The Community Wellness and Prevention Program (CWPP) is one of the major services in the Health Services Department aiming to improve the environmental, social and economic conditions in Contra Costa County. It supports a quality of life that promotes the health and well-being of all County residents with special attention to those under served. Two of its major services are in Nutrition & Physical Activity and Injury Prevention & Physical Activity. These services have been staffed by individuals through Monument Impact, a contract staffing company. Over the years, funding for the staffing needs were obtained from various grants such as the Nutrition and Physical Activity Program (NEOP), Transportation Development ACT (TDA), Safe Routes to School (SRTS), Kaiser Permanente, and John Muir Settlement.
Adding the three (3) Health Education Specialist-Project positions and increasing the hours of a vacant Community Health Worker Specialist position #14942 from 30 hours to 40 hours will support the goals and services of the Community Wellness and Prevention Program as well as meeting the requirements of the various grant funds. In order to meet current deliverables for NEOP and the CCHS Nutrition and Physical Activity Promotion, the Health Education Specialist will assist with planning, conducting and evaluating the effectiveness of the nutrition education workshops and trainings. The incumbents will also provide technical assistance and program support while researching best practices in the field. The Community Health Worker Specialist will identify community agencies and groups in need of outreach services, promote and disseminate NEOP approved nutrition and physical activity educational materials. The incumbent will lead community efforts on the health benefits associated with proper nutrition and being physically active by coordinating and facilitating workshops and training.
Funds allocated for Monument Impact (contract staffing agency) will be diverted to fund the newly added Health Education Specialist-Project positions and the increased hours of the Community Health Worker Specialist position.
If this action is not approved, our ability to have greater control on accountability and efficiencies of program deliverables and requirements is minimized by relying on outside agency contracts for our staffing needs.