Mission Statement - Human Services Department

December 2012
C o u n t y o f S a n t a C r u z - H u m a n S e r v i c e s D ep a r tm e n t
The H Files
Winter 2008
Department Releases Third Annual Report to the Community
Mission
Statement
We Strengthen
our community by
Protecting
the vulnerable,
Promoting
self-sufficiency,
Alleviating
poverty, and
Improving
the quality of life.
In September, the Human Services Department (HSD) released its third Annual
Report to inform the public about the wide range of services we provide to county
residents. The report highlights the many ways we made a difference for people
in need of assistance in Santa Cruz County in the past fiscal year.
Providing Safety Net Services
In FY 2011-12, more than 57,000 people, or one out of every five county residents, received some form of public assistance from HSD’s Employment & Benefit
Services Division (EBSD). On a monthly basis, an average of 21,000 people received CalFresh benefits and over 37,000 received Medi-Cal benefits. EBSD also
provided employment services and cash assistance to needy families with an average monthly CalWORKs cash aid caseload of 2,224.
Keeping Children Safe
Family and Children’s Services (FCS) received over 3,000 abuse/neglect referrals
which resulted in substantiated referrals involving 465 children. On a monthly
basis, an average of 265 children were in out-of home placements and about half
were placed in the homes of relatives or family friends. For children that were not
able to be returned safely to their parents, 51 were placed in forever homes with
adoptive parents.
Protecting Vulnerable Seniors and Dependent Adults
We Value . . .

Excellent Service

Compassion

Integrity

Partnerships
We Are . . .
Dedicated To
Making a Difference.
Adult Protective Services (APS) responded to more than 600 reports of abuse and
neglect, and 31% of reports of abuse by others involved financial exploitation. In
FY 2011-12, APS worked with the county’s Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST)
to successfully protect $1 million in assets belonging to elderly and dependent
adults in Santa Cruz County. Additionally, more than 2,300 low income elderly and
disabled individuals were able to remain safely in their homes due to the help they
received from the In Home Supportive Services Program.
Helping Job Seekers
With continued high unemployment, the Workforce Investment Board joined
forces with community partners and EBSD staff to provide subsidized employment
opportunities for local job seekers. The WIB also served over 14,000 job seekers
at the three career centers located in the county.
Making a difference for Santa Cruz County residents
The Annual Report reflects the Department’s commitment to protecting the most
vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that safety net services are
there for people in need of assistance. While focusing on successful FY 2011-12
accomplishments, the report also highlights strategic priorities for the year that lies
ahead.
View HSD’s FY 2011-12 Annual Report
Find out how we made a difference for people in need in our community.
1
The H Files—December 2012
From Cecilia’s Desk...
Our Department recently released its Annual Report for FY 2011-12 . If you have
not yet viewed the report, I encourage you to take a few minutes to read about all
that we accomplished in the last fiscal year. I think you will be amazed at the
number of people we served and how you helped make a difference for so many
people in our community! From protecting vulnerable children and the frail elderly, to providing benefits to help struggling families meet basic needs and helping
job seekers learn new skills, you were the safety net for people in our county still
having a tough time due to the sluggish economy.
With the increased demand for services that we’ve seen in the past few years, we
are continually challenged to look for ways to do business differently to better
serve our clients. Efforts are currently underway throughout our Department to
redesign service models to improve customer satisfaction with the services they
receive. When the south county space consolidation efforts are completed, a one
stop service center will be available to Watsonville area residents. Just getting
underway, EBSD’s Intake Redesign Project will offer more self service options to
increase access to public assistance information, streamline services and issue
benefits more quickly. In FCS, the task redistribution for social workers will improve continuity of child welfare services for families, and in ALTC, the In Home
Supportive Services (IHSS) program will soon launch a new case management and
payroll system that will eliminate the need for paper files by storing data electronically and expedite payroll processing for IHSS providers.
Cecilia Espinola, Director
Human Services Department
I am excited about these efforts underway to streamline service delivery and improve customer service for our clients. I am confident that these changes will be good for clients as well as our staff and will help us respond more
quickly to the needs of our community. While I understand that change can be challenging and stressful at times,
I ask for your patience and perseverance as we transition from old ways to improved ways of serving our clients
and making a difference for our community.
