Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment 2 to Agreement for Services 117-S1610 with Jill Gustafson, LCSW, for the provision of therapeutic counseling services, increasing the maximum contractual obligation by $57,815 for a new maximum of $250,000, with no change to the term of September 24, 2015 through September 30, 2018; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 117-S1610, 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: Federal and State.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment 2 to Agreement for Services 117-S1610 with Jill Gustafson, LCSW, for the continued provision of therapeutic counseling services, with no change to the term of the agreement and increasing the not-to-exceed compensation by $57,815 for a maximum contractual obligation of $250,000, due to higher than anticipated usage of both the therapeutic counseling and specialized treatment modalities offered by this vendor.
Additionally, HHSA has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for “as requested” therapeutic counseling services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16501-16508, HHSA’s Child Welfare Services Program (CWS) is required to provide services to promote family reunification for children and families. Such services are designed to promote the well-being of children by ensuring safety, achieving permanency, and strengthening families to successfully care for their children.
HHSA maintains agreements with multiple vendors for the provision of therapeutic counseling and related services to ensure that clients can be referred by their caseworker on an “as needed” basis to receive necessary, and in some cases, Court-mandated services from the most appropriate and conveniently located vendor. Choice of vendor is based upon the specific needs of each individual HHSA client.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Amendment 2 to Agreement for Services 117-S1610 will limit availability of appropriately licensed and trained therapeutic counselors, could result in difficulty meeting the needs of the community, and may disrupt continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from this vendor.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, Human Resources, Procurement and Contracts, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the fiscal year 2017-18 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 Amendments 2 to Agreement for Services 117-S1610.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Amendment 2 to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County strategic plan goal #5 - Healthy Communities - “Improved health, well-being and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.”
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., M.P.A., Director