Harrison County gets new social workers
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CADIZ -- The Harrison County Board of Commissioners approved hiring new employees at its meeting Wednesday.
Deb Knight, director of the Harrison County Department of Job and Family Services, discussed hiring two new workers.
"We've had some hiring difficulties in our social services unit, which encompasses Children's Services and Protective Services. I am very happy to bring you today two new employees for approval," she said.
Knight recommended Gage Harris and Wanda Hamilton for the social worker positions.
She said Harris already has been working as an intern in the social services unit since August as part of the University Partnership Program at Ohio University Eastern.
"Since we've got our staffing issues, he's interested in working permanently for us, and I am bringing him as a recommendation for a new employee," Knight said.
Knight said Harris will start off working only three or four days a week until he graduates in May. After graduation, he will be a full-time employee.
Knight said Harris already has a lot of experience in the department because of his internship.
"He can do a lot to help us out right now because of the time he spent with us since August," she said.
Knight said Hamilton worked with the Harrison County DJFS for many years, recently left and now plans to return. She said that Hamilton previously handled visitations between foster children and their parents and did parent education. Hamilton plans to come back as a social service worker.
"She knows our team, she knows our system, and she knows the work. She will be working toward a bachelor's degree, and she has five years to finish that. So I'm also happy to recommend ... Hamilton as a social service worker," Knight said.
The commissioners voted unanimously to hire both Harris and Hamilton for the positions.
In other news, the commissioners also discussed a contract with Southeastern Ohio Counseling Center for officer wellness program services.
According to the contract, the program will include individualized assessments, a six-week treatment plan, pre-assessment and post-assessment, staffing by experienced mental health practitioners and the option of telehealth sessions.
The contract states that the six-week course will be billed at $640 per person and other assessments will be $525 per person.
The contract will be in effect from Sept. 5, 2023, to Dec. 30, 2024.
All commissioners voted to approve the contract, and the contract was already signed by Mandy McGlumphy, CEO of Southeastern Ohio Counseling Center LLC.
The commissioners also approved a contract with Hart Environmental Resources for asbestos inspections and testing for 19 county properties. The county plans to demolish all 19 buildings after testing and inspections are complete.
According to the contract, the cost for all 19 inspections is $15,170.
"This is for the second round of the first phase of the demolition grant for the county. After the first round we had money left over, and we were able to go back and again we're going to have 19 structures we'll be able to tear down in addition to the original 37 we did," Commissioner Paul Coffland said.
Coffland also said that the Harrison County Board of Developmental Disabilities had a vacancy on its board of directors. He said the seat must be filled by an at-large member of the community.
"Today, we respectfully recommend David Koch of Freeport for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2024," Coffland said.
Coffland read a letter from Stephen Williams, superintendent of the board.
"Mr. Koch meets all of the Ohio Revised Code requirements. He is familiar with the work we do as a former president of the county board. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, and we welcome his return," Coffland read.
All commissioners voted in favor of appointing Koch.
"Mr. Koch served on the board previously. He's excellent. I'm sure they're very glad to have him back," Coffland said.
The commissioners unanimously voted to approve two vouchers of $8,130.44 and $13,799.06 for the county Department of Job and Family Services to pay bills.
The commissioners also approved $2,996.21 for the county Family and Children First Council and $5,537.68 for Children Services.
And the board approved two vouchers of $5,268.55 and $6,806.15 for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
The next board meeting has been moved to 10 a.m. Monday, rather than the usual Wednesday, at the county courthouse in Cadiz.