Memorandum
Date: February 27, 2024
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Crystal Markytan, Director, Social Services
Subject: a) Waive the competitive bidding pursuant to section 38.2 due to the unique nature of service; and, b) Approve Memorandum of Understanding between Social Services and Behavioral Health Services for CalWORKs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in an amount that shall not exceed the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Allocation, from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027, and authorize the Chair to sign.
Executive Summary:
For many years, Lake County Social Services has contracted with Lake County Behavioral Health Services (LCBHS) to provide Mental Health and Substance Abuse services to CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work clients. California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provides a yearly allocation specific to these services as part of CalWORKs Single Allocation funds. The MOU compensation language is purposely kept vague, as allocation funding varies by year, and often is not announced until mid-Fiscal Year. Funding for fiscal year 2023-2024 is a total of $ $394,590. While flexibility of funding allows for nontraditional or innovative services through alternative providers, services shall be provided primarily through the local mental health department. The State requires DSS and BHS to work jointly in providing services. As described in the CDSS Manual of Policy & Procedures 42-716.31: The County Welfare Department (CWD) shall provide, in conjunction with the county alcohol and drug program or a state licensed or certified nonprofit agency under contract with the county alcohol and drug program, substance abuse treatment services which shall include evaluation, treatment, employment counseling, provision of community service jobs, or other appropriate services. Therefore, the department’s request to waive the competitive bidding process using the exemption described in Section 38.2(2) of the County Purchasing Ordinance #3109.
Services to clients will include, but are not limited to, mental health and substance abuse assessments, counseling, monitoring, and referrals to related programs as needed. The LCBHS will also Provide training for LCDSS Employment Services (ES) staff regarding best practices in the treatment of MH/SA barriers at least once a year, notify (ES) staff in instances of client noncompliance, and be available for team meetings as needed to assist in developing WTW employment plans for participants. LCDSS (ES) staff will facilitate client access to services by identifying and screening WTW participants, referring them when appropriate, and by providing training and updates regarding WTW rules and client’s status. Both organizations agree to attend quarterly care coordination meetings.
The long-standing relationship and continued collaboration between the two County departments ensures clients receive quality services to overcome their barriers in order to achieve their goal of self-sufficiency.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☒ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: a) Waive the competitive bidding pursuant to section 38.2 due to the unique nature of service; and, b) Approve Memorandum of Understanding between Social Services and Behavioral Health Services for CalWORKs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in an amount that shall not exceed the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Allocation, from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027, and authorize the Chair to sign.