Office of Community Services Facing Staffing Shortage

SCHOHARIE – Schoharie County’s Office of Community Services is facing a critical staffing shortage that will force its Chemical Dependency Clinic to move to a waitlist for new admissions, officials announced at the Public Health Committee June meeting.

Sarah Nies, Director of Community Services, reported that the recent resignation of the Chemical Dependency Coordinator has created a critical situation, as she was one of only two staff members holding a caseload.  Nies stated that as a short-term solution, she may have to personally take on the caseload of upwards of 40 clients.  The clinic will triage higher acuity cases while referring partners are notified of the change. 

The committee discussed potential long-term solutions to address workforce retention, including subcontracting services, sharing staff with SUNY, regionalization with neighboring counties, and exploring telehealth options.  The committee also requested salary information for comparable positions in Schenectady and Albany counties. 

In other business, the committee approved sending a contract for Dr. Moise Mamouzette to serve as the new Medical Director for the Department of Public Health to the Finance Committee for final approval. The topic is further discussed in a separate Finance Committee report elsewhere in this week’s edition.

Public Health Director Dr. Nicole Blanchard also received approval for a $275 insurance rider needed to hold the next Community Hub Fair in the Village of Cobleskill.  Partners who attend the fair will be asked to pay $15 per table to help offset the insurance cost. 

Dr. Blanchard updated the committee on an issue at the Oorah Boys Camp.The committee also approved contract renewals with Inovalon for a billing system upgrade and with Highmark Insurance Company.