To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Administration
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Increase to Full-Time Equivalent for Mental Health Clinician Position for Treatment within Humboldt County Correctional Facility
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) from .60 to 1.0 for Mental Health Clinician I/II position in budget unit (BU) 424 (class 0909A/B, salary range 426/456, position 17) occupied by Bobbie Spurlock effective the first pay period following approval.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Mental Health Fund
DISCUSSION:
The Department of Health and Human Services - Mental Health (DHHS - Mental Health) is responsible for providing all necessary mental health and substance use disorder treatment within Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) and is charged with meeting the behavioral health needs of the inmates. Sufficient staffing for these services has been a challenge due to the dynamics and complexity of the clientele and treatment environment at the HCCF and Humboldt County being a staffing shortage area. On July 3, 2019 the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury issued a report regarding mental health services within the HCCF entitled “The Last Resort.” Among other recommendations, the report called for an “increase in therapeutic counseling inside the jail.” DHHS- Mental Health agrees with this finding and, as a result is requesting an increase of FTE for an existing clinician who is currently working within the HCCF from a .6 FTE to a 1.0 FTE. Increasing this position FTE will allow for 7 days a week coverage of clinical services within the HCCF.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Upon approval, the annual salary and benefit cost of this position allocation adjustment for fiscal year (FY) 2019-20 is an increase of approximately $29,695. A supplemental budget is not needed at this time as DHHS-Mental Health has realized salary savings from personnel vacancies in Fund 1170, BU 424, that will offset this expenditure for FY 2019-20. Funding for Mental Health services at HCCF from the current General Fund allocation is sufficient to accommodate this FTE adjustment. The position and future costs will be included in the FY 2020-21 budget process, with the intention to align Jail Mental Health personnel and operating cost allocations within available funding sources.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the increase in FTE however, this is not recommended, as it will have a negative impact on the DHHS-Mental Health’s ability to meet the needs of our most vulnerable population.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A