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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of January 2019 as National Eligibility Workers Appreciation Month, honoring Solano County’s eligibility workers (Supervisor Thomson)
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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 the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of January 2019 as National Eligibility Workers Appreciation Month, honoring Solano County’s eligibility workers.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION
Established in 1975 by the National Eligibility Workers Association, January has been designated as National Eligibility Workers Appreciation Month. The designation offers the opportunity to recognize the commitment, integrity and professionalism of Solano County’s eligibility workers as frontline providers to the residents of Solano County in removing barriers and administering support programs that aid individuals and families maintaining or regaining economic, emotional, and social stability. Through their work in Employment and Eligibility Services, Child Welfare Services and Older and Disabled Adult Services, eligibility workers assist residents from various socioeconomic backgrounds in accessing public assistance programs while ensuring compliance with ever changing complex federal and State regulations, policies and procedures.
Eligibility workers directly touch the lives of over 125,000 Solano County residents, serving a critical role in supporting a healthy, stable, and safe community. Over 107,000 men, women, children, disabled, and seniors residing in Solano receive health care coverage through Medi-Cal enabling preventative care which improves the ability to stay healthy and fully participate in work, family, and living life fully; and protecting against medical bills that can be fiscally devastating in the wake of unexpected significant health care needs. More than 20,000 households depend on nutrition subsidies through the CalFresh program and approximately 4000 families receive cash assistance through the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program for basic needs such as rent, utilities and clothing. The CalWORKs program also provides access to the Welfare to Work program which provides employment assistance and training to support families in gaining sustained employment.
Through extensive program training, eligibility workers explain and apply complex regulations governing public assistance while issuing benefits accurately and efficiently. Solano’s eligibility workers handle over 10,000 calls per month and process an average of over 3,900 applications per month.
Although the County takes this opportunity to recognize the dedicated efforts of eligibility workers during the month of January, it also acknowledges their commitment all year long. They successfully fulfill the mission of H&SS by providing cost effective services, strengthening families and improving the quality of life in the community and upholding the County’s core values of performing their work with integrity and excellence.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials and plaque are included in the Board’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. There is no impact to the County General Fund with the adoption of the resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt the resolution honoring Solano County’s eligibility workers in recognition of National Eligibility Workers Month. However, this is not recommended as it is an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable role eligibility workers provide in supporting a healthy, stable, and safe Solano County community.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
There is no other agency involvement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION