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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 4548 with Maximus Human Services, Inc. for the provision of Social Security advocacy, in the amount of $250,000, for the term of three years effective upon execution through June 30, 2023;
2) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 (B) “Specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the performance of the work.” Therefore, it is appropriate to contract with Maximus Human Services for services provided under this Agreement 4548; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 4548, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: All costs for this agreement will be covered with revenue recovered by Maximus.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Per Welfare and Institutions Code Section 13757, counties are required to screen all foster youth for potential Social Security Income/Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) eligibility when foster youth are at least 16.5 years of age and no more than 17.5 years of age. Disabled foster youth who emancipate from care without establishing eligibility for federal benefit are especially vulnerable to negative outcomes such as undiagnosed medical conditions or homelessness. This screening will increase the chances for foster youth to have a successful transition to independent living.
The County of El Dorado, Health and Human Services Agency’s (HHSA) Child Welfare Services (CWS) program lacks the necessary trained staff to navigate the complex application, potential reapplication and appeals that are indicative of the SSI/SSDI determination process. Therefore, this Agreement with Maximus Human Services, Inc. (Maximus) will allow Maximus staff to co-locate at CWS locations on the West Slope and in South Lake Tahoe to review existing foster youth’s eligibility, submit applications for existing and new foster youth, compile data, and implement training for CWS staff on a consistent basis.
Maximus has 22 years of experience working with the Social Security Administration and 42 years of operating federally-funded programs; therefore, is uniquely qualified to operate as an SSI Advocate at the level required by the County. In addition, Maximus recognizes the importance of being proactive for the transitioning foster youth population to ensure no interruption of benefits once the foster youth turns 18 years old.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Procurement Policy C-17, Section 7.11, the contractor selection process for service contracts in excess of $100,000 must include a review of the scope of services and contractor’s professional qualifications by a group of individuals (including at least one representative from outside the department requesting the services) qualified to judge the contractor’s ability to perform the services. HHSA has documentation on file that such a review was performed for Agreement 4548 with Maximus.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA would be limited in its ability to provide accurate and improved SSI advocacy to its clients.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Procurement and Contracts, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Recommended Budget, and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services #4548.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Rd.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
NA
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director