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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-19-2009 - 4mORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 19, 2009 Action Agenda Item No. 4 - ~q SUBJECT: Renewal of Contract for Social Work Services Between Orange County Schools and Oran a County Department of Social Services DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Contract Nancy Coston, 245- 2800 PURPOSE: To consider renewal of the contract between the Orange County Schools and the Orange County Department of Social Services for the provision of eight Department of Social Services positions and related supervision to provide social .work and case management services in the schools. BACKGROUND: The Orange County Schools system had determined a need for additional social workers to expand services to students within the district. The original contract added four positions, in addition to the four employed by the schools, to serve at risk children. In 2005- 2006, three additional social workers were added ~ so that all schools had a social worker assigned. With the opening of Gravelly Hill in FY 2006-2007, one new worker was requested. Services include identification of family, economic and social issues impacting the ability of students to have successful academic outcomes, provision of counseling to children and families with certain risk factors, and provision of other supportive services to address the identified problems. The Orange County Department of Social Services has as a part of its mission the prevention of abuse and neglect of children as well as the promotion of self-sufficiency and family well-being. The Department has federal Medicaid funding available through a program called At-Risk Case Management to assist certain at-risk families. This particular service requires a local match and service must be provided by employees of a local department of social services. Through a contractual arrangement, Orange County Department of Social Services began providing services to the Orange County Schools in January 2005. The staff are located at the schools although they are employees of the Department of Social Services. The social work positions are contingent on the existence of this contract and staff members hired into those positions are informed of this contingency. Social work staff are hired, supervised, and trained by the Department of Social Services in regular communication and consultation with appropriate school staff. This is the same methodology currently in place between the Orange County Department of Social Services and the UNC Hospitals for the employment of Medicaid workers. This program utilizes a very specific type of Medicaid funding that is currently in jeopardy at the federal level. Should these funds cease to be available, the program will be discontinued. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Department of Social Services will bill Medicaid when the client and service meet the eligibility requirements. All other costs for the positions will be billed to the Orange County Schools system. The Orange County Schools system will pay these costs from funds available in the approved budget. No additional County funds are being requested. Orange County Schools also recognizes that this pass-through, contractual arrangement does not represent an increase in its continuing budget as far as State-prescribed per pupil funding is concerned. Should any of the funding sources cease to be available, the program will be discontinued. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board accept the recommendation of the Social Services Board and renew the contract for eight permanent full time social worker positions and supervision to be funded through the contract and authorize the Chair to sign the contract contingent upon the continuation of federal and contract funding and approval of the Orange County FY 2009-10 budget. 3 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ORANGE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS AND ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this the day of 2009 by and between THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM (hereinafter referred to as Orange County Schools) and THE ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, (hereinafter referred to as DSS) Orange County, North C;arolina. WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the parties have agreed with each other that DSS will provide certain services for Orange County Schools; and WHEREAS, Orange County Schools have agreed to pay certain compensation for said service and the parties desire to execute this contract to delineate their understanding of this agreement; and WHEREAS, DSS is authorized by the State Division of Medical Assistance to provide case management services to Medicaid eligible children at risk of abuse or neglect, and is eligible for certain Medicaid reimbursement for the costs of providing this service; and WHEREAS, many of the children served by Orange County Schools are Medicaid eligible; NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows: 1. DSS agrees to provide eight social work staff to provide services exclusively to referrals of the Orange County Schools. 2. Orange County Schools agrees to reimburse DSS within 15 days of receipt of monthly billings for the county share of the salary, benefits, and all indirect costs, including travel costs, of the social work staff assigned to the Orange County Schools. 3. Other supportive services provided by DSS without additional charge to Orange County Schools include continuing program training of social workers, program supervision, verification of Medicaid eligibility, and Medicaid billing and reconciliation. 4. Other supportive services provided by Orange County Schools without charge to DSS include: office space; parking space; office equipment; clerical support; and telephone service. 5. Orange County Schools and DSS will work together to develop procedures for referral and service provision for students at the schools. 6. As employees of the County, the social workers shall be directly supervised by and accountable to DSS. Due to the nature of this agreement, a close working relationship between the two organizations is essential. To facilitate this relationship, Orange County Schools and DSS will establish liaisons to provide coordination and oversight. Assignment of work to the social workers and coordination of sick, vacation, and other leave will be the joint responsibility of the liaisons. 7. Orange County Schools shall participate in the interviewing and selection process utilized by DSS for the hiring of the social workers covered by this agreement, in accordance with Orange County policy and procedures. 8. Both the DSS and Orange County Schools agree and understand that if at any time Orange County Schools determines that a social worker's performance or professional interactions are inadequate or inappropriate, Orange County Schools may request that DSS initiate appropriate action to correct that employee's deficiencies, or to dismiss that employee if indicated. Any disciplinary action shall be pursued in compliance with the Orange County Personnel ordinance and the State Personnel Act and Orange County Schools shall provide sufficient documentation to support any such action. 9. Both the Orange County Schools and DSS agree to and understand the conditions outlined in the Business Associate Agreement. 10. This Agreement shall be effective from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 20010. 11. This Agreement shall be reviewed at least annually, prior to May 1st and may be terminated by either party upon 60 days written notice. This contract may be terminated within 30 days if sufficient funds are not available to pay the costs of the positions. 12. The Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties and shall not be altered, amended or modified, except by an agreement in writing executed by the duly authorized officials of both parties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this contract to be signed by its duly authorized officials. FOR AND ON BEHALF OF: FOR AND ON BEHALF OF: ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners Superintendent, Orange County Schools DATE: DATE: 5 Attest: (:lerk of the Orange County Board of Commissioners This instrument has been preaudited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. Orange County Finance Officer