To: Board of Supervisors
From: Anna Roth, Health Services Director
Report Title: Add and cancel various positions in the Behavioral Health Division for the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Position Adjustment Resolution No. 26347 to add one (1) 40/40 Mental Health Specialist II position (VQVA) at salary plan and grade TC2 1284 ($5,762.13-$8,141.73), one (1) 20/40 Mental Health Specialist II position (VQVA) at salary plan and grade TC2 1284 ($5,762.13-$8,141.73), and one (1) Psychiatric Technician Position (VQWB) at salary plan and grade TAX 1240 ($5,340.66-$6,820.24), and cancel two (2) vacant Mental Health Community Support Worker II positions (VQVB)(pos #20138 and #20139) at salary plan and grade TC5 0968 ($4,090.32-$4,971.81), and one (1) vacant Licensed Vocational Nurse position (VT7G)(pos #20145) at salary plan and grade TAX 1287 ($5,595.07-$7,145.13).
FISCAL IMPACT:
Upon approval, this action will result in an annual cost increase of $37,466.46 with pension costs of $5,473.46. These positions will be 100% funded by Mental Health Services Act dollars.
BACKGROUND:
Behavioral Health has evaluated divisional priorities, specifically within The Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, and are therefore requesting to cancel three (3) vacant positions (2 Mental Health Community Support Worker II positions and 1 Licensed Vocational Nurse position) and add one Mental Health Specialist II, one part-time Mental Health Specialist II, and one Psychiatric Technician.
The Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Demonstration Project Act of 2002, funded by the Mental Health Services Act and sometimes referred to as “Laura’s Law”, is for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness who need treatment to prevent substantial deterioration of their condition and is a state-required program that California counties must provide (Assembly Bill 1976).
The Mental Health Specialists will focus on activities to support the building of social skills, prosocial activities and positive experiences in the community. The full-time position will support the program’s clinicians by developing service plans; assisting clients with learning money management and other independent living skills; co-leading family groups; maintaining a resource guide of local community resources for families and clients and providing support in accessing these resources; supporting clients in utilizing vocational services; and supporting clients in understanding the court process and attend court hearings. The part-time MHS II position will provide these services on the weekends.
The Psychiatric Technician will provide needed support for the program’s Nurse Practitioner by supporting clients in the community who are receiving long acting injectables and have barriers to getting to the clinic. In addition, the Psychiatric Technician will provide much needed education to those we serve with chronic health conditions that effect their daily functioning, their mental health, and recovery from addictions. The Psychiatric Technician will be a valuable member of the AOT multidisciplinary team and add to the team’s whole person care approach.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If not approved, the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program will not be adequately staffed and therefore unable to deliver mandated services to Contra Costa County’s most vulnerable communities.