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DSS briefs commissioners on staffing, foster-care caseloads and SNAP contingency amid federal uncertainty
Summary
DSS reported a roughly 8% vacancy rate, 194 children in foster care (point-in-time), ongoing out-of-county placements, and concern that federal SNAP contingency funding may only cover half of benefits while a federal funding gap is resolved; commissioners asked about local supports and reimbursements for long-distance casework.
Burke County Department of Social Services staff updated the board Nov. 3 on staffing, foster care, SNAP caseloads and policy risks tied to federal funding decisions, telling commissioners that operational strain and out-of-county placements remain key challenges.
Corey Fisher Wellman said DSS had approximately 16 open positions (about an 8% vacancy rate) at the time of the report and has rolled out an aggressive hiring approach including sign-on bonuses aimed at reducing time-consuming preservice training for new hires. He said the department had made conditional offers and expected vacancy rates could fall toward 6% if hires are completed.
On foster care,…
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