Oakland Park Shows Appreciation

L to R: Oakland Park Letter Carriers Wanda Jones, Errol Belle, Adrian Suarez and Denise Lewis gathered around Supervisor, Customer Services Wilma Sheppard (third from left) to thank her for taking the time to make holiday goody bags for every employee. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Holiday Blues? EAP Can Help You

For most people, the holiday season is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends.

But for some people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety.

You may know of a postal employee who is recovering from a lengthy illness, grieving a family member, or missing a military spouse. Or maybe an employee who has unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and too many commitments --- all stress factors that may escalate this time of year.

Poorly-managed holiday stress can lead to headaches, excessive drinking, overeating, and insomnia.

Setting realistic goals and expectations, reaching out to friends, sharing tasks with family members, finding inexpensive ways  to enjoy your time, and helping others are  all ways to help beat holiday stress.

Individuals who may need a little extra emotional support to get through the holidays are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This resource is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just call 800-EAP-4-YOU (800-327-4968) or visit www.eap4you.com. For deaf and/or hard-of-hearing employees, TTY assistance is available at 877-492-7341. 

Recognizing a Haverhill Supervisor

A West Palm Beach customer (not pictured) commended Haverhill Station Supervisor, Customer Services Teckraj Poorustrom (left) for going above and beyond the call of duty.

"He's a great employee, and you should be very proud of him. What a fabulous guy!" the customer said.

West Palm Beach Officer In Charge (OIC) Gilberto Vega (right) recognized Poorustrom for his efforts in locating the customer's missing package.

 

“The Postal Service, indeed, is fortunate to have an employee like you.  Please accept my sincere appreciation for a job well done,” said Vega.

 

Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Palm Beach Delivers Holiday Cheer

Palm Beach Letter Carrier Sam Watson delivered some holiday cheer on his route. His customers enjoyed his spirit! Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Thanking a Fort Lauderdale Carrier

Recently, Southside Station celebrated the 32-year career of Letter Carrier Vito Burgio (right).  

Southside Station Acting Manager, Customer Services Manuel Herrera (left) thanked Burgio for delivering outstanding service to his Fort Lauderdale customers and wished him well in his retirement.

 

Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Oakland Park SSA Strikes Gold!

Oakland Park Station Sales and Services Associate Otis Blair received his second Gold Star Award for a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

40 Years and Counting in WPB

Manager, Address Management Systems (AMS) Sergio Rodriguez (right) presented Product Information Quality Analyst (PIQA) Ed Quinlan (left) with his 40-year Service Award and pin. Photo: Karin Nolf

 

Ed Quinlan has worked in the Address Management Systems (AMS) Office in West Palm Beach for the past 7 ½ years. He started his career as an Multi-Position Letter Sorting Machine (MPLSM) operator at the West Palm Beach Processing and Distribution Center and in early 2000, accepted a detail as the Supervisor, Stamp Accountable Paper

The AMS staff is grateful for Quinlan’s guidance and expertise when solving addressing issues. Recently, he created the colored map of the MPOO areas throughout the South Florida District. His creation is posted on the home page of the district website, and at a quick glance, each MPOO area can be identified. Please see below.

 

A Smiling Face in Okeechobee

Okeechobee Rural Carrier Audra Heatley maintained her infectious smile throughout the holiday season. Her customers appreciated a smiling face during the delivery of a record number of packages this month. 
Photo: Valarie Rother

 

 

Sunrise Holiday Greetings

From left, Sunrise Branch Supervisors, Customer Services Melissa Schade and Miriam Ramirez dressed up to greet customers in the lobby. The duo agreed that "working in the Post Office during the holiday season is the best!” 

 

Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

His Work Matters

“My work really matters, would you like to know why

 If you want me to tell you I could give it a try.

We use big machines to help sort out the mail

They are fast and precise a real pain when they fail.

I work to maintain those machines that we need

To keep them all working is a big task indeed.

They say safety first is our motto you see

It’s the way that we work and it’s what we believe.

We take pride in our work, every piece everyday

We give it our best what else can I say.

Our system ain’t perfect but it works pretty well

We do what it takes just to get out the mail.

I work with a team and my team works with me 

Together we do everything that will be.

My work really matters cause it matters to me

I care what I do that’s what matters you see.”

WPB Recognizes Laborer/Custodian

West Palm Beach Officer In Charge (OIC) Gilberto Vega (left) recognized  Laborer/Custodian Marcia Brinkord (center) for always going above and beyond.

“Your performance has been sustained at a level significantly above that expected of employees in similar assignments," said Vega. "I praise you for your willingness and initiative to get a job accomplished through the entire year.”

 

Brinkord was very thankful and moved by the recognition.

 

Also pictured is West Palm Beach Postmaster's Administrative Assistant Victoria Shadd-Sutton (right).

