SR 04-12-2016 3P
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: April 12, 2016
Agenda Item: 3.P
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Andy Agle, Director, Housing Division, Housing and Economic Development
Subject: Modification of Contract with Licensed Clinical Social Worker to Support
Affordable Housing Programs
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a second
modification to Contract #2687, in an amount not to exceed $60,800, with
Ms. Dorothy Berndt, a California-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to provide
clinical support for affordable housing program participants. This will result in a four-year
amended contract with a new total amount not to exceed $140,800.
Executive Summary
The Housing Division engages a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) to assess
clinical service needs of senior, formerly homeless, and disabled households and others
at risk of losing their affordable housing due to unmet service needs. The proposed
second modification would increase the contract by $60,800 to a new total amount not
to exceed of $140,800. The proposed funding amount reflects a combination of ongoing
services and an expansion of the existing service level to serve more residents.
Background
A one-year contract with Ms. Berndt was executed on July 1, 2013 in the amount of
$20,000, after a Request for Qualifications was conducted. The contract originally
targeted clinical services to formerly homeless persons living with disabilities who were
participating in the Continuum of Care housing voucher program. The first modification
to the contract was executed on July 1, 2014, increasing the contract by $60,000 and
providing a three-year extension through June 30, 2017. During the last two years,
LCSW services were expanded to assist a broader group of residents, with the goal of
housing retention. Recipients of LCSW services now include participants in Section 8,
HOME, and inclusionary housing programs, as well as tenants in City-owned housing.
Discussion
With the support of the LCSW, the City can provide an appropriate breadth of
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assistance to affordable housing program participants. The LCSW is deployed by staff
to conduct in-home assessments, connect households to appropriate services for
treatment and intervention, and provide technical training and support for service
providers and staff. Many households who are marginally stabilized in the community
would likely become homeless or require high-cost services without the LCSW support.
Contracting for the service is the most cost-efficient way to work with the target
populations.
Ms. Berndt has extensive knowledge of supportive housing programs, including over
11 years of experience working with City staff, service providers for seniors,
Santa
Department of Mental Health, and most importantly, housing program participants.
Ms. -clinical settings,
usually as home-visit assessments. Clinical services are a pivotal component to the
success of supportive housing programs and homeless initiatives in general, and crucial
to stabilizing program participants at risk of losing their affordable housing. Psychosocial
assessments and interventions completed by Ms. Berndt determine appropriate
referrals to mental health, substance abuse, and medical treatment service providers.
Ms. Berndt contributes to the exceptional level of service that both federally subsidized
program participants and federal evaluators have come to expect from Santa Monica.
Ms. Berndt has a long-term relationship with many residents who need intervention
and assistance. Ms. Berndt has provided assistance for a variety of situations, such as
homes that do not pass inspection due to substandard housekeeping (e.g., hoarding) or
behavior that is disruptive to neighbors. Ms.
providers also supports property owners, who, in lieu of evicting tenants, outreach to the
City for help based on positive experiences and outcomes with Ms. Berndt.
The proposed second contract modification provides additional funds of $60,800
through the end of the existing contract term date of June 30, 2017, to serve disabled,
elderly, and formerly homeless households and those at risk of losing their affordable
housing. Staff anticipates undertaking a competitive selection process once the existing
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contract expires.
Vendor/Consultant Selection
In May 2009, a Request for Qualifications to provide LCSW services was issued and
posted on the City website. Staff received and reviewed two responses from LCSW
applicants and rated each on qualifications, project understanding, experience, price,
and references. Ms. Berndt was recommended as the most qualified applicant to
support the services of the Housing Division.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The proposed contract modification is for $60,800, for a new contract total of $140,800.
Funds in the amount of $60,800 are included in the FY2015-16 budget at account
01264.555060.
Prepared By:
James Kemper, Housing Administrator
Approved Forwarded to Council
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