Dodge County Executive Committee Hears Update On Search For Public Health Officer

(Juneau) The Dodge County Public Health Department is still struggling to fill open positions. The county board’s Executive Committee heard an update from Department Head Becky Bell Monday. She says they have had no applications for the public health officer role and registered nurse jobs.

The public health officer position has been vacant since the beginning of the year. The department is also trying to find qualified workers to fill openings for a full-time as well as a part-time nurse. Bell says the COVID pandemic has been a (quote) “considerable stressor” and a reason for several recent resignations.

She told the executive committee that they have taken the postings down for the nursing positions on the county website as a method to reengage interest. Bell says they have found that it can be successful if a posting is taken down for a short period of time than re-posted. She says the listings will go back up sometime this week.

Bell says her department did receive a certificate of commendation from the governor’s office for their work during the pandemic. The certificate states that “the Dodge County Human Services and Health Department staff have selflessly devoted themselves to saving the lives of the people they serve. Working tirelessly during these unprecedented times.” It also states that Tony Evers commends the department for its countless contributions its made to the Dodge County community and to the state.

The Dodge County Board last month adopted a resolution showing their support for the Dodge County Public Health Department and its mission.