DATE: April 23, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Antoinette Taillac, Public Defender
SUBJECT: Salary Resolution Amendment - Public Defender
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve Salary Resolution Amendment adding one (1) Social Worker Practitioner position, while deleting one (1) vacant Defense Attorney I with no net increase in positions for the Public Defender, effective April 29, 2024, as reflected in Appendix "E”.
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost (NCC) associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will add one (1) Social Work Practitioner and delete one (1) Defense Attorney. This position will manage complex social work cases and offer expert guidance on laws, policies, procedures, and regulations. There is no net increase in overall positions within Org. 2880 associated with the recommended action. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If your Board does not approve the recommended action, the positions within the Public Defender will remain unchanged.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in NCC associated with the recommended action. Sufficient appropriations are included in the Public Defender Org 2880 FY 2023-24 Approved Budget and will be included in future budget requests.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of the recommended actions will adjust the position allocations within the Public Defender, by deleting one (1) vacant Defense Attorney I; and by adding one Social Work Practitioner position. There is no net increase to overall positions within Org. 2880 associated with the recommended action.
The proposed adjustments in positions aim to enhance the effectiveness of the Public Defender Social Worker Unit in serving the community. By integrating the role of a Social Work Practitioner, the Department will bolster its ability to manage complex social work cases and offer expert guidance on laws, policies, procedures, and regulations. This individual will serve as a valuable resource and consultant, collaborating closely with attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals to infuse the team with a unique social work perspective.
Social work practitioners play a crucial role as advocates for clients outside the courtroom, facilitating access to vital resources such as housing, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and employment assistance. This holistic support significantly improves clients' overall well-being and increases their chances of successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The inclusion of a Social Work Practitioner within the Public Defender's office strengthens our ability to provide client-centered representation to marginalized and vulnerable individuals. By addressing both the legal and social aspects of clients' lives simultaneously, the Public Defender’s Office aims to achieve more equitable outcomes and promote the well-being of both our clients and the communities we serve.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Salary Resolution Amendment - Appendix “E”
CAO ANALYST:
Fine Nai