The Health Services Department is requesting to adjust positions within Health, Housing and Homeless Services. It has been determined that a reallocation of staffing resources is necessary to better serve our client population. The program currently has multiple Housing Services Coordinator positions to support client housing needs, however, there is a need for clinical licensed mental health support for our clients who are struggling with housing issues; creation of the Mental Health Program Supervisor will fulfill that need. Further study revealed that the Public Health Program Specialist I position was not the appropriate position to address our client needs. The program is in need of staff who can evaluate client needs and formulate action plans to address those client needs; the Health Services Planner Evaluator position will fulfill this need. Restructuring of staff is necessary to assist in closing the gaps in the system of care that is provided. To further support the increased staffing costs, the department will be flexing a vacant Administrative Services Assistant III position down to an Administrative Assistant II position that will provide cost savings of $18,947 a year.

Failure to approve this request will negatively impact the ability of the Behavioral Health Division to provide the appropriate level of service to its clients who struggle with housing needs.