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Panel Discusses Search For New DSS Director

The search for a new DSS director has begun. A panel met on Wednesday to discuss the qualifications for the candidate.

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A panel met for the first time on Wednesday afternoon, designed to begin the search for a new director of the Department of Social Services (DSS),

Governor Henry McMaster selected the panel from lawmakers, policy makers and those who work alongside DSS on a regular basis.

On July 16, Susan Alford retired from the director position after serving as the agency head since 2014.

"She's done a fine job and we hate to see her go, but we now have an opportunity to make a selection not only in the director, but with a lot of the ideas that have been expressed today," says Gov. McMaster.

Gov. McMaster says once a new person is selected he hopes that the agency can begin working on collaboration, cooperation and communication with legislators.

The panel discussed the qualifications needed for the role, including leadership and the ability to manage all aspects of the agency. DSS overseas child & adult protective services, adoption, foster care, assistance programs and is currently facing financial issues.

"We have to have somebody that knows that every bit of that falls under the Department of Social Services," says Senator Katrina Shealy, R-Lexington. "The Department of Social Services is probably the largest agency in the state of South Carolina and they have a lot on their plate."

"We've made advances on things like lowering caseloads and that's great, but what we've seen in our oversight committees is a severe lack of morale within the agency," says Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter. "I think we've got to have a director who is a energetic person who is a truly involved leader."

Along with morale, the panel discussed the lack of trust in the agency with the public. Carl Brown, executive director for the South Carolina Foster Care Association says now is the time to uplift the agency.

"I think that they feel downtrodden," says Brown. "They have such an important job 24 hours, seven days a week. I think we must build them up. There an agency that does great things."

The panel will meet again in September to finalize their suggestions. Gov. McMaster will then give those qualifications to DSS, who will be involved in the nation-wide search.

Gov. McMaster is hoping to appoint someone by the beginning of the legislative session in January. They will need to be approved by the Senate.

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