This measure represents the percentage of direct service staff who are in an SSW II or higher title. The SSW II title requires a minimum of three years of experience with DCFS as well as extensive additional training on best practice for child welfare. 

Data for this measure is pulled on the first of the month

In 2021 DCFS created the SSW II title as part of a broader compensation strategy to reduce turnover and increase skill for direct service staff. DCFS also received crucial compensation investments during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions that have been dedicated to direct service staff (Caseworker I, Social Service Worker I, Social Service Worker II, Caseworker Specialist I, and Social Worker) and critical direct service support positions. DCFS set a goal to achieve a 7% increase in the number of frontline staff in an SSW II title or higher from 47.5% in FY2021 to 51% by the end of FY2024.

The number of tenured staff in frontline titles has generally trended up since the creation of the position in 2021. Several regions are also reporting the lowest vacancy rates they have seen in years. The compensation investment has helped to reduce turnover and improve recruitment, which has helped to boost morale and increase capacity to serve children and families. DCFS has also implemented other strategies to address turnover and improve employee support, including LEAD (Leadership Empowerment and Development) courses for supervisors and leadership in the agency to increase their skills in engaging one-on-ones with emplyees, addressing employee well-being, effective coaching and feedback, performance planning, using data/assessing, encouraging team well-being and growth, working through conflict, monitoring team performance goals, organization and time management, and supporting self care.

On August 29, 2024, after a careful review of the DCFS budget and exploring different options, the Agency leaders made a difficult decision to phase out the SSW II step in the DCFS compensation plan. This decision was weighed against other personnel variables and determined to be the least impactful for all of our staff. Employees hired before June 30, 2024, who are currently in a Caseworker I or Social Service Worker job title may still qualify for the SSW II promotion through June 30, 2027, if they meet all requirements outlined in the SSW II criteria. This change is effective as of July 1, 2024. 

Additionally, the cost of the social work courses through USU will no longer be covered by DCFS.

As a result, there is a downward trend from June to September of 2024.