COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Human Services Agency

DATE:

June 26, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

July 15, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Maureen D. Borland, Director, Human Services Agency

Glen H. Brooks, Jr., Director, Central Region

SUBJECT:

Resolution accepting a grant from the Department of Rehabilitation

Recommendation

Adopt a Resolution:

1.

Accepting a grant from the State Department of Rehabilitation (DR) in the amount of $85,567 and for the term of June 1, 2003 through May 31, 2004;

2.

Authorizing the execution of the grant Agreement; and

3.

Authorizing Human Services Agency (HSA) Employees to request reimbursement for expenses under this grant.

Background

HSA and DR have jointly provided vocational services to an increasing number of clients with disabilities for the past eleven years through Cooperative Agreements. This particular Agreement designates 41% of County funds to create a 59% federal match, establishing a staff position to provide Benefits Planning services. In addition to the Establishment Grant, HSA is able to bill DR a fee-for-service to cover the additional costs and generate revenue. During the first eighteen months of this grant, the grant successfully served 129 San Mateo County residents.

Discussion

This grant provides funding for Vocational Rehabilitation Services to the disabled community for the purposes of maximizing participant's opportunities for employment and/or career advancement.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services of the Human Services Agency will provide benefits planning services. Benefit planning involves intensive counseling and advocacy to individuals with disabilities in regard to SSA benefits, educating clients on how to negotiate SSA work incentives and other benefits. These services not only reduce fears and insecurities among individuals with disabilities, but can also be offered to any DR client at any stage of employment. County Counsel has reviewed and approved the grant as to form. The effective date of this grant is June 1, 2003.

Vision Alignment

The grant from the Department of Rehabilitation keeps the commitment of: Provide equal access to educational opportunity and goal number 4: Residents have many educational and training opportunities beyond high school. The grant from the Department of Rehabilitation contributes to this commitment and goal by providing funds that will give disabled individuals in our community the opportunity to educational training so that they can become employed and self-sufficient or further their careers.

Fiscal Impact

The biggest financial implication of this grant is the potential for generating additional revenue. HSA matches $35,082 in County funds to generate $85,567 of federal funds that are distributed by the Department of Rehabilitation. Thus DR covers 59% of the salary and benefits of an extra help position for the first year. The remainder of the costs coupled with any additional overhead will be offset by the revenue generated from the Benefits Planning fee-for-services. As the extra help position is almost 60% funded, once the additional 40% costs are recouped, fee-for-service revenue is complete gain. Matching funds are included in the FY 2003-04 Recommended Budget. There is No Net County Cost.