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Mitchell County DSS reports staffing shortages, many foster children placed out of county; energy-assistance funds limited
Summary
The county Department of Social Services told the Mitchell County board it has six open positions, a foster census of 26 with 20 children placed out of county, and that low-income energy-assistance funds tied to a $44,000 allocation are largely exhausted; officials plan a public notice for applicants.
The director of Mitchell County's Department of Social Services told the county board on the opening of the Jan. session that staffing shortages, out-of-county placements and tight energy-assistance funding are pressing operational concerns.
The director said the department currently lists about six vacancies, including a program manager, two foster-care social worker posts, a Medicaid position and an energy-assistance position, and said recruitment has been difficult as surrounding counties sometimes pay $5,000'$10,000 more for comparable roles.
"We still have my program manager position vacant. We had 2 foster care social worker positions vacant. We did lose a Medicaid position'and, as of this week or last week, our energy position," the director said. On foster placements, the director reported: "Our total number at foster care today is at still at 26," adding that "the number of foster children placed out of the county ... is 20" and six are placed in-county.
The director also discussed low-income energy assistance tied to CIP funds. She said Mitchell County was allocated $44,000 for energy assistance but that available funds are depleted or nearly depleted; staff are preparing a press release to publicize application details. "So Jennifer is working on a press release for David to post on the county website," she said. The director described typical awards as "anywhere from $300 to $500 based off of your eligibility." The transcript did not provide a precise remaining balance or a definitive statement reconciling earlier remarks that funds are "gone" with a later figure saying "we've already spent, about 4,000 of that as of today." Where amounts were unclear, the exact remaining balance is not specified.
The director said the department continues to monitor the Child and Family Specialty Plan with Healthy Blue, reporting that placement coordination remains "a little rocky" and that some case managers lack experience with higher-level placements such as psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF). "It's those situations where it's the placement issues that are really ... a huge concern for children," she said.
She also reported other operational metrics: 13 CVS reports in December with 18 assessments still open, six APS reports in December, 17 representative-payee cases and 15 wards/guardianship matters. The director said disaster funds remain available for some adult and child-welfare needs and that staff will begin training visits for potential foster families soon.
Board members thanked staff for holiday assistance efforts and the director said she will continue to keep the board informed. The director said recruitment and placement pressure justify continued attention but did not propose immediate policy changes at the meeting.
Next steps: the director said staff will issue the planned press release to advertise remaining assistance (exact remaining funds were not specified) and will continue reporting back to the board on staffing and placement developments.
