreation center, Jessica has taken on a number of other DSW tasks. The feeling of contentment and fulfillment by helping others prompts Jessica to continue her service, time and time again.
With 14 years of service to the City of Los Angeles as a Librarian dedicated to helping children grow a love of books and the written story, Ednita’s natural character to serve continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ednita has provided almost 100 hours of service and shows no sign of slowing down. She explains it was a natural transition from assisting members of the public at her library branch to assisting the community’s most vulnerable populations.
Ednita first assisted at a Department of Recreation and Parks shelter. Primarily in charge of meal preparation and distribution, Ednita would ensure that everyone was taken care of which sometimes meant serving the elderly their desserts first. One patron would repeatedly approach Ednita. “Do you need anything?” Ednita would ask. The woman simply would reply, “No, I just wanted to say, Thank you. Thank you for feeding us.”
The homeless weren’t the only ones to benefit from Ednita’s caring demeanor and smile. Elderly residents of a community in the San Fernando Valley also enjoyed repeat visits from her as she delivered freshly prepared meals to them. Despite some doors displaying “Not taking visitor” signs, the habitants were happy and grateful to answer Ednita’s knock at the door.
Ednita experiences have inspired other library employees to take on Disaster Service Worker assignments. She asks you to consider joining her in making a difference. “We owe it to the health care and essential workers. If you don’t have children or health care concerns, we owe it to them to lend a hand. Be open to the experience. You’ll likely have a great time and meet people in the City and other Departments.”
Natalie, an employee with the Personnel Department, arrived at her assigned location where a temporary housing facility had been constructed to help shelter some of LA’s most vulnerable homeless population. It was the genuine care and concern of the leadership team from the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and the Fire Department that resonated with Natalie the most. Jennifer, a Director of RAP, kept the operation running as smoothly and safely as possible while caring for the patrons and volunteers who were faced with adjusting to these uncertain times.
Natalie situated herself with personal protective equipment and joined other City Disaster Service Workers to provide care for shelter patrons. Natalie’s experience as a Disaster Service Worker added to the pride and sense of accomplishment that she already had as a City employee. “I commend all the workers that have stepped up and taken on new responsibilities as a DSW.” The experience of working with LA’s homeless population opened her eyes, not only to the needs of the City and its vulnerable homeless population, but also to how wonderful the City truly is when it comes together during times of crisis.
The COVID-19 crisis has trembled the fabric of society within the City of Los Angeles, the nation, and the entire world. But when the Mayor enacted the Disaster Service Worker (DSW) program, Dang Nguyen from the Los Angeles Department of City Planning immediately volunteered to head to the front lines.
Dang has completed dozens of DSW assignments to assist in feeding and clothing the homeless. He has served at Recreational Center Shelters (NoHo, Granada Hills, Westwood), worked for “Project Roomkey” (Koreatown, Van Nuys), and is currently serving as a Business Ambassador in DTLA. He shares, "[It's] not always easy or simple, especially now during times of stress, and uncertainty”. However, tender moments like when he listened to shelter resident Charlotte sing R&B songs about love and loss in Van Nuys, or when he witnessed a shelter resident in Westwood fill the entire lunch room with beautiful ambient piano music that echoed into the kitchen where he worked, keep Dang committed to focusing on the human element and the importance of empathy and connectivity during these trying times.
Today, he continues to join hundreds of individuals on the frontlines including other DSWs, Healthcare Professionals (from Nurses, Social Workers, Department of Mental Health agents), local community leaders, and many others who embark on the same mission: to keep #LAstrong.
Unwavering commitment to public service comes naturally to some. Much like that of Daniel, a Communications Engineer Associate, who first served his country in the United States Air Force before transitioning to a civil role with the National Guard, and then becoming an engineer with the City of Los Angeles. His service hasn’t stopped there. In April, Daniel volunteered as a Disaster Service Worker.
