Human Services Department

Budget Summary of Changes

The Human Services Department (HSD) budget reflects ongoing efforts to promote economic security and community vitality for County residents through administration of a variety of programs, including programs to protect seniors and people with disabilities; services for veterans; child welfare services; Medi-Cal, CalFresh and cash aid programs; employment and workforce services; and housing programs for individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The budget includes scheduled and negotiated salary and benefit increases.

HSD's budget and operational objectives represent a continued commitment to continuous improvement, equity, and carrying out State and Federally mandated services in partnership with our most vulnerable communities. The budget recommends the net addition of 3.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions funded by State and Federal sources to improve the department's ability to carry out its duties effectively. A total of 2.0 FTE Social Work Supervisor I/II positions are recommended in Adult Services to address the growing aging population's needs and ensure staff are well-trained, able to respond timely to requests for assistance, and able to invest in outreach and recruitment efforts to increase the number of in-home support service providers. An additional 1.0 FTE Human Services Analyst for Workforce Development Board activities is recommended with a lens toward increasing connections between underserved and harder to reach communities and available workforce service programs. To improve the department's ability to focus on strengthening and streamlining internal processes, 1.0 FTE Facilities Manager is added to support the seven sites where HSD staff are located, freeing up other staff time to focus on administrative efforts.

HSD's operational objectives recommend increasing capacity for supportive housing units and services to help our neighbors stay housed. The Social Services Division is aiming to help over 90,000 residents retain their Medi-Cal health insurance benefits, increase access to safe homes for children in the foster care system, and increase technology access to home-bound seniors.

Supplemental Budget Summary of Change: Adds 2.0 FTE Social Workers to connect caregivers to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) clients, funded through an additional State allocation. The Supplemental Budget also shifts Housing for Health funding from the County Expense Claim to other sources including Medi-Cal Administrative Activities, and federal and State grants. The budget adds board directed $90,000 for Housing for Health Division to contract with Tenant Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, to support providing tenant’s rights education services to impacted County residents.

Open the Services Overview or Operational Plan Objectives below for more details.