Inside This Issue …
Community Partnerships ............................................................................ 3
Human Services News:
Planning & Evaluation ............................................................................. 4
Administrative Services ........................................................................... 5
Employment & Benefit Services ........................................................... 6 - 7
Adult & Long Term Care .......................................................................... 8
Family & Children’s Services ................................................................... 8
Staff News .. ....................................................................................9 - 11
Kudos Corner ........................................................................................ 12
Credits For This Issue:
Contributing Authors: Planning & Evaluation, Madeline Noya; Family & Children’s Services, Judy Yokel;
Adult & Long Term Care, Kari Beuerman; Employment & Benefit Services, Healthy Families, Linda Kerner; SNAP-Ed, Lainie Gray.
Linda Kerner, Editor; Karen Barrett, Publishing.
Photo Credits: SNAP-Ed activities, United Way of Santa Cruz & Second Harvest Food Bank; Barbara
Coy Bulicz, MaryAnn LoBalbo; Linnea Appleby, Olga Gallardo.
2
The H Files—December 2012
Community Partnerships
Community Partners Support Outreach Efforts to Increase CalFresh Participation
With the slow economic turn around, many individuals and families in
Santa Cruz County continue to struggle to make ends meet and put food
on their tables. The CalFresh program can help stretch food dollars for
people going through hard times, but according to the California Food
Policy Advocates, there are more than 30,000 people in Santa Cruz
County who are eligible for CalFresh benefits who have not applied for
assistance. In an effort to promote increased participation in CalFresh to
reduce hunger in our county, HSD’s Employment & Benefit Services staff
have stepped up outreach efforts and engaged the support of community
partners to help educate potentially eligible people about the benefits of
the program and provide CalFresh application assistance.
State & Local
CalFresh Participation Rates
2
 California ranks 50 out of 50
states for participation in the
CalFresh program.
 Santa Cruz county ranks 45
out of 58 counties for CalFresh
participation.
The CalFresh Program helps low
income individuals and families
purchase nutritional food when
budgets are tight.
Benefits are issued on an electronic
benefit transfer (EBT) card that
looks just like a bank ATM card,
reducing the stigma of the old
Food Stamp paper coupons. The
CalFresh EBT card is accepted at
most grocery stores as well as at
farmers markets.
Second Harvest Food Bank has developed
many educational outreach materials in
English and Spanish to promote CalFresh
participation. The agency also provides
online application assistance at a variety of
sites throughout the county. In FY 12-13, a
new bilingual CalFresh Outreach Worker
was hired to expand outreach efforts.
Also new in FY 12-13, local nonprofits receiving Community Programs
funding from the County are required to provide the clients they serve
with information about CalFresh and other public assistance programs.
These agencies are using a variety of outreach strategies to inform the
people they serve about benefits available and how to apply, including
distributing flyers, putting posters in their reception areas, and helping
clients with online and paper applications.
The goal of this community-wide effort is to “find” those 30,000 county
residents who are eligible for CalFresh but who are not currently receiving
benefits. With the help of our community partners, we can provide a little
extra help to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet and
work to reduce hunger in Santa Cruz County.
It’s never been easier to apply!
Apply online at www.benefitscalwin.org
Call 1-888-421-8080
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Local Nonprofits
Promote CalFresh Benefits
Advocacy Inc.
Assoc. of Watsonville Area Seniors
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Cabrillo College Stroke Center
California Grey Bears
California Rural Legal Assistance
Campus Kids
Central Coast Center for
Independent Living
Central Coast YMCA
Child Development Resource Center
Children’s Center of SLV
Community Action Board
Community Bridges
Court Appointed Special Advocates
Dientes
Emeline Preschool Center
Families In Transition
Family Service Agency of the
Central Coast
Homeless Garden Project
Homeless Services Center
New Life Community Services
Pacific Preschool
Pajaro Valley Children’s Center
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services
Parents Center
Planned Parenthood
PVUSD Healthy Start
Salud Para La Gente
Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos
Santa Cruz Community Counseling
Center
Santa Cruz Toddler Center
Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center
Second Harvest Food Bank
Senior Center of San Lorenzo Valley
Senior Network Services
Seniors Council
Vista Center for the Blind
Volunteer Center
Walnut Avenue Women’s Center
Womens Crisis Support/Defensa
YWCA of Watsonville
The H Files—December 2012
Department Highlights...
