Background/Purpose of Request:
Request that the Board of Commissioners approve four (4) new full-time Social Worker III positions and reclassify a vacant Social Worker II to a Social Worker III position in the Child Welfare Division of Social Services. The number of child welfare cases continues to increase in the county. Staff continually monitor staffing patterns and needs to ensure the department is providing quality services to children and families. However, the dramatic increase is straining our social workers and supervisors.
Fiscal year 19/20, Brunswick County DSS investigated 960 cases of child abuse, neglect, or dependency (A/N/D) and fiscal year 20/21, staff investigated 1256 cases. This is a 31% increase over the prior year. Additionally, 1256 is the number of families assisted, not the number of children served.
While working on the budget, staff tries to anticipate staffing needs. Staff has appreciated the County’s support over the past several years by approving additional social work positions. However, the rate at which the county is growing and the increase in CPS reports has not allowed the department to keep up. Although the department added several social worker and social work supervisor positions last fiscal year, staff cannot keep up with the demand and social workers are carrying caseload much greater than the state mandate. Furthermore, the complexity of the reports received continues to increase. The additional Social Worker III positions are needed to for the department of comply with state caseload standards and ensure quality and timeliness standards are met.
Social Work positions and supplies are reimbursed at 50% by the state. Positions are at a Grade 70 with a base salary of $53,965 plus benefits. Positions would also require a desk, computer, and cell phone stipend for a total of $4,500.
Staff will continue to monitor the child welfare monthly statistics. Over time, if the number of child welfare cases decrease, staff will not fill positions as we have vacancies. |