While the COVID-19 pandemic curbed much travel for CDCR and CCHCS, things are picking back up.
Accounting Administrator II Vickie Jones, who works in the Accounting Services Branch (ASB) Corcoran Travel Unit, shared her thoughts on CDCR’s commute program, the importance of customer service, and how state workers can benefit from programs designed to help ease costs.
Jones began her CDCR career in 1995 as an Office Assistant at California State Prison, Corcoran (COR). In 1998, she moved to the ASB Corcoran office as an Account Clerk II.
She worked her way through the accounting classifications as a first- and second-line supervisor. It was in those jobs she found her passion for supervision. Jones was an Accounting Administrator I (Supervisor) for just over seven years. In 2020, she promoted to Accounting Administrator II at ASB-Corcoran.
3 questions with Vickie Jones
What do you love about your job?
I enjoy the fast-paced work environment. Because of this environment, on a daily basis, we are presented with questions or challenging situations that require us to find a solution to help programs with their travel needs. Through these opportunities, we establish relationships with various programs throughout CDCR/CCHCS and outside agencies. Building good relationships and representing the team are some of the most satisfying parts of what I do, and what I love the most about my job!
What services are available to CDCR employees to help save money?
Benefits available to all CDCR/CCHCS employees include Mass Transit/Vanpool Subsidies, and the Bicycle Commuter Programs (taxable benefit). For more information, see CalHR Commute Program, bargaining contracts, Travel Portal – Travel Bulletins or email the Travel Unit.
What is a fact about CDCR’s travel program that would surprise people?
Some might be surprised to know the Travel Unit consists of a team of 20 staff members assigned to processing travel and employee reimbursement claims for CDCR/CCHCS. Last year, they processed 46,983 travel claims, received 11,700 travel calls (some ranging 5-10 minutes) and answered 97,000 emails.
When staff are not busy assisting employees or processing claims, they are maintaining our Concur and CalATERS databases as needed, issuing Travel Bulletins and working on various projects to improve CDCR/CCHCS employees’ experience.
As previously mentioned, providing excellent customer service is our top priority. I am thankful to work with such an amazing team. Like many, they are juggling many responsibilities daily. However, they come together to support each other. As a result, we are able to succeed in an ever-changing environment. It is an honor to lead this resilient, hard-working and innovative group.
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