 

Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Appreciating Postal Police Officers

During a holiday luncheon, Acting District Manager Timothy Costello (standing) met with Miami Division Postal Police Officers to thank them for protecting employees and preserving the sanctity of the mail throughout the year. Photo: Bladismir Rojo

Inverrary SSA Earns Two Gold Stars!

Inverrary Branch Supervisor, Customer Services Randy Leblang (right) presented Sales and Services Associate Angela Brown (left) with two Gold Star Awards for her perfect scores on Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions in Quarter 1, Fiscal Year 2018.

"Angela has a positive attitude, and it is a pleasure to have her work at the Inverrary Post Office,” said Leblang.

 

Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Celebrating 90 Years of Service

Recently, Fort Lauderdale Customer Services recognized three Inverrary employees with a combined 90 years of service. Each employee received a 30-year Service Award and pin at a celebration in their honor.

 

 

National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 2550 Vice President Dajak Williams (left) congratulated Inverrary Branch Letter Carrier Ronald Williams (right) on reaching his 30-year career milestone.

 

 

National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 2550 Vice President Dajak Williams (left) and Inverrary Manager, Customer Services Joseph Diglio (right) congratulated Letter Carrier Gentil Castro (center) on 30 years of service.

 

Not shown, Inverrary Branch Letter Carrier Luther Dedmon III also received his 30-year Service Award and pin.

Photos: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman 

Fort Lauderdale Trio Takes a Bow

Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney (right in photos below) recognized employees for their outstanding contributions to his team's success.

 
Fort Lauderdale Postmaster's Administrative Assistant Juanita Kingcade

 

 Supervisor, Customer Service Support Amy McCall

Fort Lauderdale Main Office Supervisor, Customer Services Sherman Mosley

 Photos: Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman  

CFC Seeks Online Pledges

Every dollar can make a difference when you make a pledge to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which is underway through January 12, 2018.  This is the first year that the CFC is encouraging online donations to your favorite charities. Visit www.sunshinecfc.org for additional information.

As part of the fabric of every American community, the U.S. Postal Service demonstrates good corporate citizenship each and every day. Its collective commitment to the CFC is a prime example. There are more than 4,000 approved charities eligible to receive your donation --- organizations that provide human services, health care, medical research, disaster relief, housing, youth development, and much more.

The CFC is the largest and most successful workplace charitable giving drive in the world. The CFC is the only authorized charitable organization solicitation of federal employees in their workplace.

Your gift will help shape the lives of thousands of people in our communities, across the country, and around the world. For example:

Pledging $1 a week ($52 a year) can buy …

· 12 elementary school students with trained volunteer tutors to help with reading and math.
· 10 children with bilingual beginning-to-read books to build early literacy skills.
· Three 30-minute appointments for health assessment and counseling for individuals facing physical, developmental or mental health challenges.
· One acre of unprotected tropical rainforest which assures protection of the natural areas vital to our climate and diverse species.
 
Pledging $5 a week ($260 a year) can buy …
·  Two months of meals for a homebound person.·  Five wigs for children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
·  Two nights of shelter for a troubled or neglected youth.
·  After school care (food, health, recreation, and homework help) for one child for a year.
·  Temporary shelter for a family of four for three nights following a disaster.
 
Pledging $10 a week ($520 a year) can buy …
·  Two days of care for a terminally-ill individual.
·  Baby formula for 52 low-income infants (one each week).
·  A full year of scouting for two girls.
·  One month of preschool for a child at risk of falling through the cracks.
·  Lightweight wheelchair for a person who is physically challenged.

A Career Milestone in Lake Worth

Lake Worth Postmaster Christine Williams (right) presented Lake Worth Main Office Letter Carrier Laura Elzinga (left) with a framed Letter of Appreciation and pin for 30 years of service. Photo: Angela Hartwell

Ft Lauderdale Delivers Holiday Cheer

From left, Inverrary Letter Carriers Tatiana Witherspoon and John Zona are delivery cheer to their Fort Lauderdale customers.

“The best part of the holiday season is seeing the customers 'appreciation on their faces when we deliver their packages on time,” said Zona.

“It is hard work, but it is exciting and well worth it,” said Witherspoon.  

Fort Lauderdale Main Office Letter Carriers are ensuring that Priority Mail Express items reach their holiday destinations.

 

Photos: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Snapper Creek Manager Promotes Greeting Cards and Gifts

Miami Snapper Creek Branch Manager, Customer Services Yolanda Ambrose was in the retail lobby to assist her customers and to recommend holiday cards and gift items.
 

West Palm Beach Promotes the Brand

 

During the peak of the holiday season, WPTV Channel 5 (NBC) Reporter Merris Badcock (right) walked along a West Palm Beach route with Palms West Letter Carrier Lizbeth Viruet (left). Badcock also interviewed Manager, Customer Services Andrew Moir (not pictured) and West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders (not pictured). All three employees promoted the postal brand and encouraged viewers to choose USPS as their shipper of choice. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

 

Creative SSA Decks the Halls at Uleta

 

Uleta Finance Unit Sales and Services Associate Susan Macon showed off her holiday decorating skills when she decked the halls this holiday season.

