Within Lawrence County, the most utilized department behind the sheriff and emergency services is the Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS). And based on the number of services and residents served, it could be argued its the most utilized.
After the resignation of former assistant director, Christopher Collins, this past December, it was unclear if the DJFS would seek to fill the position.
Earlier this week, at their weekly meeting at Casa Grande restaurant in South Point, commissioners spoke about the possibility of hiring an assistant director.
While no definitive answer was given at the meeting on a timeline to hire an assistant director, it is important that DJFS director Terry Porter be included in the process.
We certainly understand that the commission is charged with making the final decision on filling the position but giving Porter the ability to interview candidates, either in conjunction or separately, and make a recommendation to the commissioners would be the ideal scenario.
Identifying, meeting with qualified candidates and performing the process with due diligence will be key in hiring the right person to meet the needs of the position and serving Lawrence Countians and the other members of the DJFS will be critical.
Like with any job, either in public service or in the private sector, finding the right personnel can be beneficial or detrimental to the goals and objectives.