Working with a small team of personnel from various departments, Daniel first served the homeless population at a local hotel in the San Fernando Valley. Working as a team, he assisted nurses with wellness checks, sanitized frequently touched surfaces, and delivered comfort and meals to residents. Teamwork was the name of the game, as DSWs paired up, shared responsibility, and looked out for each other during the crisis.
Daniel now assists the overloaded 311 system, answering calls from concerned renters, seniors in need of food, and others who seek information about COVID-19 testing. “Our heaviest times are right after the Mayor’s weekly address” Daniel explains, as constituents call in to find out more information about services. Calls from senior citizens, one of our most vulnerable populations, draws at Daniel’s heartstrings. “It feels good. We want them to stay home and stay safe. [The Department of Aging meal service] is a great program.”
Though Daniel finds fulfillment in his regular employment with the City, he reminds us, “It’s good to get out of your silo. Engineering can be pretty technical and it’s nice to have a change. It’s good to see people coming together and caring about doing the right thing.”
LaTonya, an employee of the Personnel Department, recently had the pleasure of working as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) for the Senior Meals Program. As a phone operator for the Senior Meals Program hotline, LaTonya assisted with the coordinated efforts of the delivery of healthy meals to over 12,000 seniors in the City of Los Angeles. She completed intake forms for seniors interested in enrolling, answered questions about the program, and provided information about other resources available to seniors.
LaTonya shares with us, “I was able to perform these duties while telecommuting from home which was a safe way to help seniors and provide a valuable service to the public. The best part of my assignment was meeting awesome seniors who briefly shared how COVID-19 has affected them and, on occasion, also sharing a few much-needed laughs.”
LaTonya’s dedication to serving the seniors members of our community has not gone unnoticed and brought some relief to those who need it most. “I really enjoyed my experience as a DSW and I am glad I was able to assist with such a critical program. I hope that my contribution was impactful and helped to serve our seniors.”
With 25 years of experience as a pile driver, those who know Sylvia best may describe her as one tough lady. However, the strength that comes with taking on a non-traditional job is balanced by the generosity and joy of Sylvia’s heart. Sylvia regularly sits with, feeds, and cares for homeless persons who live in her neighborhood, earning her the nickname of “Mom.” “They are our neighbors, in a house or not,” Sylvia explains. Recently, however, Sylvia’s generosity has reached far past that of her neighborhood into downtown Los Angeles, where she cares for patrons of Project Room Key.
Sylvia began her Disaster Service Worker (DSW) experience by assisting with the intake of patrons at a downtown hotel. A constant ingress of patrons checked in to the hotel to maximum capacity, each needing to be processed with personal items being sterilized, temperatures taken by a nurse, and shown to their rooms. After the hotel reached capacity, Sylvia tasks transferred to food service. She and other DSWs and volunteers prepared and delivered meals to each room. She also assists patrons with special requests, like clothing which Sylvia collects from the Salvation Army to fulfill the request.
Sylvia describes, “It’s a very rewarding experience. It’s hard to hold back the feeling as you’re working with them.”Sylvia connects with the patrons, listens to them, and educates them about employment services like the City’s Target Local Hire (TLH) program, and gives them hope. Sylvia’s strength, kindness, and generosity of service as a city employee and DSW is driven by her mantra, “One world. One people.”
Nikki, an employee of the Department of Transportation (DOT), has always taken pleasure in serving her community. Nikki began her service with the City of Los Angeles as a crossing guard with the Department of Transportation, ensuring the safety of children making their way to and from school.
Most recently, Nikki has graciously volunteered her food handling skills as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), serving the homeless population in temporary shelters throughout the City. She was first called to service at a shelter in central Los Angeles where she quickly took to the kitchen, putting her skills to use, warming food and serving the patrons. She shares, “I felt bad that they were in the situation that they were in. There were just people down on their luck. It’s sad we have these older people, not much older than myself, and they just don’t have anyone. It became overwhelmingly fulfilling to help.”
