Agenda - 12-05-2016 - 7-b - Realignment of Staff Resources at Social Services to Reflect Legal Requirements, and Approve Budget Amendment #3-A

Browse Search

2 • UNC Hospital continues to request a part-time economic services supervisor to work on-site at the hospital assisting with Medicaid applications. This position is currently a temporary position, but it is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. As a result, Social Services recommends establishing a permanent part-time position to work at UNC Hospital 15 hours per week. The County's costs are reimbursed through the hospital contract. • Social Services received notification of a grant award in the amount of $540,000 for federal fiscal year 2016-17 to expand the Food and Nutrition Employment and Training program in Orange County. This $340,000 dollar increase requires a match that can be met this year with existing funds, and also allows Social Services to help more individuals acquire jobs that pay the County living wage of$13.15 per hour through subsidized employment. There are some unique challenges related to creating positions for subsidized employees, and the proposed plan created with Human Resources and Finance will address those issues but require minor changes to procedures. Social Services proposes to place most of the subsidized employment program participants into six-month temporary positions based on the individual's skill sets and available job placement sites. Most of these sites are in county government, other government agencies or non-profits, but some are in local businesses. There will be some special circumstances warranting additional time in subsidized employment beyond the six-month period (for example, individuals with serious barriers such as former foster youth). These individuals will be placed in trainee appointments and will be provided benefits. The Social Services Director would indicate the length of the appointment to the individual as well as to Human Resources and Finance. This would assure that these employees receive appropriate benefits while maintaining the flexibility needed to operate an effective subsidized employment program, particularly for individuals with substantial barriers. The number of participants involved would be dictated by the funding available for this program component. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The increased grant award will increase the overall County budget. Since Social Services will realign the current approved budget, sufficient funds will be available to provide the match required for the current fiscal year. Social Services is not requesting additional County funds to expand this program. Budget Amendment #3-A provides for the acceptance of the additional $340,000 in federal funds for the above stated purposes. The other positions impacted by this proposal are reimbursed under current agreements and have no associated County costs. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this agenda item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. These positions and programs support the economic self-sufficiency goal by providing opportunities for low-income individuals to receive additional training and job placement services and to increase their wages. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: