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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 060-2024, authorizing the addition of a 1.0 Full-Time Equivalent Senior Information Technology Department Coordinator Personnel Allocation in HHSA, Child Welfare Services.
FUNDING: 100% State General Fund expected to continue through new software system implementation level; after implementation is complete, funding is allocated to children's programs funded with State General Fund, Federal Title IV-E, Title XIX, 2011 Realignment and 1991 Realignment.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Under the California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) and the Child Welfare Services Manual of Policies and Procedures, there are regulations that require entry of child welfare related data into a statewide case management system. In 1989, Senate Bill 370 (Chapter 1294, Statutes of 1989) authorized the development and implementation of a statewide computer system to automate the case management, services planning, and information gathering functions of child welfare services, called the CWS/Case Management System (CWS/CMS). HHSA CWS has since utilized this CWS/CMS system, which is a personal computer (PC) based Windows application that links all 58 counties and the State to a common database.
During recent years, the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) began developing an upgraded system, designed to replace the Legacy CWS/CMS, called the California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES). The new CWS-CARES system is an automated, online client management database that tracks each child welfare case from initial contact through termination of services. CWS-CARES will enable social workers to record client information, delivered services, and client placement information. The CWS-CARES project aims to enhance the capacity of child welfare workers in safeguarding the safety, welfare, and long-term stability of children vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This is achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive system designed to meet Federal Regulations governing the administration of Title IV-B and IV-E plans.
Counties have received funding to support the development and implementation of this new statewide CWS-CARES system. The upgraded system will enable HHSA CWS staff to access related client information across the State, ultimately providing for better decision making and increased safety for children in El Dorado County.
This Personnel Allocation request is for the addition of a 1.0 FTE Sr. IT Department Coordinator to support HHSA CWS with the development, implementation, and maintenance of the CWS-CARES system. This new position would support the development of the statewide CWS-CARES system, as well as the oversight of local implementation to avoid disruption to the day-to-day work of case carrying social workers. Working closely with the County Human Resources Department, HHSA has developed the attached County Counsel approved Personnel Allocation Resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA would continue to provide services with existing staffing resources, which would negatively impact local implementation, shift the burden to case carrying social workers, and limit drawdown of the State allocated funding resources. Failure to comply with regulations mandating participation in a statewide case management system would carry both local and statewide ramifications, affecting funding and jeopardizing the safety of children in El Dorado County.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 06/13/23, 23-1120, CAO - Budget Hearing
2) 06/20/23, 23-1154, CAO - FY 2023-24 Personnel Allocation, Reso 088-2023
3) 09/19/23, 23-1725, CAO - Adopted Budget Direction
4) 09/26/23, 23-1771, CAO - Budget Resolution
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Human Resources, Chief Administrative Office, El Dorado County Employees’ Association, Local 1, AFSCME Council 57, and County Counsel.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The addition of 1.0 FTE Sr. IT Department Coordinator allocation has an estimated annual cost increase to the Social Services budget of $161,474. The position will be funded by State General Fund allocated for this project and after that funding has ended the position will be funded with children's programs funding including State General Fund, Federal Title IV-E, Title XIX, 2011 Realignment and 1991 Realignment. There are sufficient appropriations in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget to cover the addition of this position and will be included in future budgets.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS:
1) Obtain signature of Chair on Resolution, if approved.
2) If signed, provide one (1) certified Resolution to HHSA-Contracts at 3057 Briw Rd and one (1) certified Resolution to Heather Andersen in Human Resources at 330 Fair Lane.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Good Governance, Health Communities
CONTACT:
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency