7 in Line for Top Social Services Job

County officials have narrowed to seven the number of candidates seeking to lead the county’s $125-million social services agency through the age of welfare reform.

The candidates were selected from a pool of 30 who applied through a statewide recruitment to replace James E. Isom, who in May was prompted to retire from his post of 22 years as director of the Public Social Services Agency following months of criticism over his job performance.

Officials hope to name a new director by early next month.

Members of the Board of Supervisors and Chief Administrative Officer Lin Koester are slated to further narrow down the number and interview at least three candidates on Oct. 30.

Supervisor Frank Schillo said the interview process will involve a high level of scrutiny. The ideal candidate will require keen knowledge of the state and nation’s welfare reform plans and experience in lobbying state leaders. The county is seeking flexibility in state requirements as it tries to develop its own, localized version of welfare reform.

The only known candidate for the director’s role is Barbara Fitzgerald, 51, a 28-year county employee who has been serving as the agency’s interim director since Isom’s departure. Fitzgerald confirmed Friday that she is among the seven candidates.