DCS plans pay raises for frontline workers

The Tennessee Department of Children Services (DCS) has long suffered from a high turnover rate in frontline workers, but there are plans to improve the situation with a three-tier pay increase.

The first of three phases was implemented July 1 and the others will follow July 1, 2005 and July 1, 2006.

DCS Commissioner Viola Miller said by July 2006, the salary structure will be at or above surrounding states and competitive with the private sector in Tennessee.

The department also is working with a consortium of 13 private and state universities developing a training plan for social workers.