Nikki then rotated through three different Project RoomKey locations -- hotels used as temporary shelters. Again, Nikki put her skills into action, creating procedures that ensured patrons received warm meals and made to meet special dietary restrictions. “We had to be efficient, fair, and consistent. No one wants cold food. We numbered [the meals] and strategized distribution to floors so everyone gets a hot meal.”
Nikki’s efforts have had a residual effect, as she trained incoming Disaster Service Workers on the developed procedures. Like other DSWs and patrons, Nikki has been moved by this experience. She shared, “It was a great experience, everyone pooled together, and people appreciated it.”
One could say that “Safety” is Keith’s middle name. When he’s not busy investigating complaints of illegal construction activities and building violations in South Los Angeles, he’s helping to guide businesses through the latest COVID-19 mandates. The Department of Building and Safety employee began his assignment as a Disaster Service Worker in mid-March, the beginning of Los Angeles’ pandemic quarantine period, as a member of the Mayor’s Business Ambassador program.
“I feel a sense of personal satisfaction for being on the front line; assisting the mayor’s task force for enforcing the corona virus protocols,” Keith expresses about his duties. Since March, he’s dedicated 20-30 hours a week to help educate businesses about the latest mandates. From the beginning to the most recent modifications in orders, businesses try to cooperate to the best of their ability and knowledge. “Initially it was difficult [for owners] to understand the new normal. They just needed some assistance,” Keith mentions about the first days of the mandate regarding essential and non-essential businesses.
Keith continues his work in South Los Angeles, visiting businesses, helping to guide them to stay in compliance, and educating the public on safety protocols. “[I’m] glad we jumped on [the Stay at Home orders] as soon as we did and that people saw the need to practice these measures to protect each other, protect the children, and protect the community. In the long run we’ll be sincerely grateful for the measures that the City put into place. It’s a great thing. I’m glad to be a part of it. I’m proud to be a Disaster Service Worker.”
Thank you for participating in the Disaster Service Worker (DSW) program for the City of Los Angeles! As a City employee, your day-to-day roles and responsibilities directly impact the lives of people who live, work, and play in the City of LA. During an emergency or disaster, the City may ask you to perform work outside the normal scope of your duties as a DSW. In our current COVID-19 crisis, you will be helping our homeless neighbors and supporting the most vulnerable communities among us. Duties may include serving and planning meals, hotel/motel registrations, assisting on-site nurses, assisting at testing sites, responding to calls from patrons or other duties as assigned. All public employees in the State of California are considered Disaster Service Workers. As a DSW, you will never be asked to perform any duty or function you do not know how to perform or have not received adequate training to complete.
The City of Los Angeles has deployed over 1,000 DSWs from nearly every City department to help provide and support LA Love. During this time, these employees show pride in their new roles and responsibilities which directly impact the lives of people who live, work, and play in the City of Los Angeles.
Thank you to all the frontline heroes for fighting this fight together and sharing their stories.
Atziri credits the solidarity of various departments and non-profits which enables her to perform at her
best while serving the City as a DisasterServiceWorker.
Disaster Service Workers work alongside LAFD and medical professionals to administer tests for COVID-19 at locations throughout the city.
Natalie selflessly steps up as a #DisasterServiceWorker to help care for LA’s homeless patrons at one of the City’s temporary shelters.
Special thanks goes out to Disaster Service Workers from the City of Los Angeles as they are called into action to serve as everyday heroes during these unprecedented times. We are so proud of you. Thank you for all that you continue to do to keep #LAStrong.
Here are some useful links to help keep you informed and up-to-date:
The following FAQs have been developed to provide guidance regarding the Disaster Service Worker program.
FAQs for DSWsHere are some useful links to DWS and Emergency Information Websites:
The following FAQs have been developed to provide guidance on personnel issues regarding COVID-19.
FAQs for DSWs
