Harrison County approves new hire for Department of Job and Family Services

Harrison County commissioners approved two contracts May 27 involving the summer youth program and the prosecutor’s office.

The meeting began with Department of Job and Family Services Director Deb Knight presenting a new hire for board approval.

“Our income maintenance unit has had some struggles of late,” Knight said.

She said that of the four employees who serve in the call center and handle eligibility work from case banks, two have left in the past 30 days, one through retirement and one through resignation. Knight said the department has been working to find replacements because training for those positions takes at least a year.

“When we are full staff they struggle to stay up with the work,” Knight said. “But we have been very lucky.”

Knight said one position already has been filled by someone who is fully trained and doing casework. Commissioners unanimously approved the hiring of Zoe Dobbs, who Knight said came highly recommended.

Commissioners also approved Contract 8-26, an agreement between DJFS, the county and the Jefferson County Community Action Council involving the summer youth program. Knight said the agreement is separate from the regular workforce youth program.

“This agreement is entered into for purposes of providing a summer employment program to serve persons from a Harrison County TANF-eligible family,” according to the contract.

TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Knight said the agreement runs from June 1 to Sept. 15 and will employ four to five youths. She said the contract is for up to $26,000 and includes a special allocation and some regular TANF funding.

The contract states the benefits are equal to $12 per hour for 32 to 37.5 hours per week.

Commissioners also approved Contract 9-26, an agreement between DJFS and the county prosecutor’s office for the purchase of legal services. Knight said the prosecutor’s office will allow Jack Felgenhauer to handle child welfare work for the department.

Knight said the contract raises the rate from $60 per hour to $100 per hour, but the total contract amount will not increase. She said the contract cannot exceed $50,000.

The contract is effective from June 1 through Dec. 31, 2028.