The Division of Child Protection Services is seeking a Workload Capacity Study for Family Services Supervisors and Specialists staff. An Organizational Assessment was conducted in 2020 which revealed a discrepancy between caseload (number of cases assigned) and workload (variations in the amount of time spent on individual cases) within Child Protection Services. In general, child welfare staff tend to spend 20-35% of their time on direct client contact or collateral contact, while the other 65-80% of their time is spent on case-related activities that include documentation and participation in legal proceedings. Workload is impacted by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: the level of skills of the staff performing the duties, the complexities of the cases assigned, and required travel throughout the state. A Workload Capacity Study will enable the Division of Child Protection Services to identify where imbalances in workload exist, strategize how to effectively staff the agency with existing staff, determine the potential for developing centralized specialty units, and identify areas where additional supports may need to be implemented to support equity in workload. Manageable workload is essential to support the retention of the child protection workforce and improve quality of services provided to the children and families we serve. This will further empower the agency to protect and promote the welfare of all children; prevent neglect, abuse, and exploitation; support children in remaining safely with their families or returning home in a timely manner; promote safety, permanency, and well-being for children in foster and adoptive care; and provide training, professional development, and support to maintain a well-qualified child welfare workforce.