Planning & Evaluation
Celebrating HSD Strategic Plan FY 2011-12 Accomplishments
In December 2010, the Human Services Department (HSD) launched its 2010-13
Strategic Plan to guide Department planning efforts and provide a roadmap for
achieving future goals. Developed in an environment of budget reductions and
seemingly constant change, the plan included strategies to maximize resources and
ensure that the services we provide, and how they are delivered, continue to meet
the needs of the community we serve.
Successful FY 2011-12 Accomplishments
Our Vision
Every child, adult and
family in Santa Cruz
County is safe, healthy
and financially secure.
In FY 2011-12, the Department made significant progress in our continued efforts
to increase access to services to better meet the needs of people in our community.
The following is a partial list of accomplishments achieved in the past fiscal year:
Offered more Self Service Options
EBSD Monthly Dashboard May‐12 Added
CalWORKs application
to CalFresh and Medi-Cal applications available Comparisons This Qtr Aver‐ Month to online through www.benefitscalwin.org Bench‐
Indicator mark access
Month age assistance
Benchmark Qtr to Benchmark Launched
Access CalWIN
with 24/7 telephone
to public
benefit information
Strategic Plan

online enrollment system for In-Home
Services T2: Tasks Entered This Month 7,740 Supportive
8,727 8,322 ↑ Offered new
Primary Service Areas
Providers
T2: Tasks Completed This ↑  Financial
↑ Security
Increased
Community
Outreach to People7,163 in Need10,628 10,978 
community-based organizations
more low
income Partnered with
Tasks Completed % 100% to help
122% 132% individuals and families apply for CalFresh benefits
Implemented Early Alert system for employers to avoid worker lay offs
↑  Health ↑  Safety
Strengthened Community Supports
Increased the number of foster families willing to provide forever homes to children in foster care
Participated in county-wide effort to provide evidenced-based parenting education to child welfare families
Partnered with the Health Services Agency to Prepare for Health Care Reform
Launched MediCruz Advantage, a new low income health program for Santa Cruz County residents
FY 2012-13 Efforts Underway to Achieve Three Year Plan Goals
Strategic Plan
Long Term Goals
FY 2012-13 is the final year of HSD’s 2010-13 Strategic Plan and we are continuing to
promote strategies such as those listed below to achieve our Strategic Plan goals.
Increase economic
potential & decrease
poverty
Offering more self service options and online resources for access to information
and applications for public assistance, and job training opportunities.
Reduce abuse & neglect
Improve well being &
quality of life
Improve health &
mental health
Dedicated to making a
difference for people in
need in our community.
4
Increasing access to subsidized employment and other employment options for
job seekers.
Expanding foster care services for youth over 18.
Changing the way child welfare services are provided, engaging families earlier to
achieve improved outcomes for children and families.
Working with community partners to move forward with health care reform.
Offering a one-stop customer service center in south county with community
partners located onsite to enhance service coordination.
Throughout our Department, we are working to increase efficiencies and streamline
services to better serve our clients and ensure that we continue to meet the needs of
our community.
The H Files—December 2012
Department Highlights...
Employment & Benefit Services
Intake Redesign Project Planning Efforts Getting Underway
Planning is underway for the Employment & Benefit Services (EBSD) Intake Redesign Project to better serve public
assistance clients in north and south county. The project will utilize technology to offer more self service options
and provide clients with increased ways to access information to get the help they need. The goals of the Intake
Redesign project include improving customer service for clients and changing the way services are delivered to
create greater efficiencies for staff.
Project planning efforts will be based on a set of guiding principles focused on enhancing client services to improve
customer satisfaction. Redesigned lobbies with new signage will direct people to options for self service assistance
and what to do if they want to speak to a worker. The availability of computers in the lobby will enable people to
apply online for assistance using Benefits CalWIN and clients will also be able to use lobby scanners to upload verification documents, quarterly reports and annual recertifications online. Courtesy phones will connect people to
the automated phone system for information about public assistance and ongoing clients can use the system to
update case information and access their benefits account. While increased automation will enhance customer
service, technology will not take the place of the human touch and EBSD staff will always be available to provide
assistance when needed.
