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Approve a first amendment with Caminar, Inc. for $230,967 for a total contract amount of $1,194,973 to provide supported employment and educational services to California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) clients with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders for the current period through June 30, 2025; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the amendment and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _ X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a first amendment with Caminar, Inc. for $230,967 for a total contract amount of $1,194,973 to provide supported employment and educational services to California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) clients with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders for the current period through June 30, 2025; and delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the amendment and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999.
SUMMARY:
Caminar, Inc. currently provides supported employment and educational services to clients referred from the H&SS Behavioral Health Division with mental health and substance use challenges requesting assistance in finding employment. This amendment expands the scope of services to include CalWORKs recipients from the Employment and Eligibility Division. Services include a collaborative assessment and employment plan, employment preparation, job development and placement, job coaching and follow-up/retention support. The goal of the Employment Services and Support program is for consumers to obtain and maintain employment in a manner that the stigma attached to their disability is either neutralized or minimized.
The Employment Services and Support program is outlined in the Solano County Behavioral Services Act Three-Year Plan and a requirement of CalWORKs’ Welfare-to-Work program. With approval of this amendment, up to 20 CalWORKs clients per month can benefit from these services, helping ensure a more equitable experience and support in their journey toward self-sufficiency.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The contract amendment will be funded with a CalWORKs Mental Health and Substance Abuse allocation. Appropriations for this contract amendment are included in the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. There is no impact on the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) is California's version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides temporary financial assistance and services to low-income families with children, including cash aid, food, healthcare, childcare, and employment/education services. CalWORKs aims to help families with children achieve self-sufficiency by providing temporary financial assistance and services, and focusing on employment and job readiness.
CalWORKs participants are parents, and employment is a pathway to self-sufficiency for many. Employment provides economic stability, a way out of poverty, and a way to pay for rent in stable housing that positively contributes to the social determinants of health. Data shows that when those living with complex conditions are successfully employed, they experience a reduction in hospitalizations, increased quality of life, community inclusion, and better control of their symptoms, protecting individuals with substance use disorders from relapse and providing an incentive to reduce or eliminate substance use.
Solano County promotes the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach to supported employment services for persons with complex needs. Solano is also part of the IPS international learning community for this model, receiving ongoing training, technical assistance, and consultation from other states and countries on how best to support individuals in job retention.
Solano County Employment and Eligibility Services (E&ES) Division is integrating CalWORKs employment services under Caminar, Inc., the same provider used by Solano County Behavioral Health. This will create efficiency in using the same evidence-based practice and team structure already in place, through coaching and technical assistance, and meeting fidelity to the model. Many counties have integrated and used the IPS model for CalWORKs participants. Local data from the County of Los Angeles shows that utilizing this model with CalWORKs participants yields better participant outcomes.
On September 24, 2024, the Board approved the original contract with Caminar, Inc. for $964,006 to provide supported employment and educational services for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. This first amendment increases the contract by $230,967 for a total contract amount of $1,194,973.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to approve this contract amendment. This is not recommended as the services provided are required by CalWORKs Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) regulations and provide critical services to individuals with mental health and substance use challenges who are seeking employment.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION