Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Amend the Public Defender Office FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget Unit 001-2270-PUB001-8169 to reallocate one 1.0 FTE Social Worker III (60C22) to one 1.0 FTE Psychiatric Social Worker II (60B21), as indicated in Attachment A (4/5ths vote required; and
b. Authorize County Administrative Office and the Auditor-Controller to incorporate the position changes to the FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget Unit 001-2270-PUB001-8169 to reflect the change; and the Human Resources Department to implement the changes in the Advantage HRM system.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Amend the Public Defender Office FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget Unit
001-2270-PUB001-8169 to reallocate one 1.0 FTE Social Worker III (60C22) to one 1.0 FTE Psychiatric Social Worker II (60B21) as indicated in Attachment A (4/5ths vote required; and
b. Authorize County Administrative Office and the Auditor-Controller to incorporate the position changes to the FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget Unit 001-2270-PUB001-8169 to reflect the change; and 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. The mental health diversion program requires a Licensed Clinician to assess, evaluate and propose a treatment plan before the court can consider implementation. The development and implementation of a new specialty collaborative court specifically addressing mental health diversion is anticipated to be open FY 2019-2020. A Psychiatric Social Worker II in the Public Defender’s Office will allow 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. The Budget Committee supported the recommendation at its October 24th meeting.
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 is covered by the cost savings in the current year from the unfilled Social Worker III. The appropriations are available in the Public Defender’s existing FY 2019-20 budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
ü Public Safety:
Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes in general.
Prepared by: Latasha Ellis-Bowers, Finance Manager, ext.5082
Approved by: Susan Chapman, Public Defender, ext.5806
Attachments: Attachment A
Resolution