Intake Redesign Project
Guiding Principles






Customer inquiries are resolved at the first point of contact.
Unnecessary visits to county offices are eliminated.
Customers are enrolled for all programs for which they are eligible.
Eligibility determination for all programs occurs on the same day.
Wait times for service are reduced and used for client education.
Customers’ experience of the intake process is consistent throughout
the county and across all partners.
Customer Service Principles
One Touch - No Wrong Door
Benefits for Clients & Staff
With more self service options, lobby wait times will be reduced and more people
can get the help they need without having to wait to speak to a worker. With fewer
clients requiring direct assistance from workers, staff will have more time to work on
cases, process applications, and issue benefits more quickly. In short, the new Intake Redesign service model will be good for clients as well as for staff!
Intake Redesign
Projects
Launched in
Other Counties
Humboldt
Planning Efforts Underway
Fresno
Preliminary planning efforts have begun and the project implementation timeline is
under development. The projected launch date for the Intake Redesign will be the
Summer of 2013. Throughout all phases of the project, staff will be kept informed
of progress achieved and next steps in the implementation process. There will also
be many opportunities for staff to provide input and offer suggestions as the project
progresses and business processes are redesigned to improve service delivery and
expedite issuance of CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits.
San Mateo
Four counties in California have already successfully implemented the new Intake
Redesign service model and six other counties have efforts underway. As we move
forward with plans for our county, we will look at existing models to assist our local
planning efforts. Watch for more information about the project coming soon!
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Santa Clara
Contra Costa
San Francisco
Tulare
Sacramento
Riverside
Placer County
The H Files—December 2012
Department Highlights...
Employment & Benefit Services
SNAP–Ed Activities Promote Healthy Food Choices for CalFresh Participants
In October 2011, the Human Services Department received funding for the first year
of a two-year grant from the California Department of Social Services Community
Nutrition Project to work collaboratively with the Health Services Agency (HSA) and
community partners to provide nutrition education to potentially eligible and current
CalFresh participants. Employment & Benefit Services (EBSD) staff partnered with
the Second Harvest Food Bank and United Way of Santa Cruz County to conduct
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) activities throughout the County. The following are some of the highlights of the past year’s events.
Employment & Benefit Services (EBSD) staff used resources from the Choose My
Plate website to provide clients with information about healthy food choices. Choose
My Plate coloring sheets were placed in application center lobbies and distributed to
community partners, and Choose My Plate 10 Tips flyers were included in mailings to
CalFresh households. Healthy Eating - Active Living campaign materials were also
inserted in 2,500 CalFresh application and certification packets on a monthly basis.
Free cookbooks in English and Spanish were made available at both north and south
county application centers.
Choose My Plate
Healthy Eating
Website Resources
Healthy Eating Tips
Weight Management
Meal Planning
Sample Menus
Physical Fitness Tips
Healthy Recipes
Calories Burn Chart
Find out more:
www.ChoseMyPlate.gov
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank
Cooking Demonstration
Second Harvest Food Bank offered a series of bilingual nutrition education
classes, cooking demonstrations and food tastings, targeting county residents
currently receiving CalFresh benefits and people who were potentially eligible
for benefits. Individuals participating in the events received bilingual nutrition
education materials and fresh produce to take home to their families. Events
were held throughout the County and surveys responses from people attending were very positive - with recipe tasting and fresh produce being the biggest hits! Participants also reported that they had gained new knowledge to
help them make healthy behavior changes.
United Way of Santa Cruz County
United Way activities included expansion of the Get Out Get Fit with
Jovenes SANOS program, a peer-to-peer summer nutrition and physical
fitness program for middle school students at the G.H.W.R. Youth Center
located in Watsonville. The eight week curriculum provided over the
summer months offered educational and interactive classes to make
learning about nutrition and exercise fun! The classes were facilitated
by two Jovenes SANOS youth and 24 middle school youth participated in
the program. Pre and post surveys were used to evaluate the program
and survey results indicated that the program was highly successful and
well received by all participating youth.
United Way Jovenes SANOS
Physical Fitness Class
County Nutrition Action Plan
EBSD staff also worked with project partners to develop a County Nutrition Action Plan to continue local efforts to
promote healthy food choices and physical activity for the eligible CalFresh population in our County. With our
community partners we will work together to improve the health and quality of life for residents throughout Santa
Cruz County.
