Missouri Department of Social Services director to exit

Robert Knodell, director of the Missouri Department of Social Services, is slated to exit his role next month.

Knodell, who has been the department's director since 2021, has accepted a job as city manager of his hometown of Poplar Bluff.

The department in recent years has faced criticism over its administration of public benefits and the processing of Medicaid applications. Knodell said in a recent interview that he counts his biggest accomplishments as pushing for staff raises, modernizing technology and emphasizing prevention in the child welfare system.

Read more from the Missouri Independent.