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We know it's hard in these times of inflation-boosted prices, but we need talented people who aren't in it just for the money to step up and help kids.
District Health Department No. 4 wants to put a nurse and a social worker in Hillman Community Schools through the School Wellness Program the Health Department approved in July. The nurse would help kids with their physical health, while the social worker would help kids with their mental health.
The Health Department had a nurse there for part of this school year, but the nurse resigned in December, bringing the School Wellness Program staffing to zero.
The Health Department has struggled to fill those positions in part because of the low pay. While the average registered nurse makes $36.51 an hour and the average social worker makes $34.86 per hour, the School Wellness Program nurse can make $26.61 per hour (with a bachelor's degree) and the social worker can make $27.54.
The Health Department competes for talent with area hospitals and medical clinics who have struggled to find their own nurses and are paying premium prices to find them.
"We don't pay anywhere near as much as some of the other private practices," Kendra Bartz, human resources director of the Health Department, told News staff writer Mike Gonzalez for a recent story. "We've had a few applicants for the registered nurse position, but it's more about getting the right fit. Public service is a job of the heart and we need to find someone who wants to help these kids."
Bartz is exactly right.
We need someone with the skills to work in the private sector but a heart for helping kids, who's willing to take the still-good pay of the School Wellness Program to make a difference in kids' lives.
If you're one of those people, we encourage you to step up and reach out to the Health Department. You never know what kind of meaning you could have to a young person, and the difference you could make.
Anyone considering submitting a resume and cover letter should send them to Bartz at kbartz@dhd4.org.
(THE ALPENA NEWS)