DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Aging & Disability Services
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Update on Provider Shortage Workgroup Recommendations, Including Proposed Structure for Disability Advisory Council
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on implementation of Workforce and Provider Shortage Workgroup recommendations and consider recommendation to develop an ongoing Disability Advisory Council in Dakota County.
SUMMARY
Social Services staff provided an update at the July 12, 2022, Community Services Committee of the Whole (CSCW) meeting on the workforce shortage and its impact on service availability across all areas of Social Services. At the August 16, 2022, CSCW meeting, the board directed staff to convene a time-limited workgroup to develop recommendations for addressing the workforce shortage, with a specific focus on disability services given acute service gaps for people with disabilities (Attachment: Workgroup Timeline and Membership).
Between November 2022 and June 2023, the Workforce and Provider Shortage Workgroup met to discuss underlying issues driving the lack of service access, explore creative solutions, and develop recommendations for actions the County can take to improve the situation. Staff presented workgroup recommendations at the July 11, 2023, CSCW meeting and received positive feedback from Commissioners to continue developing recommendations for implementation.
Staff will provide an overview of recent activity related to workgroup recommendations, including status of each and any board action needed to move them forward (Attachment: Workgroup Recommendations - Status). Staff will also seek Board feedback on a proposed structure for the recommended Disability Advisory Council (Attachment: Disability Advisory Council (Draft)).
OUTCOMES
Workgroup recommendations are broken down into four primary strategies with the goal of improving access to services and supports for people with disabilities at the local level. The four strategies are:
• Recruiting and Retaining Direct Support Professionals (DSP), so more staff are available to provide support.
• Maximizing Self-Direction and Program Flexibility, so people have more options for how they use support dollars.
• Increasing Assistive Technology & Remote Support, to give people another option for support.
• Promoting Inclusive Communities, so people with disabilities have opportunities to participate in all aspects of community living.
Each strategy includes specific recommendations, which are detailed in the Workgroup Recommendations attachment.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Workgroup Timeline and Membership
Attachment: Workgroup Recommendations - Status
Attachment: Disability Advisory Council (Draft)
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☒ Involve ☐ N/A
CONTACTS
Department Head: Evan Henspeter
Author: Gilbert Acevedo