Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Tara Williams
Department: Human Services Division: Administration
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE Affiliation Agreements, and amendments, for the Human Services Department University Student Practicum Program (“USPP”), effective from the date of full execution, to provide for an increase in the stipend amount for students participating in the USPP non-clinical track; authorize the County Administrator to sign such agreements and amendments subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney; and authorize the County Administrator to take all necessary administrative actions to implement the agreements and amendments.
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Why Action is Necessary
Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Commission”) approval is required to authorize increased stipend payments by the County Administrator.
What Action Accomplishes
Provide an increase in the stipend amounts for students participating in the University Student Practicum Program non-clinical track and allows required authorization by the County Administrator.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE EQUITY AND COMMUNITY INVESTMENT SECTION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This action supports the Commission’s value of "building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives” and the goal of "delivering accessible human services that holistically address the whole person collaboratively and compassionately.”
The Broward County Human Services Department (“HSD”) operates several direct service programs within its Broward Addiction Recovery Division, Community Partnerships Division, Elderly and Veterans Services Division, Family Success Administration Division, and the Crisis Intervention & Support Division and Housing Options, Solutions, Support Division. These direct services are unique and meaningful opportunities for bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., and Psy.D. students in social work, counseling, psychology, and nursing. Students are provided an opportunity to work in a professional setting to develop and demonstrate skills in the human services field, integrate the theories and practices learned in and out of the classroom, develop a commitment to the profession, as well as understand the diversity of the Broward County community and its role in the delivery of human services. On November 4, 2021 (Item No. 4), the Commission authorized the County Administrator to sign affiliation agreements for the USPP and authorized amendments to such agreements that did not impose any additional financial obligations on the County. On June 13, 2023 (Item No. 8), the Commission approved including a stipend of $500 for students in clinical placements that last from six months to one year and all other students who are eligible to receive $250 to offset costs incurred while an intern is in USPP.
HSD is seeking to increase the stipend payout amount up to $500 to include students in all placements (not just clinical) who complete six months to one year in the USPP. To ensure equity within our USPP, HSD is seeking to increase the stipend payout for non-clinical interns up to $500 for those who complete six months to one-year placements. Broward County desires to permit students to receive a stipend to offset costs such as school supplies, travel, meals incurred while they are in the USPP.
Broward County approved a supplemental budget agenda item on December 13, 2022 (Item No. 43) to reallocate $10,000 of unspent funds from Fiscal Year 2022 to provide additional funds for the USPP to assist students with the cost of certifications.
The estimated cost for this stipend payout will be $7,750 for Fiscal Year 2025.
This Agreement (Exhibit 1) was reviewed and approved as to form by the Office of the County Attorney.
Source of Additional Information
David L. Watkins, Human Services Administrator, Equity and Community Investment Section, (954) 357-8213
Jennifer Melgarejo, Student Practicum Program Coordinator, Equity and Community Investment Section, (954) 357-6463
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Broward County’s cost will not exceed $10,000 annually. The $7,750 estimated stipend cost is included in the Equity and Community Investment Section's Fiscal Year 2025 budget.