Knox County Human Resources Director Courtney Lower told the Board of Commissioners at its May 28 meeting that more than 30 county employees from many different departments participated in a supervisor development series on the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Lower said, "We're so grateful to be able to have that job protection for folks, because if they don't have a lot of leave time on the books, then this supports them an opportunity to take care of their own serious health conditions, the serious health conditions of their immediate family, as well as birth and bonding time. And then we've even had a military exigency leave. So a family member whose spouse was being deployed overseas, they're allowed to take FMLA to prepare for that departure," according to a video recording of the meeting.
Lower added that the number of FMLA cases closed from 20 in April to 13 being monitored in May. The number of employees onboarding has come down, which gives the HR staff more time for cross training. An HR generalist position that was advertised had 25 applicants before its posting was taken down on May 29. The successful candidate will sit at the front desk, handling clerical work in addition to helping with onboarding and off-boarding and interview setups.
Lower also said that with a month remaining, 64 employees have completed all three requirements of the county's wellness program. She recently visited Delaware County to discuss its safety program built by Laura Hatcher and plans further engagement with Knox County's safety committee about possible implementations.
The county's website lists available positions, including full- and part-time dispatchers for the 911 Center, child support case manager, program support caseworker, children services public assistance caseworkers, an Ohio Start Family peer mentor for Job and Family Services, part-time drivers for Transit, and several positions at the Engineer's office, including seasonal help. Lower suggested that college students seeking summer experience consider applying for these seasonal roles.
Lower also informed the board that Human Resources Coordinator Pam Shafer will retire on July 31 after nearly 41 years with Knox County. Shafer worked with the auditor's office for 38 years before joining HR. Lower said, "That's real dedication to public service and the community around here. So, that'll be a big loss for the county, certainly for our department."