6
The H Files—December 2012
Department Highlights...
Employment & Benefit Services
Healthy Families Program Transitions to Medi-Cal
The Healthy Families (HF) program provides comprehensive health, dental,
and vision benefits through participating health plans for low income children whose family incomes exceed the maximum allowable limits for MediCal. In California approximately 875,000 children are enrolled in HF and
in Santa Cruz County, as of July 2012, there were approximately 7,000
children enrolled in the program.
As a cost saving measure, the FY 12-13 State Budget eliminated the HF
program shifting children covered under HF to the Medi-Cal program. The
plan to transition HF to Medi-Cal will occur in four phases implemented
over the course of one year. Each phase will require an implementation
plan to ensure continuity of health care coverage for transitioning children.
The California Health and Human Services Agency, in collaboration with
the Department of Health Care Services, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board and the Department of Managed Health Care will work with the
Legislature and stakeholder partners to facilitate a smooth and successful
transition for all HF children with no disruption of health care services or
access to care.
Transition Plan Goals
 Facilitate a smooth transition
 Minimize disruption in services
 Maintain eligibility gateways
 Ensure access to care
 Ensure continuity of care
Most HF children in Santa Cruz County are enrolled in Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH), the County’s
managed care plan, and in March 2013 they will transition to Medi-Cal. This will happen automatically and there
will be no need for families to submit an application for Medi-Cal. Sixty days prior to the March 2013 effective
date, families will receive notices about the transition along with information about the Medi-Cal program. HF
benefits will continue without disruption and providers will not change for children who are already CCAH members. Santa Cruz County HF children in the Anthem Blue Cross plan will transition to Medi-Cal in August 2013.
Benefits of the Transition to Medi-Cal for Families
Medi-Cal Program
Covered Services
For Children
Medical
Vision
Dental
Mental Health
The transition to Medi-Cal will simplify eligibility and coverage for children
and families while providing additional benefits and lowering costs for children at certain income levels.
Broader array of services: The Medi-Cal program covers a broader
array of medical services than HF. Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit mandates that any services a
child needs that is medically necessary must be provided which results
in more treatment options for certain medical issues, including orthodontia and mental health. Children will also have greater access to
free vaccinations and speech and developmental treatment services.
Cost savings: Families will also save money with the transition to
Medi-Cal. HF children pay premiums on a sliding scale. On Medi-Cal,
families with incomes under 150 % of the federal poverty level (FPL)
will have no share of cost or monthly premiums. For families who do
have a share of cost, Maximus will still collect premium payments.
Other Benefits: Families will also have more due process rights under
Medi-Cal.
At the state level, the transition will result in a more consistent health plan
contracting process and increased accountability for providing high quality
services to children.
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The H Files—December 2012
Department Highlights...
Adult & Long Term Care Services
Division Hosts Educational Forum For Seniors
On November 1st, the Human Services Department’s (HSD) Adult & Long
Term Care Division hosted an event for seniors in collaboration with the
Council on Aging, Senior Network Services, The Alzheimer’s Association, and
the District Attorney’s Office. The purpose of the event was to be proactive,
educating seniors and their families on how to hire a caregiver so that they
don’t become vulnerable to problems in their aging years, such as becoming
a victim of elder financial abuse. Some seniors, due to a variety of social
issues, become victims of people who want to take advantage of their assets. Elder financial abuse is a growing problem and accounts for 30% of
the referrals received by HSD’s Adult Protective Services program.
How to Effectively Hire
& Manage a Caregiver
An Educational Forum for Seniors
November 1, 2012
Co-Sponsors:
Council on Aging
Senior Network Services
The Alzheimer’s Association
District Attorney’s Office
The event featured a panel of experts including Dixie Mitchell-Clow, Director of Operations at Lifespan, Kendra Webster, Supervising Case Manager at the Health Projects Center, and Bill Atkinson, an Assistant District Attorney on
the County’s Financial Abuse Specialist Team. Ms. Mitchell-Clow and Ms. Webster gave tips on how to hire a caregiver using an agency and how to go about this process privately. Mr. Atkinson presented information on how to
prevent fraud and financial abuse. If seniors becomes the victim of financial abuse, he advised working closely with
Adult Protective Services as well as with local law enforcement.
