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Early Intervention, ID services and school‑based mental‑health programs cited as staffing needs; events planned for March and May
Summary
Staff reported understaffing in Early Intervention (EI) with two caseworkers starting soon (bringing complement to five of seven), Community Living Waiver slots prioritized for highest need, an ID Carnival planned March 27 at Lakeside, and a Mental Health Month event May 22 at Yough Park.
Staff department leads provided a cluster of program and staffing updates. Sherri Mitchell said the Intellectual Disabilities unit is preparing activities for Developmental Disabilities Month in March and will accept a county proclamation; she announced an ID Carnival scheduled for March 27, 2025 at Lakeside from 3–7 PM. Ms. Mitchell said Community Living Waiver (CLW) slots have been reviewed and prioritized to serve those most in need.
Early Intervention is understaffed. The minutes state the full complement of caseworkers is seven; two new caseworkers were scheduled to start in the coming weeks, bringing the unit to five with two vacancies still open. Ms. Mitchell said intake call volume is roughly "about 60 calls a month, where around 40 pans out." The minutes also note two students from Penn State Fayette’s Developmental and Family Studies program are shadowing in the EI unit.
On mental health, Nicole Barak reported a Behavioral Health Specialist began Dec. 2, 2024 to assist with housing and forensic backup and that Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services provides mental‑health staff in every county school building. The MH unit plans a Mental Health Month event on May 22 at Yough Park in Connellsville with providers, activities and trainings.
