NorCo CYF Has 23% Vacancy Rate

Two weeks ago, I took both NorCo Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski and Exec Lamont McClure for their unsuccessful attempt to enlist County Council in a scheme to punish two county workers for trying to improve their careers. They were employed at child protection services (called CYF) and wanted to transfer to become probation officers, and Court Administrator Jermaine Greene wanted them to start at a slightly higher salary than they were getting.  She complained that she had 38 vacancies in CYF, so these workers should suffer the "consequences" for leaving. In my view, that bullying attitude is precisely why there are 38 vacancies. That, and McClure's stubborn refusal to finally do a pay study.  When he was a candidate McClure called a news conference to complain about 13 vacancies at CYF under the "callous" John Brown administration. Now, with three times as many in that same department, it's time to reset wages. But guess what? Wandalowski, in an excellent impersonation of Officer Barbrady, is now claiming there's nothing to see here.  

After my story posted two weeks ago, Wandalowski sent me an email that, like most county emails under our great IT department, went smack dab right into my spam folder. I was completely unaware of it until I was actually called about it two weeks later. In fact, Ass't Director of Administration Becky Bartlett felt the message was important enough to post on my blog. I published it, but for those of you who missed it, this is what Sue Wandalowski had to say:

I wanted to provide you with some updated info about the CYF vacancies and historical info.

• In January 2018, there were 115 staff in seats in CYF, along with 13 vacancies.

• We have created 36 new positions since 2018, and we currently have 127 staff in seats in CYF, with 38 vacancies.

• After going six months with very few candidates on the civil service list, we saw a significant increase in applicants in July 2022. Of those applicants, 10 have accepted positions with CYF, 4 more offers are pending, and 2 interviews are scheduled for later this week.

• 2 of the individuals who accepted offers previously worked in Northampton County CYF and asked to return.

• So while we work diligently to fill every position in CYF, we have more folks working there now than in January 2018.

Wandalowski said something similar to County Council last week.  She told them that, in January 2018, there were 128 positions in CYF. Since 13 spots were unfilled, there was a 10.15% vacancy rate. 

Thirty-six additional positions have been created since her arrival, so there are now 164 positions in CYF.  Since 38 spots were unfilled, there was a 23.17% vacancy rate.

The vacancy rate is actually more than double what it was when McClure called a news conference.

What Wandalowski failed to say, and what I'd like to know, is how many of these vacancies are the caseworkers who actually go out into the field to investigate reports of child abuse. 

Wandalowski's apparent point is that she now has more people in desks than she did. in 2018, even though the vacancy rate is double what it was four years ago. So there's no need for alarm. So if that's so, why did she want to punish two employees for leaving.

She is speaking ouit of both sides of her mouth, 

The real problem at CYF is low pay, high stress and civil service lists. 

Unfortunately, the state civil service commission is underfunded and understaffed. The county began the process of opting out in 2019. 

High stress and burnout are real. I have spoken to a caseworker (now retired) who tells me the most difficult decision, and one that is haunting, is to separate families. This is why it's important to have these departments fully staffed so that caseloads are manageable.

Finally, and this is where McClure falls short, is the low pay. It is absurd to continue resisting a pay study, especially in such a demanding area. Last week, Council member Ron Heckman said there should be a separate pay classification for these workers.   

I have spoken to one caseworker who told me the hardest part of that job is separating children from their families, no matter how justified it might be. It's a decision that haunts her.