Low pay, emotional toll problem for DHS recruitment

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Department of Human Services will likely face a shortage of social workers if the agency doesn't find a way to replace its aging work force.<br/><br/>Department officials

Wednesday, December 21st 2005, 6:08 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Department of Human Services will likely face a shortage of social workers if the agency doesn't find a way to replace its aging work force.

Department officials say low pay and the emotional toll of the job are contributing to the agency's inability to attract and keep younger workers.

Chief operating officer Farilyn Ballard says DHS officials attend college job fairs and there are programs at every state social work school to attract employees, but says those efforts haven't been enough.

65 percent of DHS employees are 40 or older, while more than half of those who work with the elderly and disabled are 50 or older.