Much like other industries, Jefferson County has struggled to fill positions. While this problem persists in many areas, in Jefferson County it was exacerbated by the County’s financial troubles roughly a decade ago. Recovery from these events was stunted by effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of May, 2023, roughly 17% of budgeted positions in Jefferson County are vacant, with an average of 180 days used to fill each position.

Our goal over a four-year period would be to reach and maintain a number less than 5%, with a timeframe reached and maintained to 60 days or less on average to fill a position.

Similar to vacant positions, employee retention is an issue that many organizations are struggling with now - in many cases made even more difficult by fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employee retention challenges can be caused by hiring the wrong candidate, overlooking employee recognition opportunities, missing out on professional growth opportunities or a myriad of other reasons.

Jefferson County values its employees as our most important asset and seeks to create an environment where employees are the right fit and can thrive.

To help ensure the right candidates are selected, Jefferson County seeks to ensure that department leadership is involved in 100% of all hires within four-years.

By implementing this, along with other strategies, Jefferson County seeks to increase employee retention during their first-year of employment from 65% to a target of 80% and over 24 consecutive months from 90% to 92% and maintain each over a four-year period.

Implement strategies to improve employee experience by creating smoother HR processes and ensuring competitive pay and benefits. Success of initiatives will be measured by improved employee survey results.