Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Make findings pursuant to Section 3.13.030 (B) of the El Dorado County Ordinance Chapter 3.13, Contracting Out, that the Site-Based Learning (SBL) internship services provided by Capella University, LLC (Capella) requires specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the performance of the work;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Non-Financial SBL Affiliation Agreement 9976 with Capella, with a retroactive term of July 13, 2026, automatically renewing annually for additional one-year terms;
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute amendments relating to Agreement 9976, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, which do not increase the maximum dollar amount of the Agreement; and
4) Authorize the HHSA Director, or the Chief Assistant Director, to execute programmatic, administrative, and fiscal documents relating to Agreement 9976.
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Capella provides professional education and fieldwork support for undergraduate and graduate social work students preparing for or advancing careers in public child welfare. This program emphasizes advanced practitioner skills essential to effective social work practice. HHSA Child Welfare Services (CWS) must meet staffing requirements outlined in the CWS Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) Division 31, Sections 31-070.11 through 31-070.13, which mandate that at least 50% of staff performing emergency response and family maintenance functions hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
This proposed agreement will support HHSA in meeting these staffing requirements by enabling current employees to complete Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) and/or MSW internship fieldwork through Capella. Practicum agreements with Capella and similar institutions expand opportunities for staff to pursue advanced education, strengthening HH...
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