Return to Work
Plan to Fully Re-Open Agency Offices
June 2021

 

Catholic Charities is a dynamic and complex organization with wide array of services and obligations to various funders and other governing bodies. This document sets forth guidelines for the next phase of fully re-opening our facilities to staff and clients. These protocols seek the best ways to keep staff and clients safe with the best knowledge we have at this time.

Please remember as we work towards fully opening our agency, we are more than 100 individuals with different experiences and varying degrees of comfort relating to living more than a year in a pandemic – and our Empower value calls us to trust in others’ positive intentions. We must continue embracing the mindset that one size does not fit all. 

The last year has been trying for us all.  It is good to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  We are almost there! We have learned much in the past 15 months of how our programs and services can operate within and outside our offices.   As we move through the coming weeks, staff should be mindful of how any of this knowledge may be applied to our work environment moving forward. 

Any questions or concerns about our return to work should be expressed to your supervisor / program director to be brought to the attention of the Leadership Team.

Return to Work
Effective August 13 (the end of Archdiocesan summer hours), all staff should return to and maintain the standard office schedule of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM – Monday through Friday. 

Permissible Number of Staff
In accordance with the directives provided by the Governor of Kentucky, as of June 11 there are no limitations on the number of staff who may occupy each facility.

Scheduling
By the end of summer hours (August 13), Program Directors must shift back to a full-time office presence for their programs. On-site expectations may be based on client and staff needs during this transition period.

Permissible Number of Clients
In accordance with the guidance provided by the Governor of Kentucky as of June 11, there will be no limitations on the number of clients who may occupy each facility.

Interpersonal Interaction and Face Coverings
Based on CDC guidelines, staff utilize the following procedures during our transition to promote a healthy and safe work environment:

Face Coverings
Staff who are vaccinated and are comfortable in doing so may choose not to wear a mask.

Though the Commonwealth has lifted the mask mandate for all persons, it is recommended that those who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear masks indoors.

It is recommended even for vaccinated persons to wear a mask when interacting with members of the public whose vaccination status is unknown, when moving through the public spaces of the building, or if requested by another staff member.

Signs at the front doors will encourage members of the public who enter our buildings to wear a mask, especially if they are not vaccinated.

Social Distancing
Staff should continue to maintain appropriate distance from others as recommended by guidance from public health authorities at the CDC, State of Kentucky, and/or Louisville Metro.

Personal Workspaces
There will be no restrictions on entering another’s workspace, however, if a staff person has the discretion to ask others not to enter his or her personal workspace if they are uncomfortable.

Staff Kitchens / Break Rooms
There will be no restrictions on the use of kitchens and break areas, however, appropriate distancing as applicable is expected.

Receiving Clients
There will be no restrictions for staff to receive clients, however, phone and virtual appointments may still be utilized if they prove as effective as in person services.

For staff not comfortable seeing clients in their office, designated spaces will be available to be scheduled for appointments.

Group Sessions and Educational Classes
There will be no restrictions on groups and educational classes. Appropriate distances recommended by health authorities should be maintained.

Sanitization
Each facility will receive a deep clean and sanitization in June by a contracted cleaning company. Once this happens, there will not be daily sanitization and Facilities Management will return to a regular cleaning schedule to be determined.