Deschutes County

Deschutes County is currently recruiting for a Public Safety System Specialist. This position provides technical support for 9-1-1 Service District emergency communications systems users. If you would like more information or to apply, please visit deschutes.org/jobs or visit this link: https://bit.ly/45C11Vi

Excited, happy and nervous. That’s how Sue Henderson describes moving into a new chapter of her life. Henderson is retiring at the end of June after 17 years at Deschutes County Human Resources. “it’s a big life change,” says Henderson. “I’m a little sad. I will miss the people I work with and the people I help.” Undoubtedly, many of those employees will also miss her. Some of them refer to her as the “County mom.” “I’m not sure I want to have 1,200 children,” jokes Henderson, “But I think they felt they were taken care of and I’m proud of that.” Henderson started her journey in public service in 1993 with the City of Eugene as an Accounting Clerk. Henderson moved to Bend in 2007 and is wrapping up her career at Deschutes County as the Benefits and Leave Coordinator. “There are a lot of process and rules in this job but being reasonable is also important,” says Henderson. “This job has taught me patience, empathy and understanding. I’m trying to explain rules that are often complex.” Henderson says she’s been the process and rules person at home but is looking forward to time with family, camping, running, biking, and traveling to sunnier places. “I’m looking forward to not squeezing everything into a weekend.” Henderson’s last official day at the County is June 28. Employees still might see her in the halls as she will be on-call from time to time. Despite the nerves, Henderson is ready to open this next chapter and experience the adventures which lie ahead. “Now is the time.” And that’s something to be excited and happy about.

Congratulations to Sue Henderson who retires at the end of the month from Deschutes County Human Resources. Sue has probably worked with thousands of County employees and helped many of them navigate the difficult world of leave and benefits. Sue started her journey in public service in 1993 with the City of Eugene. She then moved to Bend in 2007 joining the Human Resources team at Deschutes County as an HR Specialist and currently works as the Leave and Benefits Coordinator. We are grateful for her commitment to Deschutes County and its employees and wish her the best in her next adventure.

Public Health's Emergency Services Coordinator Carissa Heinige was honored with the Outstanding New Leader Award at the Medical Reserves Corps (MRC) National Summit May 23 in Chicago. This prestigious award acknowledges exceptional integration and engagement during the first year of leadership in the National MRC Network. Carissa has played a pivotal role in establishing the Deschutes County MRC which supports medical needs in our community. She has also engaged volunteers in innovative activities to prepare them to respond during public health emergencies. Congratulations, Carissa!

The Deschutes County Office of Internal Audit has won a 2023 Distinguished Knighton Award from the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA). The two-auditor team also received this national recognition last year. Internal Audit’s winning submission, County Continuity and Operations Plan – Initial Assessment, provided an assessment of the County’s continuity of operations plan (COOP). The audit evaluated the COOP’s ability to allow continued levels of service and essential functions following a disruption or crisis. ALGA is a national audit association founded in 1985. Organizations from the U.S. and Canada compete in the Knighton Awards program. The competition aims to improve government services by encouraging and increasing levels of excellence among local government auditors. Winners were recognized at the ALGA Annual Conference in Seattle on May 6.

On any given Saturday night, you might find Darin Darlington on stage playing his lap steel guitar. Crowds sing and dance to his band’s outlaw style of music. “I’m the band dad,“ says Darlington. Darlington is no outlaw. In fact, quite the contrary. Darlington served in the Army, even guarding nuclear weapons. He has also worked as a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy and a federal probation officer. Darlington’s second stint at Deschutes County is at Health Services as an Operations Coordinator. He also spent time as a case manager at the Downtown Clinic. “I like what I do, I like helping people,” says Darlington. Darlington now manages the Health Services fleet which consists of 90 vehicles. He also works with the Operations team to coordinate safety protocols, emergency response and facility improvements. “I like to be the guy that when things go sideways, to jump in and make it right,” says Darlington. “I either know how to do it or who to call.” Often, employees are the ones calling him for help when something’s not in tune. “I take a lot of pride and joy in making other people’s job’s easier or less fraught with barriers“ says Darlington. Darlington has two children who are full-time musicians. Darlington learned how to play guitar while watching YouTube videos so he could bond with his family. “I’m a husband and father. That’s the ultimate for me.” Darlington is quick to point out how proud he is to work at Health Services. He wants to help his teammates strike the right chord in the community. “I’m not a therapist, I’m not an infectious disease specialist, I don’t inspect restaurants. But I maintain their vehicles, so they can do their job. I make sure they have all the safety equipment they need, that their panic buttons work, that they feel safe.” A role which requires Darlington take center stage to get things done.

Over the past two years, Deschutes County has received and allocated more than $38 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in support of key community projects. Our new video series highlights some of the County’s key investments and their impact in our local communities. The Board of Commissioners awarded more than $10 million in ARPA funds to support houseless insecurity projects across Deschutes County. Our new video highlights the impact of the County’s allocation to Mountain View Fellowship’s Safe Parking Program.

Deschutes County is accepting applications from residents who are interested in serving as a volunteer member of the County’s Audit Committee. This is an opportunity for a community member to get involved with local government in a role dedicated to continuous improvement, accountability, transparency, and trust. The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The committee plays a role in overseeing the audit activities performed for the County. Some planned audits include the courthouse construction project, evaluating alcohol sales for 2024 County Fair, assessing the effectiveness of coordinated houselessness response, and evaluating Sheriff auto and body cameras. For more information and to apply, visit deschutes.org/volunteer.

Today, the Board of Commissioners recognized Eric Ballinger for 10 years of service to Deschutes County's Information Technology Department. Eric currently serves as an Applications Systems Analyst and has helped with many projects which keep the County running efficiently. Several of Eric's colleagues also showed up in support. Congratulations, Eric!

Over the past two years, Deschutes County has received and allocated more than $38 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in support of key community projects. Our new video series highlights some of the County’s key investments and their impact in our local communities. The Board of Commissioners awarded more than $7.8 million in ARPA funds to support affordable housing projects across Deschutes County. Our new video highlights the impact of County’s $900,000 allocation to Habitat for Humanity La Pine/Sunriver. Habitat for Humanity International