A critical staffing crisis in Cayuga County's Department of Social Services (DSS) was highlighted during the Health & Human Services Committee meeting on March 12, 2025. The department is facing a staggering 32% vacancy rate among caseworkers, with eight positions currently unfilled. This shortage is severely impacting the department's ability to manage its workload effectively.

The meeting revealed that the exodus of experienced caseworkers is largely due to better salary offers from other county departments, particularly the Probation Department, where starting salaries are approximately $12,000 higher. This internal equity issue has prompted urgent discussions about the need for salary adjustments to retain staff. "We are in dire straits," one official stated, emphasizing the challenges of covering caseloads with significantly reduced staff.

The committee approved a resolution to fill one caseworker vacancy, with plans to address two additional resignations in the coming month. However, the ongoing loss of trained personnel raises concerns about the department's future stability and service delivery. Officials noted that the situation has been exacerbated by the demanding nature of the job, which often leads to high turnover rates.

As the county prepares for collective bargaining negotiations in January, there is a growing consensus that a comprehensive review of salaries and working conditions for caseworkers is essential. The committee is considering engaging external consultants to assess compensation structures and provide data to support necessary changes.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for action to address these staffing challenges, as the department struggles to maintain its critical services amidst a shrinking workforce.