Title
Probation Department recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 084-2017 to:
1) Certify that a critical need exists in the Probation Department to employ licensed staff who can provide Mental Health Program Coordination services within the Juvenile Detention Facilities in accordance with state mandated Title 15 regulations; and
2) Approve the appointment of CalPERS retiree, Sally Williams, to the position of Mental Health Program Coordinator II Extra Help prior to completion of the 180-day waiting period following the date of her retirement to provide critically needed Mental Health Program Coordination services on a term limited basis not to exceed 960 hours in a fiscal year.
FUNDING: General Fund 100%.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The Probation Department is seeking to return Sally Williams as an Extra Help employee, a recent retiree from the El Dorado County Probation Department position of Mental Health Coordinator II, effective retirement date of December 30th, 2016. Since December 30th, 2016, both county Juvenile Detention Facilities have gone without a Mental Health Program Coordinator II, causing disruption and lack of fluidity in our services. With this position vacant, it has created difficulties in maintaining the quality of service the Probation Department strives to provide; in addition to ensuring both facilities meet services mandated by Title 15 regulations and Juvenile Courts, we recommend this position be considered a critical need. Sally Williams return as an Extra Help employee in this capacity would ensure there would not be any deterioration in the quality of our services to youth.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
California Government Code Section 7522.56 requires an individual who retires under the Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS), and who wishes to work after retirement for a PERS participating employer, to meet and adhere to specific criteria and restrictions. Those criteria and restrictions include:
Government Code §7522.56(d)
• Employment on a temporary basis (not to exceed 960 hours within a fiscal year);
• Compensation that does not exceed the maximum base salary paid to other employees performing comparable duties;
• No benefits in addition to the hourly pay rate;
Government Code §7522.56(f)
• A 180 day waiting period following the date of retirement before re-employment; or
Government Code §7522.56(f) (1)
• A certification from the employer, approved by the Governing Board, that the appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before the 180 days has passed.
The County of El Dorado, through its Probation Department, employs a Mental Health Program Coordinator II who is responsible for implementing, maintaining, evaluating quality of service, coordinating aftercare, and ensuring each youth’s individual needs are met through appropriate programming and services while in the Juvenile Detention Facilities.
A County Recruitment for this position was completed, but determined to be a failed effort due to there not being any viable candidates willing to fulfill the position. It could take an additional three to six months to repeat the recruitment and background process to fulfill the position.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Human Resource concurrence - Mike Strella
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to net County cost associated with this agenda item. Funding for this extra-help position is available through salary savings from the vacant position, which is included in the Departments approved FY 2016-2017 Budget and the proposed FY 2017-18 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to provide the Probation Department and Human Resources each with one (1) copy of the resolution signed by the Chair.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
CONTACT
Brian Richart, Chief Probation Officer