Oregon Department of Human Services Director’s Office

Oregon Department of Human Services Director’s Office


Episode 7

April 01, 2020

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) is operating very differently than it was just a few weeks ago. Some programs are operating virtually. Others are encouraging client communication by phone or online, and limiting in-person appointments so they can practice good physical distancing. Much of our workforce quickly converted to telework. We’re doing things we’ve never done before and we’re all learning how to navigate our way through this health crisis together. Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Deputy Director Liesl Wendt share stories from staff who are teleworking, many for the first time. “We want everyone to express their frustrations and their gratitude because we need to know all that so that we can take the right steps to meet their needs. We're all trying the best that we can. We're all in this together and we'll work through this together.  We'll get it done,” Director Pakseresht said.



Find more information for staff on the OWL.


Find more information for clients and the public on the DHS website.


Follow DHS on Twitter @OregonDHS.


Download full script by clicking here.