An Exploratory Study of Hiring Difficulties Among Rural Social Service Staff in Minnesota.
Location
CSU 204
Start Date
27-4-2009 1:00 PM
End Date
27-4-2009 3:00 PM
Student's Major
Social Work
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Paul Mackie
Mentor's Department
Social Work
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
A convenience sample (N = 94) of rural-based social service supervisors were surveyed using an exploratory design to investigate problems associated with hiring and retaining rural social service staff. Findings suggest that geographic distance from Metropolitan Statistical Areas predicts an increase in difficulty of hiring. Evidence also suggests there is a preference to hire Bachelor of Social Work prepared social workers, and the educational level of staff hired differs significantly from what those supervisors stated they would prefer to hire. Additionally, supervisors were asked open-ended questions about successes and challenges of hiring workers. This information suggests supervisors prefer to hire employees who are familiar with rural environments. Challenges cited include lack of qualified applicants, low wages, and rural agencies being used as employment "stepping stones."
An Exploratory Study of Hiring Difficulties Among Rural Social Service Staff in Minnesota.
CSU 204
A convenience sample (N = 94) of rural-based social service supervisors were surveyed using an exploratory design to investigate problems associated with hiring and retaining rural social service staff. Findings suggest that geographic distance from Metropolitan Statistical Areas predicts an increase in difficulty of hiring. Evidence also suggests there is a preference to hire Bachelor of Social Work prepared social workers, and the educational level of staff hired differs significantly from what those supervisors stated they would prefer to hire. Additionally, supervisors were asked open-ended questions about successes and challenges of hiring workers. This information suggests supervisors prefer to hire employees who are familiar with rural environments. Challenges cited include lack of qualified applicants, low wages, and rural agencies being used as employment "stepping stones."
Recommended Citation
Lips, Renee A.. "An Exploratory Study of Hiring Difficulties Among Rural Social Service Staff in Minnesota.." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 27, 2009.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2009/oral-session-09/1
