HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2139 (2)patients would have to receive a separate invoice for each service received, e.g., hematocrit, hearing
test, etc. The health director said the Administrative Officer I employee (Bill Griffith) was not
being utilized in the best manner. Rabe said this employee was having to perform too many tasks
that could be done by someone in a lower job classification. Mr. Rabe said that with the new
mandate, it was important to have Mr. Griffith devoting most of his time in managing the
administrative section. Rabe proposed that a health check coordinator position be eliminated, but
the new Office Assistant IV position be restored.
It was the consensus of the board to accept the county manager's recommendation to
eliminate the new Office Assistant IV position.
SOCIAL SERVICES: The conversation about this department also focused on the request
for new positions. Don Wall, the DSS Director, had requested the following 18 new positions.
4 Child Support Agents IF (50%)
2 Child Support Agents 11 (75%)
1 Lead Child Support Agent 11175%
1 Child Support Office Assistant 111 (75%)
1 Child Support Office Assistant IV
I Daycare Social Worker I
I CAP -DA Social Worker I
I Adult Home Social Worker 11
3 Foster Care/Adoption Social Worker III
2 Child Protective Services Case Managers Social Worker III
I Child Protective Services Supervisor III
18 Positions
The county manager eliminated four of the nine positions requested for Child Support. They
were two Child Support Agent 11 (50%) positions, the Child Support Office Assistant IV position,
and the Child Support Office Assistant IV (50%).
Commissioner Fortner asked Mr. Wall why there was a need for more staff in the child
support division. Wall said he received more calls about this department than any other. He said
the last time that any new employees were hired was in 1991. Wall added that if the Child Support
Division was strengthened, the Work First Program would likewise be strengthened. He also said
the employees were having to do more work because of their computer program. After data is
entered, the computer keeps asking for additional information. Wall said the federal government
paid 66% of the costs for the child support department,
Commissioner Stewart asked about plans to transfer Clerk of Court employees to the
Department of Human Resources. Wall said he didn't feel there would be any additional costs with
this move.
In reference to the need for additional social workers in the Child Protective Services
Department, Wall said child abuse continued to increase. fie said 38% of the cases were
"substantiated."
Commissioner Fortner asked Wall what he thought was the reason behind so many child
abuse reports/cases. She also asked the referral source for the majority of the reports. Wall said
drugs and alcohol played a major role in why there were so many cases along with poor parenting
skills. Ile said the schools, doctors, and neighbors were prime referral sources. Also, he said,
children themselves reported abuse.
Mr. Wall said he was in the process of negotiating additional office space at the Walnut
Street site. Fie would like to base the entire Child Support Division in this facility.