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2021-02-09 City Council - Full PSPP Agenda-27891 o Agenda Edmonds City Council 3LIC SAFETY, PLANNING & PERSONNEL - SPECIAL ZOOM VIRTUAL ONLINE MEETING EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS WEB PAGE, HTTP://EDMONDSWA.IQM2.COM/CITIZENS/DEFAULT.ASPX, EDMONDS, WA 98020 FEBRUARY 9, 2021, 5:00 PM DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS, MEETINGS ARE HELD VIRTUALLY USING THE ZOOM MEETING PLATFORM. TO VIEW OR LISTEN TO THE COMMITTEE MEETING IN ITS ENTIRETY, PASTE THE FOLLOWING INTO A WEB BROWSER USING A COMPUTER OR SMART PHONE: HTTPS://ZOOM. US/J/95798484261 OR JOIN BY DIAL -UP PHONE: US: +1 253 215 8782 WEBINAR ID: 957 9848 4261 COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS ARE WORK SESSIONS FOR THE COUNCIL AND CITY STAFF. COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDAS DO NOT INCLUDE AUDIENCE COMMENTS OR PUBLIC HEARINGS. 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 Packet Pg. 2 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 Packet Pg. 3 2.1.a 2of8 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 Packet Pg. 4 2.1.a 3of8 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 Packet Pg. 5 2.1.a 4of8 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 Packet Pg. 6 2.1.a 5of8 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 Packet Pg. 7 2.1.a 6of8 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 Packet Pg. 8 2.1.a 7of8 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 Packet Pg. 9 2.1.a 8of8 JOB DESCRIPTION Social Worker/Community Support Specialist Incumbent Signature: Department Head: Date: Date: Last Review Packet Pg. 10 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 Packet Pg. 11 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 Packet Pg. 17 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.