Monterey Co. Dept. Social Services makes changes, social workers needed
The Monterey County Department of Social services said it’s gotten about a million dollars in new funding to recruit more social workers.
“The new positions are a big part of our effort to make sure that children are safe,” said Elliott Robinson, Director of Monterey County Department of Social and Employment Services.
Since the tragic deaths of Shawn and Delylah Tara, the Monterey County Department of Social Services has added a new unit of social workers in order to conduct stronger investigations.
“Really going out a lot more,” said Robinson. “Something else that we’re really pleased with is the community, in responding to the tragedy has been letting us know more.”
They’re in the process of filling social worker positions for the new unit and other areas where the need is great.
“One of the things that’s very challenging in our world is to find and hire the qualified and committed social worker who is invested in child welfare,” said Robinson.
But Monterey County is not the only area struggling with a social worker shortage.
“We are the voice for those marginalized populations and more than ever we have those marginalized populations, so I think the need for social work is great,” said Julie Cooper Altman, Professor and Director of CSUMB Master of Social Work Program.
The demand is being felt around the country. Several national organizations say at least 700,000 positions will need to be filled by this year, and that the job outlook is beyond average.
“There’s lots of opportunities that open up, that stay open,” said Robinson.
With there being such a demand, CSUMB is also working to recruit social workers.
“We are turning out social workers who can be skilled in all kinds of areas,” said Altman. It is a great job. It is a meaningful job.”
CSUMB’s Master of Social Work Program got a record number of applicants last year.
“Because of the need of social workers, and the advanced skills that one would learn getting a master’s degree, we’re seeing a lot of interest,” said Jennifer Costelow-Colvin, CSUMB Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator.
