NAF HR issues addressed during conference

by Erin Tindell
Air Force Services Agency Public Affairs

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – Nearly 100 Air Force human resources professionals recently met here for the 2010 Non-appropriated Fund Human Resources worldwide conference.

This was the first time the conference has been held since 2003 and included topics on NAF employee recruiting, labor relations, retention methods and new technology.

"It was awesome to see the excitement in the attendees faces as we discussed the initiatives for our 25,000 Air Force NAF employees,” said Jo Anne Dimitriou, Air Force Services Agency Director of Plans and Force Management.

Air Force NAF employees are paid by money generated by NAF activities, such as Air Force clubs, bowling centers, child and youth programs, outdoor recreation and golf courses. These facilities provide a community environment for Air Force families to live, work and play.

The worldwide conference provides Force Support Squadron flight chiefs, human resources officers and other leadership the opportunity to discuss ways to best manage and resolve personnel issues for their NAF employees, Ms. Dimitriou said.

The conference also addressed creative ways to recruit and retain NAF employees at all levels. The Air Force Services Agency Human Resources staff unveiled a newly designed mobile recruitment display and marketing brochure. These tools will allow installation level human resources offices to present a unified corporate image, which will enhance their ability to attract, develop and retain high performing employees.

“We want to emphasize how NAF employees may receive similar benefits as other federal employees such as 401k plans, insurance, premium pays and access to Force Support Squadron activities,” Ms. Dimitriou said.

Another topic was the Air Force Drug Reduction program and how routine testing of civilians and military members for illegal substances is a key deterrent to maintain the integrity of the force. Attendees also received a briefing on electronic questionnaires for investigative processing, or e-QIP, which allows job applicants to electronically submit personal investigative data during the hiring process.

“Feedback from attendees showed excellent response and we’re eagerly awaiting the next conference scheduled for 2012,” Ms. Dimitriou said.

For more information about NAF careers visit www.NAFjobs.org. For more information about the Air Force Services Agency visit http://www.usafservices.com.