Human services director outlines staffing moves, opioid settlement work group and forthcoming presentations

Randy, speaking for the human services unit, told the board the department has accepted an offer for a CCS case manager, Terry Hernandez, who is due to start next Monday. Randy said a nurse has resigned/retired; two interviews were scheduled but canceled, and the department is expecting help from public health and part‑time EMTs to support medication administration and vitals until recruitment fills the role.

Randy outlined recruitment steps for therapist positions and a part‑time meal‑route driver to replace a retiree, noting outreach through Indeed and local advertising. He also described collaboration with public health and EMS to maintain services while vacancies are addressed.

On substance‑use work, Randy said he co‑chairs a quarterly opioid work group with Jamie from the health department; the group advises county administration on how to spend opioid settlement funds and meets quarterly to coordinate provider actions.

Randy said he is participating in a statewide effort to mentor new county human services directors, citing a 42% turnover rate among directors in the prior year and a need for recruitment and retention strategies.

He presented a running schedule of planned monthly presentations for the board—nutrition in March, child abuse prevention in April, an annual financial overview in May, elder abuse awareness in June—and suggested inviting local recovery center staff, among others.

No motion or decision was taken; the report was received and the board moved on to vouchers and other agenda items.