Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Launches Dauphin County Customer Service Initiative that will Bring 50 New Jobs to Cambria County

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Department of Human Services (DHS) announced it will begin implementing a new customer service initiative that will improve customer service in Dauphin County. The initiative will transition 50 administrative or "back-office" positions from the Dauphin County Assistance Office (CAO) to Cambria County.

DHS has faced long-standing issues at the Dauphin CAO caused by annual employee turnover of nearly 100 percent. The excessive turnover makes it difficult to maintain adequate staffing and is the result of the many opportunities for higher level state positions that are available in the Harrisburg area. By transitioning these positions to Cambria County, the Department will be able to improve customer service, stabilize staffing levels, and improve employee morale.

"In order for Pennsylvanians to have a government that works, we must provide the highest level of customer service," said DHS Secretary Ted Dallas. "The move to Cambria County will not only address a long standing customer service issue in Dauphin County, it will also bring new employment opportunities to the Cambria County community."

"Customer service issues have delayed critical benefits to those who need it most in Dauphin County," said Representative Patty Kim (D-Dauphin). "I'm hopeful that this initiative will help to better serve Pennsylvania's most vulnerable."

State Sen. John N. Wozniak (D-Cambria/Bedford/Clearfield) was joined by Rep. Bryan Barbin (D-Cambria) and Frank Burns (D-Cambria) to help the Department relocate the jobs to the Johnstown area. Senator Wozniak said the move is encouraging and a sign of continued progress.

"I am pleased and greatly encouraged that these good jobs are coming to our area," Senator Wozniak said. "There is a growing recognition among public and private employers that our region has a skilled, quality workforce with an incredible work ethic that produces results. That is a credit to our workers and the businesses, non-profits and government offices located here.

For progress to continue, we must aggressively grow our economic base and diversify our economy. The relocation of these jobs is an excellent step forward."

Employees hired under this initiative will work at the Hiram G. Andrews Center in Cambria County, which is available state-owned space within the Department of Labor and Industry. DHS will be using valuable space which is being paid for by the state and not currently being utilized. Employees will report to the Dauphin County CAO Executive Director, similar to other current remote CAO offices.

No Dauphin County DHS employees will lose their job due to the transition. The transition of positions will be accomplished through the attrition of the current Dauphin County staff as they continue to accept other jobs in the Harrisburg area.

Media Contact: Rachel Kostelac, 717.425.7606 

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Human Services