HomeMy WebLinkAboutHHS DSS Director Notes October 2025
Fuel/WHEAP:
The 2025-2026 Fuel season (WHEAP) is underway. We had 850 short applications to be mailed. Mailings are staggered by town to ensure timely returns and efficient processing. The two
remaining towns will be sent out over the next couple of weeks. As of October 1st, we have started scheduling those applicants that don’t qualify for the short applications as they
call in. At this time, we are scheduling into the first week of November.
Economic Support Unit:
As of September 15th, the Economic Support Unit is fully staffed. The newest worker will start the on-line state training October 6th. As part of onboarding, the new worker will spend
time at the front desk to learn what community contacts and interactions we have. The new worker will also shadow experienced Economic Support staff as they take calls and or meet face
to face with clients to become familiar with how we can assist clients. The Economic Support Unit has had a 100% timeliness for Application processing for 2 months straight. Consortia
Supervisors are working with state to reduce FS Error Rates. The unit has started completing applications in person with some Grant County inmates as part of the New Youth Continuity
of Care Requirements: Fostering Cross-Agency Collaboration that the Sheriff’s Department needs to have in place.
Budget:
The 2026 budget is still being finalized. We were asked to reduce the Capital Improvement Plan by 15%. And we were able to achieve this. The original laptop/docking station replacement
cost was overestimated at $2,000. each, the revised estimate is $1,600. This is based on the last replacement cost of $1,382.85. and factoring in inflation, $1600. should be a good
estimate. Additionally, with information from Nate regarding state bid cars, we expect to secure one for $30,000. versus the projected $35,000. and saving an additional $5,000. We
have been asked to reduce training cost in 2026. Economic Support and Support staff usually attend most trainings on-line via webinars or zoom. There is very little to no savings
in those two units to be found. In the Social Work Unit, we will prioritize training for those staff that need to meet their required 30 hours of training and those staff that need
CEU’s within this time period to maintain their licensing. Where possible, we will rely on on-line and no-cost training options to limit expenses.
Staffing Challenges
We recently offered and filled a Social Services Work position, with the new employee scheduled to start October 20th. One position remains open, and we are hopeful to fill it soon.
We plan to advertise on Indeed to hopefully attract more applicants.