REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  March  28, 2017
CATEGORY:  Consent - Health and Human Services-6.

SUBJECT:

ACT, Inc. dba Workforce Curriculum Renewal Agreement

Supervisorial District No. :  ALL

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Melissa Janulewicz, Branch Director, HHSA Regional Services, (530) 225-5066

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Melissa Janulewicz, Branch Director, HHSA Regional Services

RECOMMENDATION

Approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a renewal agreement with ACT, Inc. d.b.a. Workforce Curriculum in the amount of $9,200 to provide CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work participants a variety of on-line courses to assist them in developing or enhancing skills necessary to more effectively compete in the current job market and to build future career pathways effective when the County signs through March 31, 2020.

SUMMARY

Approval of this agreement will continue to provide enhanced on-line Welfare-to-Work (“WtW”) services available to our CalWORKs population.  This web based software will provide easier access to participants, some who struggle with transportation issues, and assist them in reducing additional barriers to employment by providing a comprehensive program, Career Ready 101 (“CR101”), with an integrated approach to exploring careers and their skill requirements, as well as building workplace and life skills.

DISCUSSION

As a part of the CalWORKs Program, clients receiving cash assistance are required to participate in the WtW Program. Many WtW participants lack the basic soft skills necessary to obtain and sustain employment.  The CR101 modules address these barriers by providing tools to help enhance both life and employability skills.  Classes include:  (1) establishing career goals, (2) learning financial awareness, (3) knowing how to search for jobs, (4) exploring interest inventories, (5) searching job profiles, and (6) creating resumes.  Specific classes include: (1) applied mathematics, (2) beginning skills language, (3) creating career goals, (4) reading for information, (5) interpersonal and business communication, and (6) applied technology such as electricity, fluid dynamics, and mechanics.  Additionally, participants have the opportunity to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (“NCRC”) through CR101.  The NCRC is recognized and recommended by employers across the nation and helps individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of the skills employers consider essential.

This agreement requires Board approval as there is no defined not to exceed maximum compensation amount in the agreement and the vendor would not agree to add this provision to the agreement.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board could choose not to approve the agreement or direct staff to research other options.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form.  Risk Management has reviewed and approved the agreement. The County Information Technology Department has reviewed and approved the agreement. This recommendation has been reviewed by the County Administrative Office.

FINANCING

This agreement is funded through the CalWORKs Single Allocation.  Sufficient appropriation authority to support this agreement is included in the Health and Human Services Agency-Regional Services (BU 501) FY 2016-17 Adjusted Budget.  There is no additional General Fund impact with approval of the recommendation.