2021-02-09 City Council - Full PSPP Agenda-27891
o Agenda
Edmonds City Council
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CALL TO ORDER
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
1. Social Worker Job Description Review/Approval (10 min)
2. Conflict Counsel Compensation Review (15 min)
ADJOURN
Edmonds City Council Agenda
February 9, 2021
Page 1
2.1
City Council Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 02/9/2021
Social Worker Job Description Review/Approval
Staff Lead: Patrick Doherty
Department: Community Services
Preparer: Patrick Doherty
Background/History
City Council approved a new $500,000 Human Services program in the 2021 Budget (with an additional
up to $50,000 for a potential Administrative Assistant). Within that new program is included
approximately $100,000 for a Social Worker position. City Council must approve the job description for
this new position.
This item was presented to City Council Committee on 1/12/21, at which time Committee members
asked that the job description be further developed to include the pay range, a broader definition of "at -
risk" populations, and clearer resolution of whether social worker licensure is required. The revised job
description, responding to these concerns, is attached.
Staff Recommendation
Forward Social Worker job description to 2/16/21 City Council regular agenda for approval.
Narrative
Attached for Council's consideration is a draft Social Worker/Community Support Specialist job
description. This revised version includes the proposed compensation level, which will require
negotiation with the corresponding Union.
Attachments:
DRAFT Social Worker JD
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2.1.a
City of
EDMONDS
Washington
DRAFT
(Social Worker/Community Support Specialist)
Department: Community Services Pay Grade:
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Council 2 FLSA Status: Non -Exempt
Director,
Community
Revised Date: Reports To: Services
POSITION PURPOSE:
The City of Edmonds is seeking a highly -motivated individual for the appointive position of
Social Worker/Community Support Specialist. Under the general supervision of the Community
Services Director and in conjunction with the Human Services Program Manager, provide
immediate -response, case management and referral services to people with mental health,
substance use, behavioral, housing, financial and other social service needs in Edmonds.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties
performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary
duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and
may be required to perform additional, position -specific duties.
The main focus of this position is to help at -risk populations within Edmonds who are dealing
with issues such as housing stress or homelessness, addiction, mental or behavioral health
challenges, disabilities, isolation, among others, while decreasing barriers, providing
resources, and finding alternatives to their current situation. This position functions
predominantly as a case manager to bridges the gaps left between other social services
agencies, providers, law enforcement and/or emergency medical response and the social
needs of people within the at -risk population. This position will directly contact and/or
accompany emergency medical responders and/or law enforcement on patrol to assist
individuals belonging to the target populations in accessing mental health, substance use,
and/or homeless or other social services. Successful performance of the work requires the
incumbent to exercise individual initiative and apply considerable independent judgment gained
through experience.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Cultivate contacts and establish and maintain positive, effective, collaborative working
relationships with Edmonds Police Department personnel, South Snohomish County Fire and
Social Worker/Community Support Specialist Last Review
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Social Worker/Community Support Specialist
Rescue personnel, and local/regional human services other law enforcement agencies,
emergency medical response agencies, court system, community leaders, Snohomish County
Human Services, federal, state, regional and local -agencies, homeless shelters, area
community service and faith -based groups, staff of state and local hospitals and health
providers in an effort to care for and assist Edmonds residents in need of social services.
Develop a network of working relationships with: the Compass Health Crisis Triage Center, the
Providence Behavioral Health Urgent Care facility, voluntary outreach teams, Involuntary
Treatment Act (ITA) teams, Snohomish County Jail, detox providers, emergency housing
providers and other social service providers.
Network with local services and outreach to people in support facilities (shelters, substance -
abuse programs, etc.).
Establish and maintain rapport with the populations served.
Provide information, consultation, and referral to social services agencies. Respond to requests
for information about available services for homeless, mentally ill and substance -abusing
populations and those with other human and social service needs. Make referrals to
appropriate service providers and coordinate service delivery.
Screen and assess individuals for mental and behavioral health and/or substance -use
disorders. Facilitate patient engagement and follow-up care. Provide education about common
mental and behavioral health and/or substance -use disorders and the available treatment
options.
Provide brief behavioral interventions using evidence -based techniques such as behavioral
activation, problem -solving treatment, motivational interviewing, or other treatments as
appropriate.
