NCWWI Workforce Excellence Site Overview:


Georgia DCFS | University of Georgia | Georgia State University
Albany State University

NCWWI Workforce Excellence Initiative 

Through partnerships with NCWWI, Georgia Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and their University Partners seek to fully implement selected workforce strategies and put in place infrastructure to support future workforce development efforts with the goal of creating a stronger workforce that can support and strengthen Georgia’s families.

Key Assessment Findings

Strengths include:

  • Strong leadership and committed staff
  • Supportive peer-to-peer relationships
  • Positive organizational climate
  • Robust community engagement

Challenges include:

  • Recruiting and retaining qualified staff
  • High levels of job stress and burnout
  • Extreme workloads
  • Racial equity and inclusivity
  • COVID-related workforce stress

Implementation Activities

  • Workforce Excellence Implementation Team assesses workforce needs, plans strategies, and supports implementation work of Action Teams, Leadership Academy (LIFT), and University Partners. The Communication Team promotes holistic agency awareness of workforce-focused activities.
  • A total of 15 stipend students completed their MSW’s and 29 stipend students are currently studying to complete their MSW.
  • Two Cohorts of Leadership Academy (LIFT) have been completed producing 23 graduates. 36 Leadership Academy Coaches and six trainers have been installed in the organization.

Strategies Overview

  • Five Action Teams across the three DFCS Districts are meeting monthly to prep, plan, and implement strategies to improve workforce effectiveness in the field. Intersession assignments facilitate planning and implementation of selected strategies.
  • Key focus for Action Teams has been on strategies that support retention of new hires. Three of five teams are in active implementation. Strategies focused on improving work conditions include peer support groups, mentors, and structured/supportive supervision.
  • Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to be implemented across students, faculty, and DFCS leaders. The IDI is an online, theory-based assessment of inter-cultural competence that can provide profile results at an individual or organizational level.
  • Sustainability workgroups focused on Action Teams, Communication, Infrastructure and University Partnerships are meeting monthly to develop action plans to anchor workforce focus within DFCS beyond the NCWWI project.