Date: Fri 11-Oct-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

human-services-Knox

Full Text:

with cut: Human Services Restructuring Aimed At Better Service

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

After a re-evaluation of the job functions within the town's Human Services

Department, changes have been made to better use the time and talents of

personnel. Once staff training is complete, these changes will allow the

department to serve more people and create more programs in Newtown, according

to Human Service Director Sheila Knox.

Although the needs of residents have grown in relation to the increase in

population, there has been no increase in staffing since Ms Knox began working

for the town eight years ago.

"The goal of restructuring was to service as many people as we could with the

same number of positions," she said.

Linda Peck was hired last week and replaces Linda Pancrazio, who was senior

service coordinator. The position was changed to outreach worker for the

elderly, eliminating a duplication of supervisory tasks and involve more

outreach to and program development for the senior citizen community, said Ms

Knox. Ms Peck, who earned associate's degrees in both social work and

gerontology, will now work two full days at Nunnawauk Meadows to expand office

hours and programming, and work at the Senior Center on Riverside Road the

rest of the week.

"I'm excited about being back in Newtown," said Ms Peck, who worked part time

as meal site manager at the senior center for six years before accepting the

position as director of Oxford's senior center where she has been for the past

11 years. "I hope to help [the seniors] with their problems, needs, and

concerns. As an outreach worker, I'm here to help. I hope they come seek out

the services we offer."

Karen Hoyt, who has been municipal agent for the town for the past eight

years, will incorporate this role into her new job as assistant director of

human services.

Although the job titles have changed, no new positions have been created.

Ms Hoyt, who holds a bachelor of library science, will shift some other

responsiblities (i.e. taking applications for rent relief, tax relief, medical

and financial entitlements, and energy assistance) to Ms Peck. "I'm looking

forward to working with the general population. There is so much involved in

the Social Service Department. I like to learn new things," said Ms Hoyt. "I

have the knowledge of resources in town, I'll just be utilizing that knowledge

differently."

As director of the department, Sheila Knox will formally assume all

responsibilty for administrative, personnel, and budget-related tasks. When

she begins her maternity leave at the end of this month, Ms Hoyt will

temporarily administer general assistance.

"Linda had exactly the background we were looking for, and she is learning

very quickly," said Ms Knox. "And Karen and I have both been working in the

community for eight years - we both have experience in what needs exist. The

opportunity to reorganize the positions allows us to serve more people and

take advantage of the expertise Karen has in entitlement programs."