The Porter County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the health department to expand the health officer role from part-time to full-time as a replacement is sought for retiring health officer Dr. Maria Stamp. Many counties with similar populations are moving to have full-time health workers.
“This is a really good time to make the transition to full-time health workers,” Stump told the City Council, noting that Indiana's new Health First initiative and its increased funding will help keep health workers healthier than ever before. He explained that it is now possible. The department will significantly expand its services.
Stamp, Porter County Health Department Director Carrie Gschwind, and Board of Health President Dr. Linda Boxum present monthly to the board about the department's expanding efforts.
They explained to the City Council that one such effort is the creation of a task force focused on working with schools. Mental health, substance abuse, school attendance, and connectivity are some of the areas of focus.
“I looked at the salary range. Are you sure you don't want to be here?” Councilman Andy Vasquez (R-4th) asked about the salary, which was also approved up to $150,000.
“Yes, that's much higher than my current salary,” Stamp replied. Stamp is currently paid $45,800 a year in a part-time role.
“We have a present now,” Boxam said.
But even at a high full-time salary, the city council is wondering where the proposed salary falls in the private sector, saying it is significantly lower than the salary of a full-time family physician working under a hospital employee. After asking, Stump explained:
The health department hopes flexible schedules, no on-call work, and other intangibles will attract experienced and motivated candidates.
Mr. Stamp has agreed to remain in the position until a replacement is hired. Gschwind said the position does not currently have a job description, although one is written for new hires.
“A lot has changed in the last 13 years,” said Stamp, who has held the position since 2011. This has never had his job description associated with it, just the (Indiana) code. ”
City Council Vice President Red Stone, the No. 1 Republican, said he would like to see much of the new money spent on services rather than administrative costs. Gschwind said some administrative work is required to set up the planned expanded service.
However, Stamp said it may be possible for new health personnel to provide some clinical services on a full-time schedule, increase revenue and fill service gaps in the process. Ta. She acknowledged that this could involve upfront costs for the claimant. “You need to get claims coordinator training,” she said.
The health department plans to begin an investigation as soon as the position is approved.
Sherry Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
