Clarion County is working its way to a full complement of Children and Youth Services caseworkers.
County commissioners said Tuesday they expect to hire two caseworkers and a caseworker supervisor next week.
Tim Cochran, the county’s director of employee relations, said the county needs to hire six more caseworkers to reach its full complement.
Cochran said that in the past, the tests were given in major cities and didn’t attract too many applicants. Candidates can now take the Civil Service test online in their own home.
The new procedure allowed for the hiring of three caseworkers in January.
Cochran said he thinks county salaries and an excellent benefits package will also help recruit prospective employees.
In other business at Tuesday’s work session, commissioners discussed the proposed changes to the statewide Medical Assistance Transportation Program.
Rural counties in Pennsylvania are opposing the proposed legislation that would impact how many elderly people get the medical care they need, and Clarion commissioners are expected to join that opposition.
If changes take effect, local administration of the transportation program will be removed and a for-profit company will be permitted to bid to take over the service, according to a press release issued recently by Warren County Commissioner Jeff Eggleston.
Warren, Venango and at least nine other counties have signed resolutions opposing the changes, and Clarion commissioners plan to do so next week.
State Sen. Lisa Baker of Luzerne County has introduced a bill to delay the implementation of the concept until the state Department of Human Services conducts a thorough review.
Area state senators Joe Scarnati and Scott Hutchinson are co-sponsors of the legislation.
“The rural counties will be the loser in this,” Clarion County Commissioner Ted Tharan said Tuesday.
“It is something that doesn’t need to be done,” Commissioner Wayne Brosius added.
In another matter, the county is expected to formally sign a contract next week with the United Mine Workers union, which represents the corrections officers at the county jail.