The state agency charged with overseeing services to Nevadans with disabilities or special health care needs is facing “major vacancy rates,” with the largest shortfall among social workers and specialists who provide oversight to state long-term care facilities, lawmakers were told Wednesday.
The Aging and Disability Division, which is part of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, told the Interim Legislative Committee on Seniors, Veterans and Adults with Special Needs that nearly one in four of the division’s authorized positions are unfilled.
The adult protective services and long-term care ombudsman office, which provides oversight and advocacy for people living in residential facilities, has a 44% vacancy rate, while the home and community based services has a 47% vacancy.
The legislature approved funding for 164 positions for the ombudsman office and 209 for home and community services, but there are 72 and 99 vacancies respectively.
“The majority for the teams that have the largest vacancy rates are social workers, which continues to be an ongoing challenge for our division,” said Jeffrey Duncan, the agency manager for the Aging and Disability Division.