(222) Public Authority

The mission of the Public Authority is to enhance the availability and quality of In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and personal assistance services.  To give consumers and providers a voice in IHSS and Public Authority policy, program development and operations, to provide consumers with access to providers who meet consumer’s service needs and to provide services that support a positive relationship between consumer, provider and Social Worker.

 

Due to the nature of the funding, the Public Authority division's operation and program information are recorded in a separate special revenue fund 240.

The Public Authority maintains a registry of screened, diverse and available providers for IHSS consumers.  The program assists consumers in their role of supervising home care providers and helps with communication issues between consumers and providers.  It serves participants who are high users of multiple healthcare systems and reduces costly hospitalizations and visits to the emergency department by assisting them with services and support necessary to break down the barriers and challenges that prevent them from being successful in managing their illnesses and/or stabilizing their lives.

 

 

STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS

• Operational Development & Excellence
• Community Engagement
• Healthy & Safe Communities

 

RECENT DIVISION ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

The program has developed a new user registry agreement, and a Spanish version of this document is currently in development.

• The number of IHSS providers from July 1, 2024, to present has expanded from 759 to 900 indicating program growth of nearly 21% by June 30, 2025.
• The MOU between SEIU and the County of San Benito on behalf of IHSS Providers was approved this fiscal year by the Board of Supervisors.

 

TOP DIVISIONAL CONCERNS:

• IHSS recipient growth continues to occur significantly faster than the IHSS provider registry. There are not enough registry providers to ensure each recipient is served at this time.

 

LONG RANGE PLANNING GOALS (3-5 YEAR) FOR DIVISION:

Develop an effective system to conduct active community outreach efforts to bolster Public Authority Provider applications.  As the County continues to grow, more IHSS recipients will exist, and the need for more PA providers will remain a necessity.

 

 

NEW REQUESTS FY25/26:      Personnel & Fixed Assets/ 1-Time Items

• None