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."

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Apr 27th, 1:00 PM Apr 27th, 3:00 PM

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