Stevens County approves MOU with union and confirms human services staffing changes

Stevens County commissioners voted May 5 to approve a memorandum of understanding with union general unit 65 that formalizes title changes and premium pay for certain child-protection and casework duties, and heard staffing updates from Human Services.

The MOU clarifies premium pay and classification when staff carry certain caseloads and establishes a process for memorializing title changes in the next contract. A staff representative explained that premium pay applies when a caseworker’s time reporting shows 50% or greater caseload allocation to specified case types and that existing time-reporting systems (Maxis) will be used to track eligible hours.

Commissioner Staples moved to approve the MOU; Commissioner Waller seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

Human services manager Jan Gomir reported personnel actions: the additional lead social worker position in the child-protection/adult‑protection unit was offered to child-protection social worker Liz Peterson, effective June 1; Jan also reported an offer had been made to Steven Henriksen for a deputy sheriff position, effective June 15 and contingent on a successful background check.

Jan said the union will meet to vote on the MOU at its next meeting, after which staff will advertise for the remaining positions as appropriate. The board recorded the staffing updates and approved the MOU.

The board directed staff to proceed with internal staffing steps and required the union vote as the next administrative step.