(222) Public Authority
Division Overview
The Public Authority manages a Registry to help and serve consumers in San Benito County. 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 consumers’ service needs and to provide services that support a positive and productive relationship between consumer, provider and IHSS 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.
Public Authority:
MISSION/VISION
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.
DIVISION OVERVIEW
Public Authority (PA)
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 supports 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:
In 2024, the Public Authority was able to fill a vacant Office Assistant position and add to the program a designated Account Clerk. The need was identified due to one staff member being dedicated to the program, and with program growth, the additional support was necessary. These new staff are currently being trained and are excited to be part of this ever-growing program. With these additions, the Public Authority now has the resources to run at an optimal level. The program also plans during Fiscal Year 24.25 to participate in outreach opportunities in the San Benito County Community at Job Fairs and events tailored to our aging and disabled population.
TOP DIVISION CONCERNS:
The Public Authority’s Registry is not growing as quickly as community members are applying for IHSS assistance. Reasons for this include, but may not be limited to, salary and/or benefit availability/cost. This will continue to impact IHSS clients’ ability to receive services if the availability is not there within the Public Authority Registry.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SEIU and the County of San Benito has expired, and negotiations are ongoing. A concern is that by not having an MOU in place, the program is out-of-compliance with state regulations. It is hopeful that the MOU negotiations will end in agreement before the end of the current fiscal year.
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 be a necessity.
NEW REQUESTS FY 23/24:
Create a Supervisory Position within the Public Authority to replace the Public Authority Coordinator Position. The new position will carry all PA coordinator duties as well as have the capacity to supervise the Account Clerk and Office Assistant assigned to the program.