Local providers warn of staffing losses, pay disparity after case management transition

Leaders of Vermont’s designated and specialized service agencies told a legislative human services committee the state’s move to conflict‑free case management is already prompting staff departures and creating operational strain at local provider agencies.

Kelsey Savesup, who identified herself as an executive director and co‑president of Vermont Care Partners, told the committee that the state’s implementation is “supportive” in principle but warned that strategic planning must be paired with realistic implementation resources. “If you over‑index on planning administration and under‑resource implementation and direct services, you get unrealistic expectations that lead to frustration,” she said.

Rachel Lee, executive director of the Counseling Service of Addison County (CSAC), said her agency had lost multiple leaders and service coordinators in the recent weeks as the new case management organizations recruited staff. Lee said CSAC had already lost four service coordinators and had three people in active interviews; those departures translated into…