Agenda - 06-11-1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Richard Smyth noted that there is also the question of temporary positions and the equity issue. He questioned the legality of hiring temporary persons and then moving them into fulltime positions. The entire workload is being looked at in DSS by using time and motion studies. The current data supports these four positions. The DSS Board feels they have the best DSS agency in the State and does not want it derailed. He stated that money is a problem affecting the entire state and every County is feeling it. He noted that the savings in hiring temporary personnel is lost in the training that must be done with new hires. The main point is that there is a statewide crisis in the income maintenance worker position that people need to be aware of. Chris Nutter indicated that the staff study done by the state indicated that they will need more income maintenance staff personnel. Marti Pryor -Cook, Director of Social Services stated that all counties will receive one audit each year in the Income Maintenance program. A point system has been established and there are penalties. With reference to the JOBS program, the plan is that this program be taken out of the departmental budget and be implemented throughout the year. As a convenience, they would appreciate it if the Board would approve the program as a whole. It would help preserve the integrity of the program and a schedule could be developed which will indicate when people will be hired. Chairman Carey indicated that the components of the JOBS program have the Board's approval. The thing questioned is the funding as recommended in this budget. Ms. Nutter stressed that the DSS Board want assurances that the program is being approved by the County Commissioners and that if it is not funded in the DSS budget but as a separate budget that this will not cause any delay because of having to come to the Board every few months for approval of these positions. John Link explained that he took a countywide perspective and tried to pursue some equity in recommending permanent positions. Temporary personnel will be used until a need can be established for permanent positions. In looking at the situation he feels that two of the positions should be permanent. He reviewed the data from the State Personnel Department which is using averages and 70% productivity rate. He feels that the workers will be more productive. The trends indicate that AFDC and Medicaid are on the increase and that the impact of this will mean that it will take more time to address each application that is received. He felt that the best recommendation was to provide funding for two permanent and two temporary positions. He also felt that Marti Cook should come back during the year and demonstrate that these positions are needed. There are eleven positions total. Requests for permanent authorization of JOBS positions can be placed on the consent agenda. Commissioner Marshall asked about the pay of temporary personnel who become permanent. John Link indicated that this could be addressed and adjustments made so they would not start at the beginning of the scale.