 

 

Photos: Gwendolyn Haddly (recently retired Letter Carrier with 35 years of service ... and proud sister of Susan Mason!)

Santa Visits Brickell Postal Store

Sales and Services Associates Roberto Recio and Alicia Lightbourne were surprised when Santa walked into the Miami, FL, Brickell Postal Store to mail his holiday cards. Santa also recommended Priority Mail to get packages to their destinations “in the ‘nick’ of time.”

Postmaster Seeks Ad-Hoc Manager, Customer Services, Florida City

If you’d like to broaden your postal horizons, Homestead Postmaster Ilia Gonzalez-Marino  has an Ad-Hoc opportunity that may be of interest to you. If you’re a motivated individual with exceptional postal knowledge, consider a 90-day detail assignment as Manager, Customer Services, EAS-20, at the Florida City Branch.

All qualified career and non-career postal employees in the South Florida District are eligible to apply for this Ad-Hoc position. The successful applicant immediately will report to the Florida City Branch, 1000 W. Palm DR, Florida City, FL 33034.

Non-Scheduled Days:   Saturday/Sunday   

Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.    

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manages the delivery and collection services, dispatch, mail distribution, window services, and the processing or sale of non-postal products activities of a very large carrier station.
2. Manages certain postal operations extending beyond the normal delivery area which may include Parcel Post delivery, collections, and distribution.
3. Manages a very large workforce; may have a medium-size to large supervisory staff composed of general and specific functional area supervisors.
4. Determines staffing requirements based on planned mail volume; plans tour work schedules; adjusts workforce schedules as necessary to meet variances in actual mail volumes.
5. Reviews and analyzes production reports and evaluates them against predetermined targets for work hour output; makes corrections in inefficient operations; resolves other operational and administrative programs.
6. Provides data for annual budget planning; controls operating costs within budget allocations or justifies over expenditures.
7. Approves employee overtime, leave, and vacation schedules; evaluates employee performance; reviews and approves personnel actions; ensures that needed training of supervisors and their subordinates is provided.
8. Ensures that building and equipment and vehicles (if assigned) are maintained, and makes recommendations for changes.
9. Observes the physical plant and operations for hazards to employee safety and takes necessary action to provide a safe working environment; reviews accident reports and investigates industrial or vehicle accidents.
10. Ensures that all necessary accounting and administrative functions are performed and that reports are prepared and submitted as required.
11. Conducts route inspections; evaluates and makes minor adjustments to delivery routes to conform to changes in volume, patronage, and building management.
12. Recommends changes in the establishment, discontinuance, and location of collection boxes.
13. Ensures adequate requisitioning of and remittances for a very large supply of accountable paper. May provide accountable paper distribution service for other stations.
14. Makes special arrangements for delivery and collection of mail through consultation with high volume customers and assists commercial mailers in order to eliminate inefficiencies and correct mailing problems.
15. Consults with representatives of employee organizations regarding labor/management problems not resolved by subordinate supervisors.
16. Recommends and implements changes to local postal policy and procedures.
17. Oversees the maintenance of security procedures for the station.
18. Represents the Post Office within the area served by the station regarding public inquiries, claims and complaints.
19. Consults with representatives of large businesses and governmental agencies regarding issues of mutual concern; consults with building managers regarding changes of mail receptacles, delivery patterns, or tenants; contacts lessor regarding building repairs.
20. Exercises a normal regard for the safety of self and others with particular emphasis on compliance with established policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

1. Knowledge of management and budgeting techniques and principles.
2. Knowledge of postal operations in carrier stations including delivery and collection, retail sales and service, mail distribution and dispatch, and Post Office Box services.
3. Knowledge of provisions of the national agreement as they apply to delivery operations.
4. Ability to manage the work of others in order to meet production and quality goals, including planning and scheduling, monitoring performance, facilitating the flow of information, and providing technical guidance.
5. Ability to coach and train subordinate supervisors in customer services and delivery operations.
6. Ability to implement and/or oversee programs in compliance with established safety policies and security procedures. 
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of employee labor organizations.
8. Ability to communicate orally and in writing sufficient to investigate and resolve customer complaints, and to furnish information to community businesses and governmental agencies regarding postal services.

How to Apply:

Interested employees must submit their eCareer profile, along with a summary of accomplishments addressing the above eight requirements. All applications should be mailed to the below address for receipt by Close of Business (COB) Friday, January 5, 2018:

Ilia Gonzalez-Marino  
Postmaster
Homestead Post Office
739 Washington AVE
Homestead FL 33030-9998