Time was allotted at the end for questions and answers, and many seniors were able to get their specific concerns
addressed at that time. The well attended event was also filmed for community television and will be aired during
the month of December so that this important topic will reach a broader audience.
Family & Children’s Services
FCS Task Redistribution Focuses on Improving Outcomes for Families
On September 1st, Family & Children’s Services (FCS) implemented a new way of
working with families to improve their experience with the child welfare system.
The new model involves a redistribution of social worker tasks to provide better
continuity of services and fewer changes in social workers working with a family.
In-Home Supportive
Services Program
With the new model, a single pool of Investigations Social Workers will respond to
referrals and investigate allegations of abuse and/or neglect. When referrals are
substantiated and the case is going to court, a social worker is assigned, engaging
BetterSupporting
Outcomes
For Families
Activities
of Daily Living families earlier, to develop case plans and provide placement/service-related case
 Shorter stays in foster care management. Early engagement provides the opportunity for social workers to
A cost effective alternative build a stronger rapport with families to better meet their needs.
 Fewer placement changes
to institutional care for What Will Success Look Like for FCS Staff & Families?
 Increased likelihood of
low income elderly and For staff, successful implementation of the new model will result in referrals closreunification
ing within 30 days and social workers engaging families in case plan development
disabled
individuals
 Shorter
open case
time .
within just a few days of detention hearings. Social workers will supervise fewer
 Fewer
incidents
of abuse
 Basic
Housekeeping
visits and their time will be freed up for case management services.
after reunification
 Meal Preparation
For families and children, engaging early and working with the same social worker
 Fewer permanency goal
will result in better continuity of services, shorter stays in foster care for children
 Personal Care
changes
and successful reunification for families.
 Bathing
The new model is a work in progress and success will take time to develop. FCS staff input will be welcomed and
members of the System Improvement Plan (SIP) Steering Committee will continue to monitor progress and make
adjustments as needed to ensure that better outcomes for families are achieved.
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The H Files—December 2012
Staff News...
Introducing…
David Mirrione, Workforce Investment Board Director
David Mirrione
Director
Workforce Investment
Board
David officially assumed his new role as Workforce Investment Board (WIB) Director
on August 17th. Prior to joining HSD, David provided a wide range of contracted
workforce development services to work2future, the City of San Jose WIB. He also
worked for the Workforce Institute, the contract education division of the San Jose/
Evergreen Community College District, where he developed programs that served
WIA Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth participants. He has written multiple
funded grants from local and state funding sources and has a proven track record for
developing programs that enhance job seekers’ careers. David has also been involved in every level of WIA service delivery including implementing assessment programs, job development, case management, workshop development and budgeting. He also served as a member of the San Benito County WIB Board of Directors.
David introduced social media to work2future and the Workforce Institute to enhance services for job seekers and created websites for the work2future Youth Program and Workforce Institute. From 2007-2010 he operated his own IT consulting
firm providing IT support to local businesses, including website development.
David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Humboldt State University and has prior work
experience in the commercial banking industry. In his free time, David enjoys helping his twins, David and Maria
Isabella, who are in a first grade Spanish/English emersion program. He also enjoys organic gardening and composting with his son Anthony. David’s hobbies include hiking, camping, bike riding, and collecting music. We are
pleased to have David join our HSD team!
Sharen Smithcamp, Administrative Services Division Director
Sharen’s first day as HSD’s Administrative Services Division Director was September
10th. Before coming to Santa Cruz, Sharen worked for the Community Services
Agency of Stanislaus County where she served on the Finance and Operations Team.
In that role she had management responsibility over Information Technology, Facility
Management, including Capital Projects Coordination, Disaster Planning, Safety, Office Services, Records Management and Strategic Planning. Sharen was also the lead
in implementing the Customer Service Center and played a key role in developing a
cost savings plan for the agency. She also served in a variety of contract and fiscal
management positions while working for Stanislaus County. Her management experience included oversight of various areas including Public Health, Eligibility, and
Employment and Training programs. Working for County’s Health Services Agency,
she provided fiscal and contract support to he Indigent Health Care Program, coordinated the Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA) and Targeted Case Management
(TCM) programs and managed the billing and administrative services for various public health programs.
