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The health commission discussed new contractual positions and employee incentive programs that would potentially be funded by a workforce development grant in its March meeting.
The proposed positions would be on a contractual basis for 4.5 years, following which the position would be terminated. and include a part time housing code enforcer, a security guard for the health department, and an outreach specialist. The part-time housing code enforcer would assist City Housing Inspector Sal Salvino, and Environmental Health Director Alan Masters in responding to, and enforcing housing code violations within the city, and the outreach specialist would be in charge of community event planning. The outreach specialist would also act as an assistant to Accreditation Co-Ordinator Sara Houchins, following changes to their job description to more accurately reflect their day-to-day duties.
In addition to the establishment of new positions, funds will also be used for workforce incentive programs including a retention bonus of $100 for each year the employee has worked at the department, and incentive payments for participation in programs that fall outside of an employee's normal duties and hours. Performance bonuses were also discussed as part of the grant, including the potential to tie them into the department employee of the month program. However, the commission decided against implementing such a program, agreeing the subjective nature could pose a risk for challenge and accusations of favoritism.
Following discussion, a motion to approve the revised section for personnel development for the 2023 Workforce Development Grant was unanimously approved.
The board of health will meet next 2 p.m. April 19.