In a weakened economy where jobs are at a premium, it probably would be hard to imagine a company not being able to fill all of its positions.

Such is the case, however, with Mercer County Children & Youth Services, which is desperate for a few good men or women.

Thursday was a typical day for the East Lackawannock Township human services agency under the direction of Beverly Burrows.

County commissioners were expected to approve the hiring of three new caseworkers -- Marlene Lineberger, Kenneth Jeffries and Karen Jamieson -- but Miss Burrows said 10 minutes before the meeting was scheduled to begin she got a call that wasn't all that unexpected.

"(Ms. Jamieson) called me and told me she got a job teaching making about $7,000 more," Miss Burrows said.

Despite the two hires, who were brought in at salaries of $24,722, Miss Burrows said the agency still remains five employees, or about 25 percent, short of a full complement of caseworkers.