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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 allo...
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