The Southwest Georgia Community Action Council used data about weatherization staff wages to offer raises, improve responses to job listings, and support retention of existing staff.
Weatherization Assistance Program
November 1, 2023
minute read time
About the Project
The Southwest Georgia Community Action Council used data about weatherization staff wages to offer raises, improve responses to job listings, and support retention of existing staff.
Challenge
The Southwest Georgia Community Action Council was facing challenges in recruiting new field staff that had a balance of both technical skills and an openness to training and flexibility needed in the Weatherization Assistance Program, because every home presents new challenges.
Solution
The agency reviewed data from the National Association for State Community Services Programs’ Wage Survey, and used it to foster discussions with management and the board about raising wages to align with the local cost of living survey.
Positive Impact
The agency was able to raise starting wages by $5 for all field positions—retrofit installers, crew leads, energy auditors, and quality control inspectors. The result was an immediate and dramatic increase in responses to their job postings. The agency also renewed their focus on training and mentorship for all field staff, allowing existing staff to grow into new positions and creating space for new entry level staff.
This new approach to creating pathways into and through Weatherization Assistance Program careers helped improve production and morale for staff.
This story was developed using content from the National Association for State Community Services Program blog. View the content on their website.