Help wanted: Human Services, CYS, Elections chiefs / By Martha Knight

SMETHPORT—Ads in an area newspaper have announced the availability of some key appointive positions in McKean County Government: directors of Elections, Human Services, and (within Human Services) Children and Youth Services.

Judy Ordiway still holds the Director of Elections position, as she has for more than 30 years, according to County Commissioner Cliff Lane, but has told the McKean County Commissioners of her intention to retire in the near future. 

Lane remarked that running the elections within the county requires a set of skills and extensive knowledge not possessed by many people. 

The ad for that position describes requirements as including at least an Associate degree, preferably in business, political science or a related area; five to 10 years of experience in office support, preferably in a legal office or in county government; excellent training and public speaking skills; organizational abilities and outstanding interpersonal communications skills; technical skills; a good track record in problem solving; being proactive and self-directed; and experience in applying for grants.

Another job advertised is that of Children and Youth Services Administrator. CYS chief Duane Wolfe tendered his resignation several months ago. 

He had also handled the duties of Human Services Director for some time, after Charlotte Chew-Sturm left that position.

In the wake of Wolfe’s departure, Tara Erway has been acting Director of the Department of Human Services. Within that department, Linda Gault directs Services for the Developmentally Disabled.

The ad for CYS head calls the job an “immediate opening.” That position is technically vacant.

The new director of CYS must have, at minimum, five years of progressively responsible experience in social services, including two years in an administrative or supervisory capacity in an agency serving children and youth. Also, applicants must have bachelor’s degrees.

The Human Services Director job is another “immediate opening.” The ad for that says that employee “handles highly responsible administrative work directing and coordinating a comprehensive county human services and block grant program.”

Requirements include, at minimum, six years of progressively responsible experience in social work, education, psychology, sociology public health, intellectual disabilities, gerontology, hospital administration or public administration, including three years in planning, development or administration of human services, or a closely related field. An applicant should have a master’s degree.

The ad does provide for a combination of experience and training that might seem different from those listed, but which would provide the requisite knowledge and skills.

Applications are to be sent to Human Resources Director Kathy Roche at the McKean County Court House. 

Lane said that the commissioners want to separate the CYS post from the Human Services one, so that the new CYS director can concentrate on those services, in a busy department. Human Services also requires full-time administration.

The positions are all appointive, with the commissioners having the ultimate appointing power. Such department heads are not appointed for definite terms, but serve at the pleasure of the commissioners.