Title
a. Support amending the Public Defender Office FY 2019-20 adopted budget (001-2270-PUB001-8169) to reclassify one (1) Social Worker III (60C22) to one (1) Psychiatric Social Worker II (60B21), fully State funded by Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) AB 109;
b. Support authorizing the Auditor-Controller and County Administrative Office to incorporate the position change in the FY 2019-20 adopted budget; and
c. Support directing the Human Resources Department to implement the changes in the Advantage HRM system.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
a. Support amending the Public Defender Office FY 2019-20 adopted budget (001-2270-PUB001-8169) to reclassify one (1) Social Worker III (60C22) to one (1) Psychiatric Social Worker II (60B21), fully State funded by Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) AB 109;
b. Support authorizing the Auditor-Controller and County Administrative Office to incorporate the position change in the FY 2019-20 adopted Budget; and
c. Support directing the Human Resources Department to implement the changes in the Advantage HRM system.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to State and Federal government criminal justice reform, there is a substantial emphasis on the holistic approach to public safety requiring the Public Defender to provide our clients with more than trial advocacy. A Psychiatric Social Worker II in the Public Defender’s Office allows for immediate intervention by assessment, evaluation, and referral to treatment while the case is processed through the courts; it is a critical component in providing essential information and analysis in mental health diversion proceedings, Franklin hearings, new collaboration courts, and pre-release no cash bail, early resolution and/or trial and sentencing issues. The Psychiatric Social Worker II position will fulfill these critical needs which are currently unmet without the escalation of costs for ancillary fees.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Human Resources Department reviewed and approved the Request to Classify and concurs with the recommendation. HR approved RTC is on file.
FINANCING:
This position is fully State funded by Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) AB 109 effective as of July 1, 2019, with anticipated funding for three years. The annual increased costs of $26,573 are covered by the cost savings from the unfilled Social Worker III. The appropriations are available in our existing FY 2019-20 budget.
Prepared by: Latasha Ellis, Finance Manager, ext.5082
Approved by: Susan Chapman, Public Defender, ext.5806