Item Coversheet

REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS


BOARD MEETING DATE:  November  8, 2022
CATEGORY:  Regular - Health and Human Services-4.

SUBJECT:

Receive a report from Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Director Laura Burch regarding proposed changes to the HHSA organizational structure: (1) Approve changes in the HHSA organizational structure; (2) adopt a salary resolution effective, November 6, 2022, which makes the following changes: (a) adds two new classifications to the Salary Schedule – HHSA Assistant Director and HHSA Director of Mental Health Services; and (b) adds 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) HHSA Assistant Director and replaces 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) HHSA Branch Director allocation with 1.0 FTE alternately staffed HHSA Branch Director or HHSA Director of Mental Health Services allocation.

DEPARTMENT: Health and Human Services Agency-Office of the Director

Supervisorial District No. :  All

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Laura Burch, HHSA Director, (530) 225-5899

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Laura Burch, HHSA Director

Vote Required?

Simple Majority Vote
General Fund Impact?

No Additional General Fund Impact 

RECOMMENDATION

Take the following actions: (1) Receive a report from HHSA Director, Laura Burch regarding proposed changes to the HHSA organizational structure; and (2) approve changes to the HHSA organizational structure; and (3) adopt a retroactive salary resolution effective November 6, 2022, which makes the following changes: (a) adds two new classifications to the Salary Schedule – HHSA Assistant Director and HHSA Director of Mental Health Services; and (b) adds 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) HHSA Assistant Director and replaces 1.0 FTE HHSA Branch Director allocation with 1.0 FTE alternately staffed HHSA Branch Director or HHSA Director of Mental Health Services allocation.

DISCUSSION

The Health and Human Services Agency has historically had five branches. In late July, the Board of Supervisors approved a request for a temporary 120-day change in structure consolidating the branches of Adult Services and Children’s Services into one branch under the oversight of a single branch director and three deputy branch directors for the provision of mental health services, adult social services programs, and children’s social welfare programs. The HHSA Director is now recommending and requesting Board approval for consolidation of these branches.

 

The HHSA Director is also requesting a second consolidation of the Office of the Director staff into the Business and Support Services Branch under a new HHSA Administration Branch.  Both areas provide supportive services and functions to the entire agency.

 

In accordance with Policy Resolution 2010-02, a report was submitted to the County Executive Officer which included an explanation of the requested restructure, job duties, and program responsibilities as well as program efficiencies, operational advantages, enhanced services, and cost savings resulting from the proposed re-organization. In accordance with Policy Resolution 2010-02, the HHSA Director is requesting that the Board of Supervisors, approve the consolidation of HHSA branches as noted above.

 

In addition to these reorganizations, the HHSA Director, requests the addition of two new classifications: HHSA Assistant Director and HHSA Director of Mental Health Services. 

 

Due to the complexity of HHSA programs, funding, and requirements, an Assistant HHSA Director is needed to oversee the newly formed Internal Accountability, Compliance, and Performance Team and provide additional support to the Agency Director.

 

In September 2022, the Board of Supervisors enacted an ordinance to amend Chapter 2.28 of the Shasta County Code to allow for Board appointment of a separate Director of Mental Health Services when the Health & Human Services Agency Director does not meet state law standards for a Director of Mental Health Services. The adoption of a new classification for a HHSA Director of Mental Health Services allows the Board of Supervisors to fill a separate position to serve as the Director of Mental Health Services in Shasta County when an HHSA Director does not meet the state law standards to serve in this role as well as provide an incumbent compensation for these duties. This position would report to the Board of Supervisors through the HHSA Director.

 

Lastly, it is requested that the Board approve a salary resolution which adds allocations to the Position Allocation List. This will allow HHSA to recruit for and fill these positions following the Recruitment Procedures established in Chapter 6 of the Shasta County Personnel Rules. The proposed salary resolution adds 1.0 FTE Assistant Director allocation and replaces 1.0 FTE HHSA Branch Director allocation with 1.0 FTE alternately staffed HHSA Branch Director or HHSA Director of Mental Health Services allocation.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board could choose to not receive the report, request that additional changes to the organizational structure be considered, not approve the new classifications, or provide alternate direction to staff.  This is not recommended as these changes should provide operational efficiencies.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

The County Administrative Office has reviewed the recommendation.  Support Services prepared the salary resolution and the job specifications.  County Counsel has reviewed the report.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no additional General Fund impact on the current HHSA 2022-23 Adopted Budget.  There will be salary savings resulting from this recommendation as there will no longer be two branch directors allocated (a savings of approximately $69,290).  In addition, HHSA plans to leave an Executive Assistant - Confidential allocation vacant (and eventually delete) which will result in annual savings of $100,894. The combined savings resulting from these consolidations is $170,184. These savings will be offset by the addition of an HHSA Assistant Director and alternately staffed HHSA Director of Mental Health Services/HHSA Branch Director allocation.  Other operational savings will occur as this transition is fully realized. These include the consolidation of the medical clinic to one clinic for both Adult and Children’s, standardization of contracts, more effectively and consistently implemented mandates, and increased productivity for billing of mental health services.

ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionUpload DateDescription
HHSA Assistant Director11/1/2022HHSA Assistant Director
Director of MH Services11/1/2022Director of MH Services
Salary Resolution11/1/2022Salary Resolution
Proposed BH and SS11/1/2022Proposed BH and SS
Org Chart11/1/2022Org Chart