News Detail

Kimberly Brookens is the Employee of the Month for November 2020

The Franklin County Commissioners proudly present the Employee of the Month award to Ms. Kimberly Brookens.

Commissioners

November 25, 2020

Five people stand in a room, four wearing masks. The woman in the center holds a framed certificate. They are in front of a window and flag.
Pictured (left to right): Minnie Goshorn, Commissioner John Flannery, Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller, Kimberly Brookens – Administrative Officer for Children and Youth Services, and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski

The Franklin County Commissioners proudly present the Employee of the Month award to Ms. Kimberly Brookens.

Ms. Brookens has been employed with Franklin County since September of 1987. She is currently the Administrative Officer for Children and Youth Services. The selection for the November 2020 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were a total of twenty-six nominations, eight of which were for Kim!

The STAR nomination form asks what recent event or occurrence made you select Kimberly Brookens and the answers stated:

“During furlough, Kim had to take on an added workload and did so with determination and an outstanding work ethic. She is always willing to offer help when needed and she is an amazing resource for information. Kim has a positive attitude and is great to work with.”

“Her unit’s job duties are a process involving many steps and require much attention to detail and concentration, handling compliance for both Children and Youth and Juvenile Probation, financial determinations for children in out-of-home placements, adoption assistance, and maintaining approvals/certifications for all individual foster homes and service providers. She prepared and assisted with the state financial review as well as the upcoming agency yearly budget. In addition, she assisted other employees in her agency putting their needs and requests first. Kim’s commitment and hard work during this time is not only commendable but very much appreciated.”

Another nomination form states, “Despite a time of high stress with COVID-19 and her entire team furloughed, Kim maintained a positive attitude and managed her workload effectively. Kim is always a support to caseworkers and is willing go the extra mile to make sure all of our children receive the best possible care while in placement. Kim is a wealth of knowledge and the cornerstone for all Children and Youth.”

“Kim always has the best attitude at work, regardless of the circumstances. No matter how difficult and demanding her job presented during the COVID-19 shut down, she always had time to assist others who came to her with questions. Kim cares greatly for the community we serve. I cannot think of another employee who is more deserving of this nomination.”

“Once everyone got back from furlough, Kim readily assisted her department with their work and helped in their transition. She has personally helped me numerous times to get answers to my questions needed for my tasks; and if she doesn’t know herself, she finds a way to get answers. As a supervisor, Kim has her workers’ best interest in mind and she always has their backs. I have experienced this first-hand and consider her to be one of the two best supervisors with whom I have had the privilege of working. Kim has great rapport with those she works with in the department, creating a good working environment. She is flexible and always willing to help anyone.”

“She is an amazing supervisor and we’re lucky to have her in this department. All of us know that we can go to her with any issue or problem we may encounter and she will do her best to help us or she’ll get the answer for us.”

Ms. Brookens’ outstanding characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by her peers. The nomination form describes her as a positive role model, compassionate and always willing to help. She is also described as supportive, very competent and organized, as well as selfless, professional, reliable, and knowledgeable.

We are grateful to Ms. Kimberly Brookens as she exudes a high standard of customer service, excellence, and respect to the employees and residents of Franklin County.