Provide or facilitate outside referrals to community behavioral health services as needed
Assist the target populations served with obtaining basic resources such as shelter, food,
medical services, and other social and human services as needed.
Assist law enforcement or Fire District personnel, as well as social -service agency personnel,
with relocations of clients in need of shelter, medical attention, housing, etc.
Provide outreach, engagement and liaison support to those people that are seen on a
reoccurring basis which may require short-term intensive case management (and occasionally
longer -term case management). Facilitate services for high -need individuals across all involved
systems of care.
Monitor contact behaviors and progress, provide assistance to contacts toward attaining
predetermined goals, schedule contacts appointments, visit and observe residences.
Promote best practices in treatment approaches, support systems and interventions.
Last Review
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Social Worker/Community Support Specialist
Meet with and interview contacts, families, and other care providers to assess needs and
eligibility of services. Advocate needs of contacts within and outside system; liaise between
contact, caregivers, and service providers. Provide client -level troubleshooting and advocacy.
Follow up with identified individuals in an effort to bridge gaps left between other social services
agencies, providers, law enforcement and/or emergency medical response and the social
needs of people within this population.
Consult with other agency professionals on difficult cases.
Assist Human Services Program Manager in:
• Developing and recommending procedures for identifying and screening people with
social service needs.
• Establishing and administering tracking systems for target populations and service
providers.
• Studying and analyzing program participation, including recommendations and reports
for improvement of existing and development of new programs.
• Reviewing statistical data and identifying future trends.
• Collecting and preparing data for daily status reports and weekly/monthly outcome
summaries.
Provide supportive data to Develop and recommend programs, policies, procedures, and
projects in conjunction with the Human Services Program Manager that will assist in efficiently
addressing the human and social service needs of the target populations served within the
Edmonds community.
Prepare memos, correspondence, records, and reports related to social services activities
Coordinate with law enforcement personnel and/or social services agency personnel to arrange
for the transport of person(s) in need of assistance to appropriate facilities.
May attend and testify at court hearings and other legal proceedings.
Perform related work and special projects as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE OF:
The philosophy and objectives of social services and community service programs.
Symptoms, common behavioral and social characteristics, and other manifestations of the
disabilities affecting the population served.
Special needs of homeless populations.
Last Review
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Social Worker/Community Support Specialist
Presentation of mental illness related behaviors and appropriate clinical interventions. Safety
practices, policies and applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, codes, regulations,
policies and procedures.
Motivational interviewing.
Addiction process and chemical dependency (CD) treatment approaches and expected
outcomes. Interviewing and counseling practices and techniques relevant to the population
served.
Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) guidelines.
Local, state and regional resources and programs for the homeless, mentally ill, substance -
abusing population and those with other social service needs.
Availability of community systems and resources including residential housing for the
populations served. Assessment and social casework techniques.
Human development and behavior.
Writing and research techniques.
Conflict resolution principles, de-escalation and problem -solving techniques.
Judicial procedures, sentencing implications, and the corrections environment.
Related state and federal mandates including those related to privacy and confidentiality
Modern office practices and computer applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and
statistics.
REQUIRED SKILL IN:
Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to communicate
effectively with diverse populations.
Effective public speaker in the areas of presentations, facilitation, and conflict resolution.
Excellent interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
with employees, other departments and city staff, city officials and the public.
Proficient research, statistical and analytical skills.
Proficient in MS word, Excel, and other MS office applications.
Last Review
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Social Worker/Community Support Specialist
ABILITY TO:
Effectively interview clients and natural supports and/or families.
Establish and maintain rapport with the population served.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, regional and local
agencies, Snohomish County Human Services, Police Department employees, Fire District
employees, staff of state and local hospitals, community organizations and leaders, providers,
and the general public.
Work effectively in team environments.
Interact with others utilizing tact, patience, and courtesy.
Communicate effectively with people regardless of age, sex, social, economic, or cultural
background.
Work within an environment that includes exposure to high stress and rapidly evolving
incidents.
Recognize personal signs of secondary trauma and prioritize self -care.
Observe, evaluate, and interpret behavior.
Prepare and maintain narrative and statistical records and to prepare related reports.
Express ideas and recommendations clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
View and address the total spectrum of service needs.