Sharen Smithcamp
Director
Administrative Services
Division
Sharen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Stanislaus State University and is also a graduate
of UC Davis Leadership Development Program. In her free time, she enjoys riding her motorcycle and exercising.
Sharen is also an avid water skier and her favorite pastimes include gardening and spending time with her yellow
lab, Cassie. Once she gets a little more settled in Santa Cruz, she plans to learn to sail and she also wants to take
surfing lessons. If she sticks to her plans, Sharen will soon become a real Santa Cruzan—you can catch her with
her long board at Cowell Beach! We welcome Sharen and wish her well as she takes the helm of the Administrative Services Division.
9
The H Files—December 2012
Staff News...
We Bid Farewell To…
David Lundberg, Workforce Investment Board Director
After 15 years with the Human Services Department (HSD), David retired from
the county in August 2012. He began his career with HSD as a Senior Analyst
for the Workforce Investment Board. Before coming to HSD he was a contract
analyst for the Health Services Agency’s Drug and Alcohol Programs. Before
becoming a county employee, David spent several years working with Navajo
Indians. Working with a team, he helped establish the first health department
for the Navajo Tribe and set up and directed services for Navajo elderly with a
council of traditional and modern cultural elders. One of the things he enjoyed
the most when working with the Navahos was getting Navajo grandparents into
public schools to work with youth and support education. David also worked to
get Congress to amend the Older Americans Act to provide for direct funding
to Native American governments and to get Congress to appropriate the funds
to initiate the program operations. He also worked for the Arizona Health Department, government of American Samoa, and other government and tribal
agencies.
David Lundberg
Director
Workforce Investment
Board
Over the years, with his interest in being a change agent and
making a difference, what he enjoyed the most was working
on special projects that changed the service and political environments. In his retirement, David wants to spend more
time in Maui at his condo in Kihei and find new creative outlets for his energy. He also plans to simplify his life so he
can travel and enjoy time with family and friends here in the
States as well as in Sweden and Africa.
Barbara Coy Bulicz
Fiscal Administrative
Services Manager
Barbara Coy Bulicz, Fiscal Administrative Services Manager
After 14 years of service with the County, Barbara retired from public service on August 9th. She began her career with HSD as a Senior Departmental Admin Analyst
working for the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) program. When JTPA ended in
2000 and the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) began, she was transitioned to Fiscal
Services where she served as a Sr. Human Services Analyst managing WIA grants. In
2008, Barbara was promoted to Administrative Services Manager where she has been
primarily responsible for overseeing a long list of critical fiscal activities which included preparing the quarterly County Expense Claim, management of WIA fiscal services and preparation of the department’s annual budget. Barbara was also the point
person for the annual Single Audit and key to time study management. Barbara’s
dedication to fiscal oversight has enable HSD to maximize grant and state allocation
revenue and the Department has benefitted greatly from her wealth of fiscal knowledge and expertise.
When asked what she plans to do in her retirement, Barbara had no trouble coming up with a list of activities
planned for life after HSD! She has two nieces who she adores and looks forward to spending more time with
them. One niece was married in July and Barbara designed and hand produced 140 wedding invitations for her.
Barbara also looks forward to having more time to spend with her mother—taking her on trips to Half Moon Bay
and Monterey. Barbara loves to garden and when she retires she’ll have more time to “watch her babies grow!”
Art classes in Berkeley are also on her list as well as spending tine in her backyard studio creating paper art and
collages to sell on ETSY. Barbara also plans to do some traveling with her husband including a trip to Santa Fe
and Taos in October. We wish Barbara all the best in her retirement.
10
The H Files—December 2012
Staff News...
We Bid Farewell To…
Linnea Appleby, EBSD Eligibility Worker III
Linnea retired from the county on October 5th after 34 years of service with the Human
Services Department. When she began her career with HSD in 1978 she was hired to
serve as an Eligibility Worker II in the Aid to Families of Dependent Children (AFDC)
program, with Liz Peterson as her supervisor.
