Washington County hires CYS administrator
Sphar reconsiders after turning job down last month
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Jessica Sphar notified Washington County officials that she would be accepting the role of Children & Youth Services administrator two weeks after she pulled out from taking the position a day before she was set to begin.
Spahr will now start leading the office Oct. 21, according to a letter county Human Services Director John Tamigigi sent to CYS staff and service providers Wednesday. She rescinded her acceptance of that position on Sept. 23 due to “personal reasons,” but Tamigigi wrote in the letter that they were able to “re-engage in discussions” to persuade her to reconsider.
In his letter, Tamigigi said Sphar has an “impressive CYS background” that includes work as a school psychologist, central intake coordinator for Washington County and the deputy director for Greene County CYS. Tamigigi’s department oversees CYS in the county government structure.
“We really liked her. We truly thought she was the best candidate and we’re glad we were able to bring her back into the fold,” Tamigigi said during a phone interview Friday.
Washington County Commission Chairman Nick Sherman said Sphar has the “experience and background” suited for the leadership role she’s taking.
“When you have that (psychologist background) in the office and a clinician at the top, you’re getting real help for these people,” Sherman said. “We’re really excited to bring that level of education to the office.”
He added she worked as a liaison between the courts and CYS, which is a vital role for the department.
“It’s what made her a perfect candidate,” Sherman said.
In addition to her work in government, Sphar was appointed in December 2021 to serve as the chief executive officer for Washington Communities Human Services, which is now known as Healing Bridges. It’s not known when she left that role with the nonprofit organization that does social work.
According to a press release at the time of her hire, Sphar has an extensive mental health background and previously worked as a certified school psychologist. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Washington & Jefferson College, and she earned a master’s degree in school psychology. Sphar also holds a Certified School Psychology license.
Sphar will be paid a salary of $103,000 as CYS administrator. The department has been without a full-time leader since mid-June, when Anne Schlegel resigned from administrator to take a job elsewhere.