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Rutherford County DSS says staffing gaps and longer training are straining child-welfare caseloads
Summary
Rutherford County Department of Social Services told its board Dec. 17 that vacancies and longer pre-service training are increasing caseload pressure, requiring contract workers and other stopgaps while recruitment continues; foster-care placements and substance-abuse cases are driving demand.
Rutherford County Department of Social Services officials told the board on Dec. 17 that persistent vacancies and a longer pre-service training period are leaving in‑home and assessment teams short-handed and driving heavier caseloads.
Director Hunt, presenting the personnel report, said the department is using about 20 contract workers and has recruited seven vetted workers through a vendor partnership to help cover visits while permanent hires complete training. "We have 20 contract workers," Hunt said, describing the stopgap coverage used to make sure visits are completed.
Board members pressed for details on frontline…
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