As caseloads of those on public assistance significantly declined over the last several years, many of those remaining on the rolls have been found to have major barriers to leaving the system and gaining employment. For some, a big barrier is substance abuse.

In an effort to help customers deal with problems associated with drug or alcohol abuse. the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation has hired 12 substance abuse specialists who will work with area office caseworkers across the state.

The agency used money from the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families block grant to fund the positions. The specialists will work under the agency's area offices and with the Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Centers (RADAC). $600,000 was allocated by the Kansas Legislature for the Substance Abuse Specialist program.

The specialists will help provide screening, intervention, education, and clinical case management to those in need.

"Our goal is to promote self-sufficiency for public assistance clients who struggle with alcohol or other substance abuse," said Connie Hubbell, Assistance Secretary for Health Care Policy for SRS. "The substance abuse specialists will help our customers overcome barriers to gainful employment."

The work of the substance abuse specialists involves the development of a comprehensive substance abuse clinical management program. They will focus on early intervention and effective delivery of substance abuse treatment services.

They will develop a screening and referral base within area offices, ensure that

individuals who are screened in for assessment by the SRS caseworker are assessed in a timely manner by the treatment facility or by the RADAC, follow up with appropriate treatment or services, and act as a resource to SRS workers and collaborating partners.

"This is a need that has been identified by field staff," said Assistant Secretary Hubbell. "These positions will also act as an all-important coordination point when there are several different entities involved with the family, such as families who are on cash assistance with child welfare or vocational rehabilitation involvement.

"When a customer walks through the door of our offices across Kansas, we want our staff to have the interest and the expertise to assist them in securing needed services," Hubbell added. "These positions bring added expertise to our offices."

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001