Feltenberger hired to lead Butler County human services
Amanda Feltenberger, whose career in the county human services department began in 2004, has been hired to lead the department.
“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity,” Feltenberger said Wednesday.
She said she learned a lot while working under three department directors, who she described as mentors.
That includes the previous director, Brandon Savochka, who started working for the county as a program specialist for Children and Youth Services in 2013 and rose through the ranks to become human services director in 2019. He left the department in January to become executive director of the Center for Community Resources.
“I feel like I’m coming in prepared. I’m excited to give it my own spin,” Feltenberger said.
She said the job will be challenging, but she will rely on the department’s “amazing team” of program directors to meet those challenges.
As director, Feltenberger oversees the Area Agency on Aging, Children and Youth Services, Mental Health, intellectual disabilities, early intervention, drug and alcohol programs and Homeless Services departments. Those directors report to Feltenberger.
The county salary board on Wednesday set her annual salary at $96,574.
Her career in the department began in 2004 when she was hired as a program development manager. That position evolved into the director of service integration and quality management in 2010, and included serving as Homeless Services director. She said she worked for CCR before joining the county.
Despite an increase this year in mental health funding from the state, she predicts that public funding for human service departments will grow tighter in the future, and the need for public-private partnerships will increase.
Though grateful for the funding increase, she said demand for services is increasing. Costs increase substantially and she said she will advocate for increases in funding.
“Budgets are getting tighter and there is a lot of need,” Feltenberger said.
She said it will take creativity to continue providing services.
As an example of public-private partnerships, she said the Homeless Services Department partners with private landlords to provide housing for those need it.
Another example is a grant provided by Trinity Lutheran Church Partnership for a program run by Slippery Rock University to help families living in poverty.
“We have an incredibly giving community that’s willing to help when they’re asked,” Feltenberger said. “I believe the community will step up and answer those calls.”
One of her goals is to improve “social connectiveness” to combat social isolation, which has negative health impacts, she said.
“Being connected to your community is huge in terms of people’s being well,” she said.
