Division of Public Assistance

**Our Mission and Philosophy** **Summary** As the Division of Public Assistance charts a course toward a new welfare system, the following mission and vision statements define a direction for the agency. The guiding principles and program philosophies explain common beliefs that enable this agency to achieve its goals. **Mission** We promote self sufficiency and provide basic living expenses to Alaskans in need. **Vision** Believing in the fundamental worth of our work, our agency provides and defends basic safety net services for the poor. We respectfully help needy individual and families reach higher levels of independence. By promoting the value of work, we improve the social and economic well being of those we serve. We have high expectations for our clients' personal effort to find and keep employment. We are responsible stewards of the public programs we are entrusted to manage. We seek and wisely use the resources needed to accomplish our goals. We create success by focusing on continuous improvement. We are accountable for our work, and strive to objectively measure our performance. We cooperate with other organizations to efficiently offer integrated client services. We work in an environment of mutual respect and trust. Our well-trained staff support our mission. Staff feel valued, and participate in decisions affecting their work. We uphold high ethical standards. Our behavior exemplifies the values and guiding principles of our agency. We work for the common good of, and earn the respect of the clients and communities we serve. We honor cultural, geographic and economic diversity. We seek community involvement in our decisions and service delivery. **Guiding Principles** - We are *Customer Driven.* - We value *Local Ownership.* - We promote an *Efficient and Effective Management System.* - We provide *Programs Focused on Self-Sufficiency.* - We promote a *Collaborative System.* - We provide *Outcome-Based Effective Services.* - We maintain a *Quality Work Force*. **Philosophy** The values and beliefs one upholds impact his or her work. Common philosophies supported by the Division of Public Assistance are described below. **Management Philosophy** Management believes staff is the agency's most valuable resource. Well-trained staff support the mission. Staff are valued and participate in decisions affecting their work. **Welfare-to-Work Philosophy** In order to accomplish the mission, staff of the Division of Public Assistance promote these beliefs. **Work...** - is always better than welfare. - offers the best avenue to escape poverty. **Welfare...** - does not adequately support families. - should only be a short-term means of support. **Our Clients...** - are all capable of making strides toward self-sufficiency. - are an essential part of developing their plans to become self-sufficient. - are accountable for their progress toward their goals. - should be treated with respect and dignity that honors their differences. **Our Job...** - is focused on helping as many families as possible become capable of attaining self-sufficiency. - is to provide the support to help clients reach their goals. - requires that we be mindful of our responsibility to the citizens of Alaska. - involves collaborating with clients, staff, partners and the community to ensure our clients' success. - to make work a better option than welfare.