A Message From the Director

Janet Clarke

I came to DHSS in January, 1991, from the Office of Management and Budget. I have really enjoyed my time at DHSS and have been particularly impressed by the number of dedicated, professional staff within the Department. I believe that most employees within the Department truly care about people and the services we provide.

One of the main responsibilities of the Division of Administrative Services (DAS) is to represent the Department in the development and coordination of operating and capital budgets. Staff in our division are constantly faced with attempting to represent the needs of the department, in a fair manner, while in an era of declining resources. DAS is looking for innovative ways to "do more with less." Currently, we have initiatives underway to strengthen the Department's long range planning, to work with other departments to streamline the procurement system, and look at ways to improve facility management, to look internally at how our personnel staff can work better and more efficiently, and finally, to continue to improve our use of technology to work smarter.

DAS staff are also responsible for the more routine activities and provide traditional administrative functions of accounting services, personnel and payroll, information services, budget review, and facility management.

The Division of Administrative Services primarily supports the program divisions and offices to achieve their immediate and long term goals of serving needy and vulnerable Alaskans. External services are provided in a number of areas: health facility construction licensing; review of Certificates of Need for hospitals; grant management and technical assistance to capital grantees; health care planning activities; and assisting recruitment, examination, and certification of people interested in jobs with the Department.

Administrative functions are funded primarily with State general funds. Services are provided directly by division staff in offices located in Juneau and Anchorage.

Remember, the Administrative Services Division exists to support all programs. If you ever have questions that we can help with, contact staff in Juneau or Anchorage any time. I hope that DAS staff will continue to work cooperatively and collaboratively with you to solve many of our common problems.