“We're just crippling along,” is the way Escambia County (Ala.) Director of the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Lynn Barnes described as the desperate need for social workers for the county.
The county has four positions open now for qualified social workers, offering state employee benefits a starting salary of $31,488 to $48,924, depending on certifications and experience.
“If someone had a degree in any of the humanities or social sciences, we can work with them on getting certified,” said Barnes. “Psychology, sociology, social work, human resource management, even criminal justice, depending on the kinds of electives they took, can get someone in the door. Thirty semester hours and 45 quarter hours in the behavioral sciences is what is required for our social worker positions.”
Barnes said the range for a social worker with a related degree is $29,954 to $47,757, depending on certifications and experience.
Escambia County DHR provides the following services: Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Food Assistance, Child Support, Adoption, Foster Care, Family Assistance, Family Services and Child Care.
According to the website, the Department of Human Resources offers a variety of career opportunities throughout the State of Alabama. DHR employs individuals in the classifications of Social Service Caseworker, Social Worker, Senior Social Worker, and Financial Support Worker. The department also offers positions in the areas of information services, accounting, clerical, and other classifications. To obtain information regarding these employment opportunities, please email the DHR recruiter at recruitment or contact the DHR Personnel Division at 334-242-1780 to speak with the recruiter.
Anyone who is interested in applying for a position is urged to contact Barnes at [email protected] or 251-809-2034 or review employment information on the State of Alabama's Personnel Department's website at http://www.personnel.alabama.gov.
