DAYTON, OH (May 9, 2023) – Montgomery County Children Services and the Professionals Guild of Ohio (PGO), the union representing Children Services staff, are celebrating a new three-year contract agreement.

“Our PGO members are the heart behind Montgomery County Children Services’ mission of protecting children and restoring families,” said Commission President Debbie Lieberman. “We are grateful for their tireless dedication to serving families and for their positive collaboration during this negotiation process.”

The new contract, which runs through March of 2026, provides PGO members with a $1,000 lump sum signing bonus for 2023, a 6 percent pay increase in 2023 and a 3 percent increase in 2024 and 2025, along with adding an hourly incentive for intake and ongoing casework.

"We applaud both our PGO negotiation team and the Board of County Commissioners for their efforts to support caseworkers. This contract clearly demonstrates a united front and serves as a rallying cry to continue collaborating and rising above the challenges we face together," said Mason Montgomery, II, President of PGO Council 12. "We're excited about the strong precedent this sets for a brighter future and the mutual goal of recruiting and retaining the right people to serve the county we all cherish."

The new contract also aligns many benefits with those for other eligible employees of the Board of County Commissioners, including an increase in tuition reimbursement from $3,500 to up to $5,250 per calendar year, additional paid parental leave and the addition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

“Montgomery County is committed to investing in our caseworkers and supporting their success. When they succeed, the children and families of Montgomery County succeed,” said Commissioner Judy Dodge.

"We are proud to say we reached this agreement in record time," said Commissioner Carolyn Rice. "That shows strong collaboration and dedication not only to our employees but to the children who depend on this team every single day."

Montgomery County Children Services has openings for caseworkers in their intake and ongoing departments. Those interested in applying for a position, can see current openings online.

"Building a strong County starts with those who make our operations possible," said County Administrator Michael Colbert. "It is important for us to take care of those who play a vital role in caring for children and families in our community.”

Montgomery County Children Services and PGO members would like to remind residents to report suspected abuse or neglect to the county’s 24-hour hotline at 937-224-5437. You can remain anonymous, and calls are kept confidential. If you suspect a child may be in immediate danger, please call 911. To learn more about the signs and symptoms and information to have when making a report, click here.

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