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County HR reports 70 hires, 69 separations in six months; Maplewood LNA training expanded
Summary
The county's HR director reported 70 hires and 69 terminations between April 1 and Sept. 30, described EMS and corrections staffing as 'in really good shape,' and outlined a six-week LNA training program run at Maplewood that the county pays for in exchange for a work commitment.
Tim May presented an informational human-resources report covering activity from April 1 through Sept. 30. "We hired some people, and we lost some people," May said, noting the net change in that six-month period was one hire (70 hires, 69 terminations).
May told commissioners EMS and the Department of Corrections are "in really good shape" on staffing and that the county is recruiting care coordinators for connected-families services and nursing-home shifts. He said the county is preparing for forthcoming RN-staffing regulations by encouraging LPNs and LNAs to pursue RN schooling and by paying for local LNA classes.
On training, May said Maplewood runs a local LNA class: "It's a 6 week program," and the county pays the cost in exchange for a commitment that trainees work for the county for a set period (May described an initial one-year expectation and at least six months on the needed shift). May also reported ongoing contract negotiations with the Teamsters.
Commissioners asked about turnover patterns and competitiveness with nearby employers such as Dartmouth; speakers said pay and job intensity are factors in recruiting and retention. May described the county's staffing ratio at Maplewood as comparatively strong and said the county has reinstituted an LNA-1 program and is hiring younger workers with flexible schedules.
Why it matters: Staffing and training decisions affect county-run long-term care and emergency services and may influence budget and policy choices during the upcoming budget review.
What happens next: HR will continue recruitment for open positions; staff will bring updated policies and the employee handbook to commissioners for review and future vote.
