Lancaster County approves two-step pay increase for Human Services worker

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a two-step pay increase for Department of Human Services employee Caroline Steffensmeyer at its April 28 meeting.

Human Services staffer Sarah Hoyle asked the board to grant the exceptional-circumstance award under personnel rule 17.9(b), saying Steffensmeyer “basically took our case plan and made it so that, it makes sense to families.” Hoyle described Steffensmeyer’s work revising case-plan materials, her participation in leadership training, and presentations at statewide and national conferences as reasons the department sought the pay step.

Steffensmeyer addressed the board, thanking supervisors and colleagues and saying she intends to remain with the department. “I’ve only been here 3 years and I feel like I’ve worked here forever,” she said, adding that the work with youth and families is what she was meant to do.

A commissioner moved approval of the two-step increase; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote by commissioners present. The action was recorded as an approved personnel award under the county’s rules and will be reflected in payroll and personnel records.