Corrections staffing decision questioned

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
A recent decision by the Morgan County Community Corrections and Court Services Commission to permit the hiring of an employee to fill a gender-specific caseworker’s position was upheld by the Morgan County Commission on Monday.
The governing body voted 3-1 in favor of approving a job description for a Community Corrections case manager at a salary of $12.59 per hour and authorized a one-time occupational qualification (BFOQ) for a male-only case manager position.
The move was opposed by District 4 Commissioner Stacy George, He claimed it was in violation of Economic Opportunity Commission guidelines as well as the county’s hiring policy. He said he planned to file a formal complaint with the EOC after the meeting and request the matter to be investigated.
Circuit Court Judge Steve Haddock, vice chairman of the Corrections Commission explained the reasoning behind the decision to permit the hiring of a gender-specific caseworker.
Kim Thurston, corrections director, said a staff member is required to watch urine leave the body and go into a specimen cup.
Judge Haddock said the Corrections Commission plans to readvertise for the two caseworker positions, of which one will be for male applicants only.