Four Candidates Interview For Human Services Post

MASHPEE- Out of four candidates interviewed by town officials this week to replace Louise Patrick as the town’s new human services director, one emerged the clear favorite, Town Manager Joyce M. Mason said on Wednesday.
As soon as Personnel Director Marilyn Farren is back from vacation, the town will begin running reference checks in the hope of meeting a starting date of the middle of next month, she said. “Obviously we want to get someone on board as soon as we can,” she said.
She declined to offer specifics about the names and qualifications of the different candidates, but said that information should be available once a conditional offer is on the table.
Ms. Mason said the candidates were interviewed by herself, Chairman of the Mashpee Human Services Committee Mary M. Scanlan, Human Service Committee member Kevin Terrill, and Selectman John J. Cahalane, a longtime liaison to and member of the human services committee.
The four interviewees were chosen out of six total candidates for the position, she said.
Ms. Patrick is widely recognized as a difficult act to follow, in large part for her diverse pursuits in the nine years she spent working for the town. She was capable both in a clinical setting and as an outreach and services coordinator, town officials have said previously.
Mr. Cahalane said some involved in the town’s human services have emphasized that the town should focus on strong clinical skills for the new employee, while others have said the priority should be outreach. The hope is for both, he said.
Ms. Mason said the town advertised the same job description originally written by Ms. Patrick for the position several years ago.