Health Department Seeks To Add New Positions

berriencountyadministration-73
berriencountyadministration-73

The Berrien County Health Department is looking to hire new staff members as it works to combat COVID-19 in the community. Berrien County Commissioner Bill Chickering told the board of commissioners this week federal CARES Act money would be used to hire nine employees.

“Going forward, there would be five people in the contact tracing area, three special health project coordinators who would be allocated to schools and businesses for their reopening activities, and a communications assistance,” Chickering said.

Chickering said the biggest question commissioners have is why the health department wants the positions to be advertised as permanent and full-time. The answer is that the department wants to attract the best and most qualified workers it can. He noted something would be made clear to those who take the jobs.

“Any applicant will be advised that when this funding ends, the jobs go away.”

The county is receiving $900,000 in CARES Act money that would be used to pay the employees. Over 18 months, it’s estimated they would cost about $650,000. County Administrator Brian Dissette told the board he will work on a more detailed cost analysis for the proposal before it comes to a vote of the county commission.