Rumor Has It
Hear a rumor? Get the real story.
By Henry A. Alvarez III
SAHA President and CEO
Whenever there’s a change in a large organization, rumors are bound to start. With the announcement that SAHA would implement the HUD-mandated model of site-based management at all public housing communities, rumors have spread like Spurs fever during a playoff run.
Rumors are nasty little viruses that grow stronger on speculation and “educated” guesses. Fueled by fear and frustration, rumors can grow unmanageable. Organizations spend valuable resources and time fighting rumors, and may get so distracted dealing with the rumors, they lose focus on keeping the workforce informed.
Since the site-based management announcement, rumors have sprung up like weeds. And like weeds, we have to pluck them before they get out of hand.
There are two tried-and-true methods for controlling rumors. First, we have a responsibility to ensure you get all the information you need to make informed decisions. Second, we have to be responsive to rumors as they come up.
To keep you informed, we’re using every resource to get information to you. We’re posting questions and answers in this newsletter, creating an area on the desktop for site-based management information, and are actively working to give you a complete picture of the conversion process as it develops. However, much of the switch to site-based management is a leap into the unknown. So, while we may not accurately predict what’s going to happen next, we will make it work for SAHA, our employees and our residents.
Managers and supervisors are our first line of defense in the battle against rumors. If you hear a rumor, tell your manager or supervisor. Call your department vice president. Or send me an e-mail. Someone should and will answer your question to the best of their ability. And if they can’t, they will get the answer for you.
The site-based management conversion is going to be a difficult challenge for SAHA. Don’t make it any harder than it has to be. Don’t spread rumors, and when you hear one, go ask a supervisor to give you the right information.
Site-Based Management Questions Answered
Questions and answers about SAHA's new direction.
(Editor’s Note: If you have questions not answered here, please contact Human Resources at ext. 6118 or via e-mail at Gerald_avila@saha.org).
1. What is site-based management?
Site-based management is a radical departure from the way public housing --- and SAHA’s affordable housing --- has operated for more than half a century. In short, every property must be self-sufficient. Like private-industry property managers, our managers will be responsible for nearly every aspect of the property, and must break even financially to remain viable.
2. Why are we switching?
In March 2006, the U.S. Department of Urban and Housing Development directed all public housing authorities to begin operating under the private-industry management model of site-based management. SAHA has targeted July 2006 to switch all our properties to site-based management and accounting.
3. How will the switch to site-based management affect my job?
SAHA needs highly motivated, flexible, dedicated and professional employees. Everyone will have a chance to contribute to our success during and after the conversion process, and the conversion will affect all employees in one way or another. Some employees may be relocated -- maintaining their same basic functions, but relocated to properties or other departments. Others may be reassigned – these employees will be asked to take on different roles within the organization because their present positions will no longer exist. But despite rumors you may have heard, SAHA will not have layoffs. We will find a role for every employee who wants to be a part of the new SAHA.
4. Will there be any workforce reductions?
As a result of overall federal funding cuts, we may need to cut back on hiring and eliminate some positions through attrition. We have budgeted a less than five percent reduction in total workforce numbers through FY 2007.
5. Are employees going to be relocated to the properties?
Yes, many will. Site-based management means as many property-related functions as possible need to be based at the properties. As a result, many jobs once staffed out of the Central Office will move to property offices in the field.
6. Is every job moving?
No. Some functions will remain at the Central Office.
7. Where will we put people in the field?
We’re studying ways to create more workspace for people at the properties. Every person will have the workspace necessary to perform his or her duties.
8. If I move during the conversion to site-based management, will I have to move again?
Possibly. While we hope to minimize the impact of the conversion on our employees, revisions and refinements in the assignments of employees may be necessary as we monitor the impact of site-based management on operations and finances.
9. What if I am assigned to a new location or a new job, and I decide I don’t like it?
SAHA wants to keep every employee and will do all it can to match employees to jobs or locations where they will perform well. That said, some jobs will need to be performed in other locations and some will need to be eliminated. If we ask an employee to consider a change, it’s because their old role is evolving or going away entirely. If the employee doesn’t want the new job or location, there is likely no “old job” or location remaining for the employee to stay in. However, after the change, relocated or reassigned employees that may be dissatisfied are encouraged to apply for any relevant internal job postings.
10. If I apply for a new position, and decide I don’t like it, what recourse do I have?
Any SAHA employee who applies to an internal job posting and is selected to serve in the new position, must remain in that new position for at least six months before applying for a different position with the agency. However, if you are assigned a new job or location as a relocated or reassigned employee and you want to make a change, you are eligible to apply for any internal postings. SAHA encourages all employees to seek skill-broadening and career-enhancing opportunities.
11. How will any move affect my pay?
If you move to a new job as a result of the conversion process, you will receive the higher of either your current pay rate or the rate of the new job.
12. When will job relocations and conversions begin?
The voluntary and strategic realignment of some employees and positions is already underway. We believe completing the conversion process sooner than later is better for everyone involved and will give the agency the best opportunity to adapt and refine.
13. What kind of additional training will be available?
We believe training is essential to help our employees succeed in site-based management. We’re still reviewing training needs, but current plans call for sessions on budgeting and finance; customer service; leadership skills; financial and reporting software; purchasing procedures; HUD reporting requirements; risk management; security and safety issues; employee performance management; and more.
