To: Board of Supervisors
From: Anna Roth, Health Services Director
Report Title: Add Twenty-Eight (28) Positions to Behavioral Health’s Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit in Health Services Department (Represented)
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Position Adjustment Resolution No. 26325 to add the following Twenty-Eight (28) Positions to Behavioral Health’s Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit within the Health Services Department:
1. Five (5) Registered Nurses (VWXG)
2. Two (2) Psychiatric Technicians (VQWB)
3. Three (3) Licensed Vocational Nurses (VT7G)
4. Five (5) Mental Health Clinical Specialists (VQSB)
5. Five (5) Mental Health Specialists II (VQVA)
6. Five (5) Mental Health Community Support Workers II (VQVB)
7. Three (3) Clerks-Senior Level (JWXC)
FISCAL IMPACT:
Upon approval, this action will result in annual cost savings of approximately $1,886,411. Previously, these services were provided through contract #74-671 with an annual cost of $6,582,084 which has been since terminated. By hiring permanent employees, the department will have an annual cost of $4,695,672 with pension costs of $685,899 already included. These positions will be funded by Mental Health Realignment.
BACKGROUND:
Behavioral Health is looking to permanently fill critical positions at the new Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit located in Martinez. Services were originally provided through contract #74-671 which has since been terminated.
The Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) is a dedicated treatment space for children and youth ages 6-17 who are suffering a psychiatric emergency. This multi-disciplinary team is needed to provide full coverage to staff a 24/7 facility as required by State Department of Health Care regulations. Services include behavioral health assessments, alcohol and drug screening, crisis intervention and stabilization, service referrals to community-based agencies, assistance with medications and health care needs, supportive counseling with families and caregivers, and assessment for need of more intensive levels of care.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Contra Costa Health would not be able to provide critical services to youth suffering psychiatric emergencies and would not be in compliance with State Department of Health Care regulations.