HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-27-2002 - 8h 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 27, 2002
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Contract with Employment Security Commission
DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) FNo
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Coston , ext 2800
Contract (under separate cover)
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968.4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To request approval of a continued contract with Employment Security for services
to Work First clients and other residents at the Skills Development/JobLink Center.
BACKGROUND: The Department of Social Services (DSS) has had a contract with
Employment Security since July 1, 1998. Assisting families make the transition from welfare to
work is crucial for a successful Work First program. The Employment Security Commission is
the state authority for job development and placement. The purpose of this contract is to assist
Work First participants to gain employment by providing job development and placement
services. Services provided under this contract have been instrumental in assisting the County
meet and exceed the Work First employment goals for the past three years. For example, the
goal for participants entering employment for Orange County is 114, and 157 participants have
already entered employment this year.
The contract for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 pays for 50% of a counselor to be located at the Skills
Development Center to assist Work First participants. Employment Security will pay the
remaining costs for a full-time permanent position. This would allow for full-time coverage by
Employment Security Commission at the Skills Development/JobLink Center. The presence of
a full time ESC counselor on-site in the Hillsborough DSS office is not as critical as coverage for
the Skills Center because Employment Security Commission office has relocated to
Hillsborough. Individuals in the southern portion of the County are in need of improved access
to services offered by the Employment Security Commission.
Services that will be provided through this contract include: providing labor market information
to employers and job seekers, completing first stop registration for Work First participants,
assisting Work First participants to locate employment through referrals and job development,
and maintaining data on employments obtained and job development activities. The revision to
this contract with ESC is efficient and will allow for better access to services for citizens
throughout the County.
2
As required by law, the Social Services Board has reviewed this contract and recommends it to
the Board of Commissioners for approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The cost of the contract for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 is $27,627, which is
lower than the current contract of$42,000. These funds will be paid through the County Work
First Block Grant.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board accept the Social
Services Board recommendation to approve the contract and authorize the Chair to sign.