14. How will the change affect the wage and compensation study?
The wage and compensation study is almost complete, and we’ll utilize the recommendations from that study to help facilitate the site-based management conversion.
15. What happens if I’m in an “acting” position?
If you have been in an acting position for more than 90 days and have been paid at a higher rate than you would normally receive in your regular position, you will maintain your existing higher pay rate if you are relocated or reassigned into a new position.
16. How will site-based management affect our properties?
The properties become the site our primary focus. Property managers will have far more duties and responsibilities; overseeing many functions that were previously performed at other locations.
17. How will it affect our residents?
Initially, customers will be asked to contact the property management office, instead of a centralized phone number, for all management and maintenance needs. Also, because site-based management demands properties become financially viable, some property managers may have to be stricter with residents who are habitually late with rent or violate lease provisions. Also, we expect some resident service programs may change as a result of the funding changes or constraints, but it’s too early to tell the extent at this time.
18. How will the conversion to site-based management affect SAHA’s management structure?
Management positions in some departments will be only minimally affected, while others will be restructured and/or reassigned. Additionally, some newly established positions will be internally posted to provide an opportunity for only existing employees to apply. Please remember, if you apply for a new position and you are not selected, you can always choose to remain in your relocated or reassigned position. Organizational charts for all departments and workgroups are being reviewed to comply with site-based management. As organizational charts receive final approval, they will be posted on SAHA’s Intranet and Internet.
19. How does site-based management affect our revitalization and construction plans?
We’re going ahead with our revitalization and construction plans. Site-based management puts emphasis on the quality of the product we offer, and we know many of our properties urgently need revitalization.
20. How do I get answers to specific policy and procedures questions?
Your supervisor is always the first person to ask when you have questions about specific plans, policies and procedures, and you are always welcome to visit with our Human Resources department.
Wellness Tips
Reducing stress and a morning treat.
} Restoring balance reduces stress
Career, family, finances, and unrealistic goals/expectations are just some of the common causes of stress in our lives. In order to avoid health risks associated with stress such as fatigue and depression, we can begin to restore balance by exercising regularly. Yoga, one form of exercise proven to decrease stress and increase relaxation, also provides a multitude of physical health benefits. When executed properly, yoga improves flexibility and muscle joint mobility, strengthens and tones muscles, increases stamina and vitality, improves brain function and digestion, decreases cholesterol and blood sugar levels and increases circulation and immune responses.
} Sunrise Smoothie: Start your morning right
For a good-for-you summertime treat, this simple recipe gives you maximum health benefits with minimum calorie and fat gain.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1 mango
½ cup 100% orange juice
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 cup ice, crushed
Toss in blender, blend, drink.
A Hero Remembered
A familiar name for a new school
If the name of the Judson School District’s newest elementary school seems familiar, it’s because it has a strong connection to one of SAHA’s own.
The Judson School Board recently voted to name its newest elementary school after slain U.S. Border Patrol Agent Ricardo Salinas, a 1992 Judson High School graduate killed in an ambush while investigating a shooting in the Rio Grande Valley in 1998. Ricardo Salinas Elementary School is scheduled to open in 2007.
Salinas is the son of Art Salinas, Cassiano Homes property manager and long-time SAHA employee.
"Ricardo was not a star athlete," Art said of his son’s contributions. "He was not a class leader. He was neither an educator nor a former superintendent. He was just an ordinary average kid who chose to take a stance and make a difference."
Congratulations Leticia A. Martinez
Keep up the good work.
Leticia A. Martinez, SAHA's Intergovernmental Relations Manager, was recently recognized at SAHA's May 4 Board meeting for receiving the Texas NAHRO President's "Keep On Keeping On" award. Congratulations to Leticia for her diligent work on behalf of San Antonio citizens and SAHA. Way to go!
Mystery Employee
Can you guess who this is?
Here are some clues for this month’s Mystery Employee: He is caring and friendly. His favorite color is green, because it reminds him of Spring. An avid reader, he also likes rock music and action movies. He loves to sample foods from different cultures, including Chinese, Greek, Indian, Japanese and others. Not only is he a loyal Spurs fan looking forward to a strong playoff run from the team this year, he's also a soccer enthusiast and is ready to watch this year's World Cup Tournament.
If you think you can identify this employee, e-mail sandy_patel@saha.org or call 477-6128. This Mystery Employee’s identity will be revealed in next month’s issue.
SAHA Spotlight
Deadra Ellis: Hurricanes, stereotypes and a new home.
In a lot of ways, Deadra Ellis is an ambassador for New Orleans residents affected by Hurricane Katrina. Ellis and her family left the Crescent City hours before the hurricane wiped out their house and jobs, and started building a new life with relatives in San Antonio.
The human resources analyst is quick to note that many evacuees were neither poor nor homeless, and media coverage to the contrary was often misleading.
“A lot of people picked up and got on with life,” she said. “It’s a trait of the people in the city that you just know sometimes you have to get on with life. That’s what we did.”
Born and raised in New Orleans, Ellis spent most of her adult life working for the State of Louisiana. After relocating to San Antonio, she sought work in a similar public organization and found SAHA.
