Rutherford County DSS discusses pay reallocation to retain front-line investigators

Tiffany Dodd, program supervisor, told the Rutherford County Department of Social Services board that the agency is operating with chronically understaffed front-line investigator teams and high turnover. "We have about 10" front-line positions unfilled, Dodd said during the meeting, and staff are worried the vacancies will jeopardize timely case work.

Director Hunt said the department is considering reallocating the funding from one vacant position across the remaining front-line staff to raise pay by as much as about $5,000 per person, with the goal of retaining current employees. "If we could take one of the positions we have, we could spread that money ... up to maybe $5,000 more per person," the director told the board.

Board members asked for details on classification and pay‑grade constraints, noting changes to one salary classification can require adjustments across that classification. The director said she would check with HR (Kayla) about limits and confirmed the idea would likely require a budget presentation; several board members signaled support for moving forward with a plan and asked staff to bring numbers.

Members also discussed short-term alternatives such as limited contract help; staff cautioned that contract workers sometimes are unavailable when needed, which can leave children without timely visits. "We call them in as we need them, but they're doing something else, or they can't do it right now," the director said, describing the operational risk.

The board did not take a final vote on the pay reallocation at the meeting; instead members agreed the director should gather exact cost figures and HR guidance to present as part of the upcoming budget discussions.