Salem, OR – Jennifer Flood, the State of Oregon’s Ombuds for Oregon Workers, is retiring after 44 years of public service, nearly all of it with the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS).
Flood, who has been the ombuds since August 2005, is retiring Dec. 31, 2022.
“Jennifer’s genuine care for workers is clearly visible in all she does,” said DCBS Director Andrew Stolfi. “Over the past 44 years, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of others, and she has done it with a positive attitude and seemingly never-ending energy. We will all miss Jennifer dearly and long value the impact she has had on her office and countless workers’ lives.”
When she started with the office – serving as an independent advocate for injured workers in the workers’ compensation system – it was known as the Office of the Ombudsman for Injured Workers. In January 2022, the office changed its name to the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers and expanded its role to also help workers protect their rights under Oregon OSHA’s laws and rules. The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers is an independent office that is part of DCBS.
“I have truly enjoyed helping workers and their families to better understand their rights,” Flood said. “Also, my team has been wonderful all these years. I am proud that we have built a team that delivers excellent customer service, active listening, empathy, advocacy, and accurate information to workers and their families.”
Flood started with the state in June 1978 as a clerical assistant with the Executive Department where she filed performance appraisals. In December 1978, she came to what is now known as DCBS and typed Determination Orders (now called Notices of Closure) with the Workers’ Compensation Department. She later became a benefit consultant for seven years and then served as the manager of the division’s Field Audit Unit for nine more years.
“The Oregon AFL-CIO is so deeply grateful to Jennifer Flood for her 44 years of helping injured workers navigate the incredibly complex and often too challenging workers’ compensation system,” said Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor. “Jennifer embodied the role of an ombuds in every sense. Oregon workers are so lucky to have had her on their side. Oregon’s labor movement wishes Jennifer a well-deserved and restful retirement.”
The department is currently hiring for Flood’s replacement. The job announcement is available in Workday and closes Oct. 3.
More information about the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers can be found on its website.
Source: OR DCBS