STAFFORD — Thanks to efforts by Stafford County Delegate Bob Thomas (R) to expand Medicaid in the state, Stafford County will hire three additional social workers.
These additional employees could bring much-needed relief to overburdened Stafford County Social Workers. Social Services estimates an even larger workload with the expansion of Medicaid benefits.
Jack Cavalier, Stafford County Board of Supervisors Griffis-Widewater District, said, “We have been fairly understaffed at our social services department anyhow, we were planning on an expansion. It just happened to all come together and the state’s going to pick up a good percentage of the tab on this one.”
“The workers at Social Services have been really under the gun with heavy workloads. I’m hoping this will mean better service and quicker turnaround times for the programs that are essential for those in need,” Cavalier said.
Mark Dudenhefer, Stafford County Board of Supervisors Garrisonville District, said “We have an anticipated workload increase. I’m glad the state picked up most of the tab on that.”
Stafford County Social Services staff estimates approximately 3,100 Stafford County residents may be eligible for expanded Medicaid benefits, according to the Agenda Item Report from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors Meeting.
“In this case there’s at least some [state] money dedicated to the anticipated increased workload. The estimate is based on what the additional workload will be,” Dudenhefer said.
The state will fund this expansion 100 percent for fiscal year 2019 and will require a local match of 15.5 percent for future years. Social Services expects to maximize state funding, with excess funds being used to purchase equipment and furniture for the new employees, according to the report.
Staff will begin the hiring process for three full-time employees, including two additional benefit specialists and one benefits programs supervisor, according to the report.