Throughout her time at HSD she
worked in Intake promoting to an Eligibility Worker III position in 1979. When asked
about memorable challenges, her response without hesitation was CalWIN! Linnea enjoyed working for the county and what she liked most was the camaraderie and friendships with her coworkers. In her retirement, she looks forward to spending more time
with her granddaughter. While she will be greatly missed by her coworkers, We wish
Linnea all the best in her retirement.
Linnea Appleby
Eligibility Worker III
Employment & Benefit
CalWORKs/CalFresh/Medi-Cal Intake Unit
Linnea & Co-workers
Back Row (left to right):
Dianna Guzman, Rochelle McCoy, Cathy Porter, Corina Corona,
and Nina Wagner.
Front Row (left to right):
Olga Gallardo, Lucia Gong, and Linnea Appleby.
Employee Discount Programs Available To County Workers
Did you know that as a county employee, some companies offer discounts ranging from 15% to 25%? Check out
the information below for employee discount programs available for county workers.
Sprint
Obtain a 15% Service Discount on both Sprint and Nextel devices.
For new and existing Sprint customers, click on Sprint Discount Program to verify your eligibility
to participate in the employee discount program.
Verizon Employee Discount Program
Obtain up to 15% off the monthly access fee on qualifying voice plans with a monthly access fee
of $34.99 or higher and up to 25% off accessories. To complete the Employee Discount process,
visit the Employee Discount Program to register your eligible Verizon Wireless line. You will need
to provide your county email address to obtain the employee discount. (Important Note: You must
use @hra not hsd in your email address.)
Employee PC Discount Purchase Plan
County employees can obtain discounted pricing on computers, computer components, and related materials
through purchase plans established by the County’s two preferred manufacturing vendors, DELL and IBM.
To access the IBM Purchase Plan, click on Lenovo’s Santa Cruz County Page. For more information call 1-877222-6426 ext 3348.
To access Dell’s employee purchase plan, go to http://www.dell.com/ghc or call 1-800-695-8133. For web access
or by phone, you will need to refer to the county’s discount member ID SS41670853.
11
The H Files—December 2012
Kudos Corner
HSD Staff Generously Support Opportunities For Giving
United Way 2012 Combined Giving Campaign
The theme of the 2012 Combined Giving Campaign was
“Help One, Help All” because helping one person makes a
difference in the whole community. Kudos to all who
participated in this year’s campaign and especially to HSD
staff who increased their pledges this year.
HSD Staff
Prize Winners
2012 Campaign Theme
Help One - Help All!
2012 Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive
November 5th - November 30th
The Second Harvest Food Bank serves more than
55,000 county residents every month and the support the agency receives from the community during
its annual Holiday Food Drive is critically important
to meet the demand for emergency food assistance
in our community. Many thanks to all HSD staff who
gave generously to support his effort again this year.
Marilyn Rodriquez
Teresita Hinojosa
Diane Barnes
Kristi Castro
Kudos to all Human Services Department staff who participated in
the Combined Giving Campaign & the Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive.
Your generous donations make a difference for people in need in our community.
Expedited CalFresh Application Processing
Performance Rates Exceed State Standard!
Many kudos to the clerical team, Eligibility Workers and supervisors at the North and South County Application Centers and at
the Benefits Call Center (BCC) for their hard work and diligence
to increase compliance with the State’s 3-day processing timeframe for Expedited CalFresh (ESCF) applications. The combined ESCF performance rate for North and South County Application Centers and the BCC in July 2012 was 92.24%, in August
it jumped to 96.31% and in September it was 94.94% - exceeding the State Performance Standard of 90%!
Starting with submission of the initial application packet through
reception or online through Benefits CalWIN, to completion of
the initial appointment scheduling post-screening, to the completion of the APP/REG process and on to the final intake processing of the ESCF case, each of these tasks are important steps
in processing the ECSF applications. Supervisors also maintain
oversight of each step in the process and, when the needs
arises, they have taken ECSF applications too! It’s truly a team
effort and everyone has an important role to play to ensure
that clients are able to access CalFresh benefits on their EBT
cards within the 3-day standard!
Kudos to all for a job well done!
12
Service Pins
10
Service Years
Angie Gaeta
20
Service Years
Ana Bedingfeld
Patty Demarest
Marianne Lewis-Bass
Jim Narragon
Elba Rodriquez
Veronica Rodriquez
Bertha Zamora-Paredez
The H Files—December 2012