Agenda Item Name:
Title
On-the-Job Training Contracts for Closing Health Care Disparities with Community Health Care Workers and Improving Health Care Communications Plan
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Presenter:
Phyllis Marty, Career Source Manager, 352-955-2245 Ext.5950
Description:
The Alachua County 2022 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Project for Closing Health Care Disparities with Community Health Care Workers and Improving Health Care Communications Plan was approved by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). County staff have developed job descriptions and negotiated Vendor Contracts for Professional Services for the Program Administrator, the Training Facilitator, and the Mentor/Co-Facilitator. The purpose of this plan is to define the process for employers to apply to become an On the Job Training site, be approved to be a site, be provided trained Community Healthcare Workers (CHWs) to interview and select for hire, develop an Individualized Training Plan, execute an On the Job Training Contract, and then submit invoices to be reimbursed for the wages of the CHW employee as defined in the contract.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve use of the On-the-Job Training Contract Template and authorize CareerSource Manager to approve and execute On the Job Training Contracts for the American Recovery Act (ARPA) Project for Closing Health Care Disparities with Community Health Care Workers and Improving Health Care Communications Plan.
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Prior Board Motions:
On August 9, 2022, the Board passed a motion to support the CCHW program for 2 years at $250,000 a year with American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) as the suggested funding source if allowed.
On October 25, 2022, the Board approved the Alachua County American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds: Closing Health Care Disparities with Community Health Care Workers and Improving Health Care Communications ARP2021x013 for the implementation of the CCHW project and appropriated $500,000.00 of American Rescue Plan funds.
On April 11, 2023, the Board approved contracts with the Florida Department of Health, Laura Guyer, PhD, MeD, RDN, and Community Partners and Engagement Consultants, LLC. for administration, training, and outreach related to the CCHW project.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Fund 052.29.0064.34.00-$155,000 Budgeted for OJT Contracts
ARP2021x013-Closing Health Care Disparities (Cat. 3.14)
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Social and Economic Opportunity
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Background:
The overall strategy of the CCHW project is two pronged; deploy CCHW’s to address health inequities and disparities, especially those exacerbated by Covid and improve communications to establish and build trust with those individuals impacted. ARPA funding is used to employ the CCHW’s and staffing for the needed administrative structure which oversees implementation. Employee recruitment will focus on employing individuals living in the impacted communities thereby directly addressing economic recovery from the pandemic. After receiving certification, these individuals will provide services to address health concerns, thereby improving overall public health.
A Program Administrator position, employed by the Department of Health (DOH) via contracted funds, oversees the project and coordinates the activities of those conducting community outreach and engagement, tracks program performance and compiles data reports. The Administrator will also meet with the CCHW’s collectively to monitor performance and obtain feedback on the project. A separate agreement between Alachua County and Community Partners and Engagement Consultants, LLC., supports conducting outreach activities and facilitates the recruitment of individuals to become CCHW’s. An agreement between Alachua County and Laura Guyer, PhD, MeD, RDN, provides for training and continuous quality improvement of the in-person training curriculum. Once an individual completes the required in-person or online training, they are qualified to begin the On-the-Job Training component. Potential employers are identified by Community Partners and Engagement Consultants.