Spend More Quality Time with Families

Challenges

Inefficient processes, overwhelming paperwork, and redundant work impacted social workers’ efficiency, limited quality time spent with families, and added stress. Workers worried “Am I doing enough to help my families?”

Lacking Quality Time with Families.

Workers said they spent about 70% of their time on paperwork verses only 30% of their time with families.

Stress on Workers.

The stress on workers to serve families and complete paperwork using inefficient processes was palatable.

“It's stressful when you're always the person who isn't getting stuff done. The finger is pointed at you no matter what,” said Jessica Reed, Lead Child Protection Social Worker.

Redundant Work.

Social workers were redoing work, such as repeat home visits when they forgot a paper form. This wasted agency resources, added stress, and inconvenienced families.

Solution

Houston County DHS implemented Traverse in the Child/Family and Adult units. The cloud-based, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) document management, forms management, and mobility software is purpose-built for human services agencies.

Results

• Ease of collecting and viewing information
• Holistic view of cases for clients
• More quality time with families
• Efficient processes that save 1-2 hours per day, per worker
• Less stress on social workers

More Face-to-Face Time.

Since implementing Traverse, social workers spend more quality face-to-face time with clients.

Holistic View of Cases.

They have a holistic view of critical case information, which they can apply to making informed, confident decisions focused on safety and outcomes, not just meeting mandates.

“We’re able to take action a lot faster in regards to what our next steps are going to be when meeting with the families, making referrals, getting services in place when needed,” said Andrea Onstad, Child Protection Social Worker.

Reduced Worker Stress.

Social workers hit deadlines and feel more efficient and effective, which has reduced their stress.

Services Delivered Faster.

As a result of this project, families receive services faster and experience better case continuity, which Houston County DHS believes will lead to improved outcomes now and in the future.