Kentucky sees net gain in social workers

Kentucky has hired a net gain of 230 social workers over the past 18 months. That’s according to Gov. Andy Beshear, who made the announcement during his regular media briefing.

“This has been one of the best spans for social worker recruitment and retention,” Beshear said. “These individuals are a lifeline to those in need, but for far too long, they have had caseloads so large they worry about what might fall through the cracks, but they do their best to help everyone they can.”

Beshear credited multiple pay raises as a reason for the rise. That includes a 10 percent raise for all social workers in 2021. State employees have also seen a 6 percent and 8 percent raise over the last two years.

“We've supported a hybrid work schedule, and we've boosted pay to $5 an hour for those that work outside of the normal schedule,” Beshear said. “And over the past 18 months, teams of recruiters have participated in 37 hiring events, bringing on more talented and caring members to Team Kentucky.”

The process to hire social workers has also been streamlined, and partnerships with state universities have created more paid internships.

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