To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Advocacy and Resolution Services Renewal
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, to execute a contract with Advocacy and Resolution Services in an amount not to exceed $201,600 to provide ombudsman, mediation and exit interview services, for the term July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. (54% Federal, 38% State, 8% County General Fund)
FISCAL IMPACT:
54% Federal, 38% State, 8% County General Fund; of which $100,800 is budgeted in FY 26-27 and $100,800 will be budgeted in FY 27-28.
BACKGROUND:
Advocacy and Resolution Services investigates and resolves customer complaints, providing impartial mediation services for Employment and Human Service Department (EHSD) staff. These services allow EHSD to maintain a healthy, thriving workplace culture and collect valuable information through employee exit interviews. The Contractor has expertise in data compilation and report writing required to meet the demands of this service and was selected per procurement requirements outlined in Administrative Bulletin 600.3.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Should the proposed action not be approved by the Board of Supervisors, EHSD will not be able to provide impartial mediation services, investigate and resolve customer complaints.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The contract supports all five of Contra Costa County community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children and Youth Health and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (2) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (3) "Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) "Families that are Safe, Stabel and Nurturing"; and (5) "Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families" by providing training and employment opportunities.