Gov. Andy Beshear this week announced a pay increase and a plan to recruit and retain more social workers. The plan includes an immediate 10% pay increase for social workers, a pilot program that expedites hiring, and a proposed student loan forgiveness program.
“In the best of times, the work our social workers do is among the most challenging and necessary efforts anyone can undertake,” Beshear said. “During COVID, this work has been twice as difficult and even more needed. With the loss of so many great workers, we cannot wait any longer to take new steps to recruit and retain our social workers.”
Beshear said beginning Dec. 16, all social workers and family support staff across state government agencies will receive a 10% raise funded through approximately $15 million in the existing budget. Employees can expect to see the pay increase on their Jan. 15 paystub.
The 10% pay increase will be provided to more than 3,900 employees in the following roles: social services aide I and II; social services worker I and II; social services clinician I and II; social services specialist; public assistance program specialist; field services supervisor; family services office supervisor; case management specialist I, II and III; family support specialist I, II and III; service region administrator; service region administrator associate and service region clinical associate.
In a recent meeting Beshear had with some social workers, they also raised the need for an expedited hiring process.
As part of a pilot program, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is working to hire entry-level social workers and family support specialists within 7 business days of applying.
Beshear said another issue that social workers face is the requirement to attend school and earn multiple degrees throughout their career. In his upcoming budget proposal, Beshear will propose a loan forgiveness program for the state’s social workers.
Interim employment can set employees on a path to full-time state employment with benefits. For full job class specifications and employee benefits, visit the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet site.
