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They are also engaged in a variety of community team meetings. In addition, they host and <br />coordinate an annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event. <br />Mental health is the most reported concern. Individuals with challenging and violent <br />behavior make it difficult to find nursing home placement. COVID has added to the <br />complexity. Financial exploitation presents as another area of concern. The difference <br />between a Guardianship and Conservatorship was explained. <br />Self-neglect is the most difficult issue the unit faces. These can include poor living <br />conditions, hygiene issues, hoarding, etc. If competent, an individual has the constitutional <br />right to live how they wish and refuse the assistance. In these cases, APS focuses on harm <br />reduction, reduce fire hazards, and assists with medical providers in an effort to help reduce <br />overall risk. <br />Southeast Human Service Center (SEHSC) serves as a liaison for assistance with the VAPS <br />program which include assessments for other services or involuntary commitments. <br />Ms. Bollinger thanked the APS workers for all they do to serve the people in our region. <br />IV. Personnel Update <br />Heather Collins is the new Executive Staff Officer. She began with CCHSZ on January 3, 2022. <br />She serves as a Human Resource liaison between Cass County and ND DHS. Heather <br />previously served as the HR Director for the Anne Carlsen Organization and has a medical <br />background. <br />Ms. Collins provided the following staffing updates: <br />• There were (5) retirements in the month of January; <br />• Offers are being made on (3) open Economic Assistance positions; <br />• In Family Services, (3) new employees today; and, <br />• There are (6) Family Service positions open and in various hiring stages. <br />The Board inquired about the quality and quantity of applicants the agency has received. <br />Ms. Collins reports seeing over ten applications on the last position that closed. Quality <br />applicants have been noted. This has allowed the agency to hire multiple positions from one <br />roster of candidates. <br />The human service zone positions are posted on the ND.GOV website. An online application <br />is required for all applicants. NDDHS HR performs the initial screening of applicants and <br />develops a scored roster based on the round one screening and minimum qualifications. <br />The interview and selection processes are at the discretion of the human service zone. <br />The Board sought an update on the ongoing workplace investigations. The Family Service <br />internal investigation has been completed and resulted in three retirements. The Economic <br />Assistance internal investigation is in the fact-finding phase. <br />V. Directors Report <br />Ms. Bollinger provided an update on her first few weeks of activity with the zone. She has <br />spent time with Ms. Jacobson and Lynn Flieth, Zone Director for RSR Human Service Zone, <br />who have been serving as mentors and assisting with the onboarding process. Kristen <br />Hasbargen, Director of Zone Operations for ND DHS will also be meeting with her for <br />onboarding purposes.