HD11 - Study of Workload Measures for Local Departments of Social Services


Executive Summary:
Based on House Joint Resolution 554 (1998), the Department of Social Services, in collaboration with local departments of social services, conducted a study of workload measures. To assist with this study, the Department contracted with Hornby Zeller Associates, Inc.

The primary model utilized for this study involved time measurement in 35 of the 122 local departments of social services. Participating direct line social service staff identified cases by case type and maintained detailed daily time logs over a six-week period of time. A major component of the analysis of this time data collection focused on the amount of time necessary to complete work according to policy standards. Although preliminary workload measures standards in terms of hours per month per case by varying case types have been generated, the Department continues to examine and verify these standards.

Time study results indicate that direct line workers spend a little over 60 percent of their time (about 104 hours per month) on work associated with specific cases. Workers spend about 5 percent of their time in training, 16 percent in administration, and 16 percent on breaks and leave. Another 3 percent is spent in non-case specific program activities such as recruitment and information and referral.

To derive local staff needs, the model applied the preliminary workload standards to case count data and per worker case work time available per month to derive the number of staff needed to complete work according to policy standards. This number of needed staff was compared to existing local staff positions that are authorized for funding reimbursement to determine the net staffing need.

The study is not complete due to delays caused by complexity of the study and analysis, difficulties in integrating preliminary results with Department data, and the necessity to assess and verify results. The Department is committed to completing this comprehensive study to validate workload measures for local social services programs. When these measures are validated, the Department plans to use results to determine requirements for personnel and operating costs for mandated programs and services.