DHS issues 88 layoff notices to employees

DES MOINES – Restructuring of field offices and budget pressures within the state Department of Human Services have resulted in 88 employees receiving pink slips, DHS Director Charles Krogmeier said Friday.

Krogmeier said the positions affected by the layoff will be eliminated July 1 but field staff will have the opportunity to apply for 130 positions that are opening up in Des Moines and Council Bluffs for employees willing to transfer among county offices. Another 90 jobs will need to be filled by June 30 due to vacancies created by early retirements as the agency works to “rebalance” the distribution of DHS staff, he said.

“It is my hope that most, if not all, staff who receive a lay-off notice today consider taking one of these positions,” Krogmeier said in a memo to DHS employees.

With 614 DHS employees signing up to take early-retirement incentives and budget cutbacks, Krogmeier told the department's staff that “we can no longer keep the current configuration of offices and staff.” He said the agency is in the process of reducing the number of service areas and employees, which will mean the department will have more “less than full-time offices” and will centralize several services to avoid reductions.

Krogmeier said the focus of the internal changes within the DHS field operation has been to protect vulnerable Iowans and to provide assistance to DHS clients.

“We have not taken any of our decisions lightly and realize we are making a major change in the lives of our staff and our clients,” he said. “Having said this, it is time to move ahead - further delay only prolongs the tough steps ahead.”

DHS managers will be meeting with individuals who received layoff notices to discuss future employment options with them, he said.

“Although there will be opportunities for virtually all of these individuals right away within DHS,” Krogmeier said, “I know how very difficult this will be and ask that you help by offering your support to them.”

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