Exercise a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, problem solving and decision -
making within the scope of assigned authority.
Work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Effectively identify and resolve conflict.
Be discreet and maintain confidentiality of information.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Use computers and various software programs and other computer applications, including
word processing, data management, spreadsheets, and other programs.
Read, interpret, and apply work -related laws, rules, and other regulations.
Last Review
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Social Worker/Community Support Specialist
Maintain detailed records and prepare clear concise written reports.
Maintain a work environment free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Support diversity and multi -cultural understanding in the workplace and the community.
Work safely and in compliance with federal and state laws, departmental and City policies and
standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
A Master's degree in social work, counseling/behavioral health, psychology, nursing, or
counseling or related field; and two (2) years' experience in the direct work with acutely and
severely mentally ill, homeless, and/or chemically dependent individuals. Experience as a
Mental Health Specialist specific to the area of individuals living with mental illness and or
substance addictions is preferred.
OR Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling/behavioral health, psychology, nursing, or
counseling or related field and five (5) years' experience in the direct work with acutely and
severely mentally ill, homeless, and/or chemically dependent individuals. Experience as a
Mental Health Specialist specific to the area of individuals living with mental illness and or
substance addictions is preferred.
Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License within 30
days of hire.
Bilingual communications skills desirable.
Required Licenses or Certifications:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain licensure throughout period of employment
of, one of the following licenses issued by the State of Washington preferred for consideration
and required within one year of employment:
• A valid Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISCW), or
• A valid Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW), or
• A valid Licensed Social Work Associate and Independent Clinical (LSWAIC), or
• A valid Licensed Social Work Associate and Advanced (LSWAA)
Must be able to successfully complete and pass a background check.
Last Review
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Social Worker/Community Support Specialist
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Possible variable work hours that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Environment:
Most day-to-day duties will be performed in a standard office environment (during COVID-19-
related restrictions at-home work is also possible). Also requires some field work in variable
weather conditions and day or night conditions.
Physical Abilities:
Standard physical abilities of office -based work required. May be required to lift boxes, files or
other materials. Work may require sitting for long periods of time at a computer. Hand -eye
coordination is needed to operate office equipment.
Hazards:
Those present in a health care and office environment.
Environmental conditions in the field may entail a stressful work climate due to the nature of
the job, i.e. working with clients who have experienced past or ongoing trauma, mental illness,
chemical dependency, etc. Occasionally required to deal with hostile, potentially dangerous
clients. May entail exposure to poor driving conditions, communicable diseases, pets,
unsanitary conditions, noxious odors, tobacco smoke, and other unpredictable situations. May
involve contact with individuals resistant to service, exhibiting difficulty or hostility in being
approached or engaged.
Last Review
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Social Worker/Community Support Specialist
Incumbent Signature:
Department Head:
Date:
Date:
Last Review
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2.2
City Council Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 02/9/2021
Conflict Counsel Compensation Review
Staff Lead: Jessica Neill Hoyson
Department: Human Resources
Preparer: Jessica Neill Neill Hoyson
Background/History
Bob Boruchowitz is retained by the City to assess public defense services. He has completed an analysis
of the compensation provided to the City's conflict counsel attorneys and is providing recommendations
for changes in compensation.
Staff Recommendation
Review information from Mr. Boruchowitz and forward to Council for consideration.
Narrative
See attached presentation.
Attachments:
from JNHCity Council PPT September 2020
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Compensation for Conflict Panel Counsel
Recommendation to Edmonds City Council
Robert C. Boruchowitz
Assessor for Public Defense Services
February 2021
Conflict Panel Counsel
� Take cases when the primary contract defender,
Snohomish County Public Defender, has a
conflict of interest.
A All of their clients are poor and face possible jail
time as well as fines and fees.
� Their clients often have significant mental
illness.
I Their clients are disproportionately of color.
Recommendation
Increase trial counsel payment from $50 per
hour to $65 per hour for 2021, and $85 per hour
in 2022, and $125 per hour in 2023.
■ Increase appellate counsel payment from $55
per hour to $65 per hour, and $85 per hour in
2022, and $125 per hour in 2023.
■ Through 2022, these still would be at least $168
to $178 per hour lower than what the City pays
its other lawyers.
