The Detention Health Services Division expanded its program services for detainees/clients in all Contra Costa County detention facilities due to the results of Contra Costa County’s Medical Remedial Plan and Prison Law Office (PLO) recommendations. The M Module in the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) was remodeled and now has improved physical space so there can be additional examination rooms to address and provide health and mental health services to the detainees/clients.

With this improved space, the Detention Health Services Division can hire appropriate staffing so that the detainees/clients will receive the required treatment while being incarcerated and ensure that they have supportive services upon re-entry to the community, which will help their lives substantially improve.

Here are the staffing needs below:

1. One (1) PFT Administrative Services Assistant II (APVA) and One (1) PFT Secretary – Advanced Level (J3TG) are requested as the division recognizes the need for the creation of a Detention Administrative Infrastructure in support of this expansion, which is currently non-existent. Administrative and office task responsibilities will be addressed efficiently and will run more smoothly.

2. One (1) PFT and one (1) PPT (20/40) Certified Medical Assistant (VTWC) are requested to allow the division to schedule more patients for routine care and reduce wait times. With increasing services, it is necessary that medical providers receive assistance from a certified medical professional. These positions will have the ability to assist the providers with examinations while using routine medical equipment and computers to record medical interactions, which will also allow them the opportunity to monitor and report any equipment issues. These positions will also allow licensed staff to focus on detainees/clients who have more complex health issues.

3. One (1) PFT Charge Nurse (VWTF) is requested as there has been a significant increase in the number of detainees/clients who need 24-hour/7-day medical attention throughout their length of incarceration. This position will provide full weekend supervision when directing the nursing staff on required tasks, remain compliant with Federal and State correctional nursing mandates, and implement policies and procedures from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. The division anticipates this increased skill set will be of benefit to both the Providers and Nurses as it enables greater focus and responsibility toward the clinical and mental health needs of detainees/clients.

4. One (1) PFT Laboratory Technician II (VJVA) is requested to have a certified medical professional receive and enter specimens of blood and urine into the Laboratory Information System (LIS), centrifugation, and distribution/sending to reference. This position will also reduce the wait for results and responses while increasing the efficiency of patient responses from the Physician, provide training and work direction to other staff, and use standard safety procedures including Standard Precautions around specimen collection and blood draw.

5. One (1) PFT Physical Therapist II (V5VF) is requested to provide the Detention Health Services medical team the ability to offer a full continuum of Neuromuscular care, applying the principles, methods, and procedures of physical therapy. This position will be able to explain and assist in training others to perform advanced, specialized therapy procedures and treatment, collaborate with other care providers, prepare reports of treatment plans, perform discharge planning, and evaluate treatment services.

Approval of these requested positions will provide the Detention Health Services Division with appropriate staffing levels to keep up with the increased demand for services.