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Adopt a resolution accepting a multi-year Disability Employment Accelerator (DEA) grant from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) in the amount of $350,000 for the period of March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 on behalf of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County (WDB); Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) to recognize unanticipated revenue in an amount of $27,525 for FY2017/18 (4/5 vote required); and Authorize the Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board to execute the DEA grant agreement
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The WDC recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt a resolution accepting a multi-year Disability Employment Accelerator grant from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) in the amount of $350,000 for the period of March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 on behalf of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County (WDB);
2. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) to recognize unanticipated revenue in an amount of $27,525 for FY2017/18 (4/5 vote required); and
3. Authorize the WDB Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board to execute the DEA grant agreement.
SUMMARY:
On March 7, 2018, the WDB was awarded a $350,000 grant from California Employment Development Department (EDD) to fund increased employment services and system alignment for individuals with disabilities. The grant award period is from March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019. WDB is requesting the Board’s formal adoption of a resolution accepting this grant.
The purpose of the DEA grant is to provide service delivery to individuals with disabilities in Solano County, particularly those who have completed two or four-year degrees, or are in the last year of their degreed program. Sixty (60) individuals with disabilities will be served over the life of the grant, in addition to numerous system improvements to the workforce system to better serve individuals with disabilities.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There will be no financial impact to the County General Fund. These grant funds will increase the WDB budget for FY2017/18 by $27,525 (Appropriation Transfer Request), FY2018/19 by $197,128 (included in the FY2018/19 Requested Budget), and FY2019/20 by $125,347.
DISCUSSION:
The WDB worked with Solano County Office of Education (SCOE), Solano Community College, Department of Rehabilitation, employers, and community partners to develop the program design. The grant includes a sub-contract with SCOE for hiring and managing a Disability Resource Coordinator.
Solano County has a need for additional supports around employment for individuals with disabilities. Solano County has an 8.0% rate of disabilities among individuals under 65, which is higher than the state average of 6.8%. People with disabilities have a higher rate of unemployment than the general population, as well as a significantly lower participation in the labor force. This correlates to a higher level of poverty among people with disabilities, with 21% of the disabled population below the poverty rate in Solano County. Utilizing data from the CalJOBS system, only 1% of the disabled population in Solano County are using the America’s Job Centers of California system, which leaves room for significant improvement. There are numerous organizations in Solano County working with individuals with disabilities, but very little alignment and leveraging or resources for the benefit of those with disabilities. This grant will address these gaps.
The WDB will focus efforts on four targeted industries for employment opportunities: Healthcare, Advanced Materials, Construction, and Food/Beverage Chain. The project will increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by customizing workforce services in the job centers, compiling cross-agency Integrated Resource teams to improve resource coordination, and developing customized apprenticeships and paid internships. WDB staff will work to expand employer outreach, educate businesses on working with people with disabilities, and support businesses in customizing employment opportunities. In addition, the project will allow for an assessment of the accessibility of the job centers and programs, and build staff knowledge in successfully working with individuals with disabilities.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board can choose not to approve this resolution. However, this will prevent the WDB from receiving funding for the DEA Program and may affect the potential to receive future awards from this agency.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION