Under-pressure Dumfries and Galloway Council chiefs are desperately trying to recruit 22 social workers to provide vital support in the community.
The Nithsdale and Annandale and Eskdale areas are facing the biggest shortage, with 10 more social workers and one senior official needing to be assigned.
A further two family support workers are also being sought.
Wigtownshire requires six more social workers and three senior members of staff, along with three family support workers.
Meanwhile, two more social workers and a couple of assistants are necessary to provide extra support region-wide.
The worrying situation was revealed this week after councillors requested more details on the staffing crisis the authority has been facing in recent months exacerbated by the pandemic.
A report produced for this Thursday’s response, renewal and recovery sub-committee lays bare the key role-gaping holes in many council departments, with social work a standout.
There are 100 key public service posts needing filled, which include 15 buildings facilities assistants, 24 cleaners, 10 roads operatives, and care at home employees.
The council has staged several recruitment events and is spending £15,000 on a marketing drive to attract new employees to fill posts.
Mark Thomson, the council’s RRR manager, wrote in the council report: “A pilot recruitment event focusing specifically on the recruitment of care at home workers was held on October 25.
“Thirty-two people attended the event and of those 19 were successful in receiving a conditional offer of employment.”
Follow up council events recruiting a range of posts were held last month. Thirty-two people attended the event in Annan , 75 turned up in Dumfries, 46 showed in Stranraer, and 20 attended in Castle Douglas. Almost half of the candidates overall were unemployed and seeking a role with the council.
“The details of the number of successful candidates, the vacancies filled and those requiring further recruitment are still being compiled.”
