DATE: August 20, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Susan L. Holt, Director, Department of Behavioral Health
SUBJECT: Agreement with National University
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with National University to provide students with supervised clinical and field experience through County programs, effective August 20, 2024, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions ($0).
REPORT
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action, which will allow for required clinical and field experiences for students enrolled at National University through the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). Participation will be completed without monetary compensation and National University will obtain the requisite insurance for all student interns. The recommended agreement is mutually beneficial, as a portion of the trained students may return to the County as employees. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board not approve the recommended action, the County will not be able to accept student interns from National University.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. This is a zero-dollar agreement. National University will provide worker’s compensation and professional liability insurance coverage for all students who participate in the program.
DISCUSSION:
The County has agreements with a variety of higher education schools to provide clinical and field experience for student interns in the Department of Behavioral Health.
National University is an independent institution of higher education accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. In order to fulfill the curriculum requirements, students are required to complete an internship, training, or other field placement obligations. The recommended agreement provides an opportunity for graduate students in the Counseling Psychology Program to complete this requirement within the Department of Behavioral Health. Supervision and training will be provided by the Department. Student clinical and field experience enhances services for County persons served, strengthens recruitment efforts for clinical positions that are traditionally difficult to fill, and allow for professional development for current Department staff.
There is no cost associated with the recommended action. Upon approval by your Board, the recommended agreement will be effective upon execution through August 19, 2027, and may be extended for two additional 12-month periods, upon the written approval of both parties, no later than 30 days prior to the first day of the next 12-month extension period. Either party may terminate the agreement without cause upon giving a 30-day advanced written notice of an intention to terminate. Additionally, changes to the addresses to which notices are to be sent may be made with written approval of the Department’s Director, or designee, and the University.
The recommended agreement deviates from the County’s standard agreement language by including provisions relating to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1994 (FERPA) and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). Both provisions are requirements that the University must abide by and do not apply any additional restrictions or requirements to the County. Articles related to Inspection of Documents and State Audit Requirements were also removed as they were not considered applicable to this zero-dollar agreement.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with National University
CAO ANALYST:
Ronald Alexander