About Human Resources

Mission, Vision, Values of the Human Resources Department

The mission of the Human Resources Department is to provide comprehensive human resources and risk management services, leadership, and guidance that support organizational effectiveness for an outstanding workforce.

The Department’s vision is to create a culture that fosters employee excellence; consistently considers the needs of the organization and the workforce; and to be a trusted strategic partner, and leader, and expert in public sector human resources and risk management.

The Department values collaboration, effectiveness, innovation, integrity, respect, service, balance, and development.

Divisions and Units

The Human Resources Department manages and administers a variety of programs and services and is comprised of two divisions with sub-units.

Human Resources Division

The Human Resources Division is responsible for employment services, classification and compensation, workforce development, labor relations, equal opportunity programs, employee recognition programs, the County’s Human Resources Information System, and special commissions. More specifically, the Division’s services are as follows:

Employee and Volunteer Engagement and Recognition (EVER) – Administers the volunteer, employee recognition, and internship programs.

Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Oversees the County’s compliance with local, state, and federal laws governing EEO, non-discrimination, and compliance with the ADA programs. Effective in Fiscal Year 2015-2016, the Commissions Unit which includes the Commission on the Status of Women and the Commission on Human Rights became a part of the EEO/ADA Unit.

Human Resources Information System (HRIS) – HRIS is used to store employee data, position allocations, and labor costs; develop reports; and run reports. It includes an Employee Self-Service module which allows employees to view/print their pay stubs and update benefit selections, contact information, and tax deductions.

Employee Relations – Negotiates and administers Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) and the Salary Resolution and advises departments on employee and labor relations issues.

Recruitment and Classification (R&C) – Supports recruitment and general employment and selection best practices, Civil Service Rules and policy interpretation, classification and compensation, position control, reduction and layoff administration, and temporary staffing services.

Workforce Development – The County of Sonoma Human Resources Workforce Development Unit is committed to offering employees a wide and rich selection of training and professional development opportunities. Our goal is to establish innovative and enhanced education programs that emphasize staff well-being, cultural belonging, and advancement.

Risk Management Division

The Risk Management Division is responsible for risk mitigation services, manages purchased insurance policies, and administers the County’s self-insurance programs and is organized as follows: 

Admin/Fiscal – Provides expenditure reports; compiles reports for budget and projections; processes all Accounts Payables and Accounts Receivables for HR; maintains vendor contracts and associated insurance for the Human Resources Department. 

Benefits – Administers employee and retiree health and welfare benefits, educational assistance, patient advocacy programs, and fringe benefit programs.

Disability Management – Administers Workers’ Compensation, long-term disability, and medical leaves of absence including temporary transitional duty, ADA employment accommodations, and medical review management.  

Liability and Insurance – Administers all tort claims filed against the County; conducts investigations and evaluates potential liability; procures and manages all miscellaneous insurance programs to protect County assets from loss, including property, earthquake, airport and marina liability, employee faithful performance bond, medical malpractice, and watercraft.

Occupational Safety & Health – Develops, facilitates, and promotes Countywide safety and loss prevention programs for County departments as statutorily required by State and Federal OSHA regulations.