Changes to the supervisor to worker ratio for DHS eligibility workers are being implemented by the Adult and Family Services Division (AFSD). The division’s leadership has proposed a supervisor to worker ratio of 1:8 for all employees who do financial eligibility determinations. The decision to change to this ratio was made as a response to budget cuts and the change directly impacts many DHS county office employees. The 1:8 ratio was established after DHS leadership reviewed other states including Texas and Washington.
Changes to the supervisor to worker ratio for DHS eligibility workers are being implemented by the Adult and Family Services Division (AFSD). The division’s leadership has proposed a supervisor to worker ratio of 1:8 for all employees who do financial eligibility determinations. The decision to change to this ratio was made as a response to budget cuts and the change directly impacts many DHS county office employees. The 1:8 ratio was established after DHS leadership reviewed other states including Texas and Washington.
This change primarily affects Social Service Specialist IV (SSS IV) positions in the DHS county offices. The number of SSS IV will be reduced to accomplish the ratio. DHS plans to eliminate vacant SSS IV positions first and then offer a voluntary buy out (VOBO) to current SSS IV staff in AFSD. If these actions do not reduce the number of supervisors to the amount necessary for the 1:8 ratio, a Reduction In Force (RIF) would be implemented. DHS has told OPEA that hope that they do not have to implement a RIF.
DHS leadership has told OPEA that the long-term plan is to gradually change the supervisors’ role from managing cases to managing staff. They have said technology advances allow employees to better share information and that it is less critical that supervisors be housed in the same office as their staff.
The anticipated VOBO package would include a one-time payment equal to 18 months’ insurance premiums for the employee only and payment of the employee’s next scheduled longevity. The package may also include a onetime cash payment ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 based on length of employment. As with anyone who leaves state employment, the separating employee would be paid for their unused annual leave.
This action only impacts AFS SSS IV and their workers. This ratio does not apply to workers and supervisors in other DHS divisions. DHS may implement other personnel changes to make up for the budget shortfall but none have been announced.
Any OPEA member who is impacted by the change may contact OPEA to discuss what options might be best for them. DHS has told OPEA that they encourage staff to contact the DHS Human Resources Management Division. The agency’s Employee Assistance Program staff is also available to assist employees.
OPEA shares many DHS workers’ concerns that this change could restrict social workers’ ability to assist their customers with community resources to meet their needs and the sole focus would be on certifying program eligibility.
