Department of Public Health outlines strategies to address staffing vacancies and retention

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on staffing challenges within the Department of Public Health (DPH), highlighting ongoing efforts to address vacancies and improve hiring processes.

During the meeting, officials acknowledged the significant staffing shortages affecting the DPH, particularly in health-related positions. The department currently faces an average vacancy rate of 5%, slightly higher than in previous years. This situation is exacerbated by a national workforce shortage, which has intensified competition for healthcare talent. The DPH has budgeted for salary savings, recognizing routine separations and temporary staffing needs, but the reliance on temporary hires and overtime has become necessary due to the critical nature of healthcare services.

Luana Kim, the Human Resources Director, reported that the DPH has successfully hired over 700 staff members in the past six months, with an additional 359 candidates in the interview pipeline. Despite these efforts, the department continues to grapple with manual and labor-intensive hiring processes that hinder efficiency. Kim emphasized the importance of streamlining these processes and increasing support for existing staff to improve retention.

The DPH is implementing a twofold strategy to tackle these issues: enhancing recruitment efforts to attract qualified candidates and improving the work culture to retain current employees. Initiatives include creating career ladders for staff, developing recruitment videos, and establishing an Office of Employee Experience to focus on employee satisfaction and inclusivity.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing staffing shortages in the DPH, as officials aim to modernize hiring practices and foster a supportive work environment for healthcare workers. As the department continues to navigate these challenges, collaboration with labor partners and educational institutions will be crucial in developing pathways for career advancement and ensuring a stable workforce.