The Up-Island Council on Aging is hiring, after West Tisbury’s select board voted to terminate a Howes House employee who has declined to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Under the town’s vaccination policy established last fall, the employee was given the opportunity to work from home. But that has left council on aging director Joyce Albertine short-staffed, select board chairman Skipper Manter said at a Jan. 19 meeting.

“She really needs a person in the building to assist with the duties and tasks that have to be done,” Mr. Manter said.

“We knew this was an experiment,” select board member Cynthia Mitchell said.

Ms. Albertine told the select board that the employee has “remained professional throughout,” and has indicated a willingness to stay on the Howes House staff until a replacement is hired and trained.

The board voted to terminate the employee, effective once the replacement worker is in place. Ms. Albertine said she is seeking to fill a second Howes House position as well, and will be advertising both jobs.

The board also voted to place an article on the town meeting warrant authorizing a feasibility study for reconstruction at Howes House.