Polk DSS honors four retirees for 80 years of service combined

Published 10:00 pm Wednesday, June 17, 2015

The Polk County Board of Commissioners and department of social services (DSS) honored four DSS employees who are or have recently retired. The employees combined for more than 80 years of service to Polk DSS. Pictured from left are Dorothy Staley, Sara Stevenson, Dyane Williams and Rose “Jackie” Johnson. (photo by Leah Justice)

The Polk County Board of Commissioners and department of social services (DSS) recognized four employees upon their retirements. The employees, Sara Stevenson, Dorothy Staley, Dyane Williams and Rose “Jackie” Johnson, have together worked for more than 80 years.

Commissioners met Monday, June 15 and heard from DSS director Lou Parton who recognized the employees.

Stevenson worked with Polk County DSS for 9.5 years beginning as the food and nutrition services lead worker. This is Stevenson’s second retirement as she retired after 25 years with the Florida Department of Labor, Employment and Training and previously was a teacher’s assistant.

Parton said through Stevenson’s years with Polk DSS, her caseload increased 83 percent since the economic downturn of 2008.

Staley has worked with DSS for almost 16 years, beginning in 1999 as an income maintenance caseworker in Medicaid. Prior to working with DSS, Staley worked for Stonecutter Mills Inc. for 33 years.

Staley began as an income maintenance caseworker I, then was promoted to an income maintenance caseworker II, then became the lead worker in family and children. Staley’s caseload has increased 38 percent since 2008, according to Parton.

Williams has been with DSS for more than 21 years, joining the staff in 1994.

Williams previously worked with the Spartanburg County, S.C. DSS in economic services as a food and nutrition services and Medicaid worker.

While in Polk County, Williams has served as a child welfare worker, with Parton saying she often juggled multiple responsibilities as she investigated reports of child abuse and neglect and provided services to children in foster care. Parton said she often “compassionately” served as many as 20-25 children and families at a time.

Parton also credited Williams with giving the offices a “special touch,” always making sure the workplace was a pleasant environment.

Johnson is retiring after 34 years with the Polk County government, the last 30 being with the DSS.

Johnson joined the DSS staff in 1985 after working with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department from 1981-1985. Johnson served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1973, earning a Bronze Star, then worked with the U.S. Civil Service from 1974-1980.

Johnson began at Polk DSS as a clerk receptionist, then as an economic services worker, then an adult service social worker and child welfare social worker. Johnson currently serves as one of the agency’s social work supervisors. During some of her DSS career, Johnson also served as the county’s veteran’s affairs officer.

Parton said Johnson is always the first to volunteer for special projects and events and if she saw something that needed to be done, Johnson would do it. Johnson also served as the agency’s safety officer and was instrumental in developing the foster care licensure program.

“These four ladies will be missed,” Parton said. “Each has made a tremendous impact on me personally as I have observed their compassionate service day in and day out. There are no words to truly express our gratitude to them for their service to the citizens of Polk County.”