Example of Private Sector
Payments
* One of the panel lawyers charges $300 per hour
in civil cases.
*She charged $200 per hour for a criminal case
client who was unable to pay going rates.
*Her flat fees for privately retained misdemeanors
generally range from $2,000 to $8,000 depending
on a variety of factors.
■ *For DUI cases, private counsel in our region
routinely charge $5000 and up.
City Pays More for its Other
Law, Yer Work
In the City's contract with Lighthouse Law
Group for civil City Attorney services, there is
an option for some matters to be charged
hourly For 2021, those hourly rates range
between $243 and $324 per hour. For 2022,
those rates range between $253 and $337 per
hour
2.2.a
Any RALJ appeals exceeding the four included in the Base Fee shall be
billed at the rate of $250/hour,
All RALJ appeals filed before January t, 2020 shall be billed at the rate of
$125lhour;
Extreme Risk Protection Order cases filed at municipal c;ouil and superior
court shall be billed at the rate of $125/hour;
Writ of certiorari or writ of review filed in connection with a criminal case
— Representation shall be billed at the rate of S2501hour. In the event of a
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Unfairness and
Disproportionality
■ There is no reason that prosecution work on an
RALJ appeal should be paid $125 per hour or
$250 per hour while paying the defense attorney
on the other side of the case $55 per hour.
ven at �6b per hour the
'D
compensation will be comparatively
low
A "billable year" should be somewhere between
1650 and 1800 hours. At $65 per hour for 1650
hours, a gross "salary" would be
$107,250. Realizing that that figure has to provide
funds for overhead costs of running an office, the
net annual salary for someone at that hourly rate
would be approximately half, or about
$53,625. That is far below even a starting attorney
salary in this area. And it is below salaries for other
professionals working for the City.
The City Pays More to Non -
Lawyers
City of Edmonds recently advertised for a Recreation
Coordinator with an annual salary of $73,500.00 -
$91,116.00, plus benefits. The position requires a
bachelor's degree and two years of experience.
■ The conflict attorneys must complete law school and
be admitted to the bar, and we have been generally
requiring significant experience as criminal defense
lawyers. The current conflict panel attorneys have
between four and 26 years of experience.
Conflict Attorneys Have to Pay
Their Own Overhead
Overhead includes office rent, equipment,
insurance, utilities, electronic legal research
costs, 15 hours per year of CLE training,
compensation, including benefits, for any
support staff they have, state bar dues ($468 for
2021), transportation costs, and their own
medical and dental insurance and retirement
benefits.
Electronic Legal Research is
Expensive
The most basic Westlaw plan begins at $89 per
month, or $1068 per year. To have the full
service to which recent law graduates are
accustomed from school costs from $344 per
month.
In 2020 so far...
There has been one RALJ appeal for conflict
counsel and she won a reversal of the case.
She billed for 37 hours of time.
■ When the case came back to Municipal Court, it
was dismissed.
In 2019
In 2019, the three conflict lawyers billed for
66 cases, for $20,443.50. Some clients had
multiple cases.
. In eve cases, the lawyers billed more than
the presumptive six hours, ranging from 7.34
to 12.6 hours.
■ If the hourly rate is increased from $50 to
$65, as I recommend for 2021, and if there
are 66 cases in 2021, the increased cost
would be in the ball park of $6133,
If Edmonds Does Not Increase its
Compensation, It Likely Will Have
Trouble Attracting Experienced and
Able Lawyers
Whatcom County
Recently issued an RFQ for Criminal Conflict
Attorney Services for 2020 with a proposed base
rate of $500 per adult misdemeanor case assigned
with $180 for each half day spent in trial.
Edmonds has been paying a base rate of $300 per
case.
The Three -Step Increase
Will Bring Edmonds into Reasonable
Compensation
■ The City Should Be able to attract and retain
capable and experienced counsel into the future
Recommendation
Increase trial counsel payment from $50 per
hour to $65 per hour for 2021, and $85 per hour
in 2022, and $125 per hour in 2023.
■ Increase appellate counsel payment from $55
per hour to $65 per hour, and $85 per hour in
2022, and $125 per hour in 2023.
■ Through 2022 these still would be at least $168
to $178 per hour lower than what the City pays
its other lawyers.