Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 S Personnel - Agreement for Consulting Services for OPC Director Search3 Attachment Memorandum of Agreement Between Orange County and Developmental Management Associates This is an agreement between Orange County, North Carolina (the County) and Developmental Management Associates (the consultant) to provide consulting services as noted below in the candidate assessment and selection process for the LME Program Director/OPC Area Director. A. Design Of The Assessment Process ($5,000) The consultant will design a candidate assessment process that will be based on a job analysis that will identify relevant exercises and rating criteria (knowledge and skills) as follows: Job Analysis The consultant will facilitate and perform a job analysis in focus groups with the following groups: • LME Board Members, OPC Area Board Members, Orange County Manager, Person County Manager, Chatham County Manager • OPC employees (up to 10) • Mental health service providers (up to 10) • Consumer and family services representatives (up to 10) Each focus group session will require about two hours. Each -focus group will be asked questions about challenges OPC the agency during this critical transition state and the most important tasks and skills required for the position of Director. Secondly, during this job analysis the consultant will provide training on the hiring process to all of the board members. This training will enable all board members to understand and prepare for the process. Creating Exercises and Rating Criteria The consultant will premise the design of the assessment process on the findings of the focus group sessions and in consultation with the Search Committee. The specific exercises will include a panel interview and, potentially, skill-based demonstrations of proficiency in other critical areas, such as budgeting, program analysis, oral presentation, and group facilitation skills. The proposed exercises will be based on the key issues and tasks, and the criteria will reflect the key skills and knowledge requirements targeted by the focus groups. The consultant will provide an overview of the design and administration of the hiring process during the focus groups to ensure that all stakeholders understand and can support the process. He will design the assessment process collaboratively with the Search Committee. 4 The consultant will share the proposed selection guidebook to the designated members of the Search Committee for a final review. The consultant will then make revisions mutually agreed upon with those members. B. Conducting The Assessment Process ($1,500) The consultant will prepare both candidates and assessors to ensure a sound assessment process. The consultant also will coordinate the exercises and rating process during the actual assessment of the candidates. Candidate and Assessor Training Approximately 10 days before the assessment process is held, the consultant will provide information by email to prepare candidates for the exercises. The purpose of this information is to reduce candidate test anxiety, to enable them to prepare, and to enhance their ability to perform at full capacity during the process. This orientation information will include reviewing the general design of the selection process, distributing relevant preparatory information, and outlining the procedures to be followed during the administration of the process. Before candidates begin the assessment process, the consultant will train all assessors on the process. He also will train each assessor team to administer and evaluate their individual exercises, such as interviews, and written exercises in a reliable, valid, and unbiased fashion. Conducting the Assessment Process The consultant will provide the schedule for candidates and coordinate the assessment process. (If the process requires a second day, there will be a $750 additional charge). The consultant will videotape exercises so that questions about candidates can be resolved and so that decision-makers not involved in the assessment process can review candidate performance. The consultant will ensure that assessors. and candidates receive all necessary information, and that any unanticipated problems or questions are resolved in a fair, impartial, and legally defensible manner. The consultant also will coordinate the schedule for the day, facilitate the debriefing of all assessors at the end of the assessment, and compile and summarize the final ratings. C. Reference Checks And Back4round Investigation The consultant will conduct reference checks and background investigations on up to six finalists either before or after they complete the assessment process. The specific services and the associated costs per candidate are described below. Conduct Criminal History and Credential Verification Checks ($50 per candidate) The consultant will verify the criminal history and credentials of each finalist with respect to critical requirements, such as undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional memberships, and certifications. Complete Reference Checks ($150 per candidate) The consultant will interview a minimum of six references on each candidate who are knowledgeable about the professional history and the character of each candidate. References will only be checked after the finalists submit a release form consistent with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. In lieu of the above, the consultant could also travel to the community to conduct face-to- face interviews with persons who are knowledgeable about the professional history and the character of each candidate. (This intensive investigation will require an additional fee.of $1000 plus expenses for travel and accommodations.) Report Findings to Search Committee ($500) The consultant will prepare a written report on the criminal history, credential verification, and references on each candidate. The consultant will present this report to the Search Committee and review the findings on each candidate. D. Providing Testimony In Grievances Or Lawsuits In the event of a grievance or lawsuit, each consultant will be available to provide testimony to defend the validity, reliability, and fairness of the process. (The cost will be $175 per hour for each consultant plus travel unless the consultants' actions are responsible for the loss of said grievance or lawsuit by the client. In such an event, the consultants will charge no fee.) E. Consultants / The project consultants will be Dr. Stephen K. Straus, Ph.D. and Heather A. Lee, Ph.D. F. Direction The consultant will work under the direction of the Orange County Personnel Director. G. Timing The consultant is available to begin work the first week of March 2005. H. Termination of Agreement Either the County or the consultant may terminate this agreement with one week advance notice, with or without cause. If the event of termination the consultant will provide any deliverables for which the County has paid to the County and the County will pay for work completed to the termination date. I. Not to Exceed Amount The total amount the County pays the consultant under this agreement will be an amount up to but not to exceed $9,000. Agreed: ~~~~_~~ ephen K. Straus Developmental Management Associates ~ - /Cv - G S~ Date Moses Carey, Chair l,i Orange County Board o o missioners ~ ~--os' Date Attested By: Date .-- 5 ~ / ~-o.~ Date