AGENDA DATE: 3/16/2022
TITLE:
Title
Department of Social Services Advisory Board Annual Report Fiscal Year 2021
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Receive the Department of Social Services Advisory Board Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2021
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Dimock
PRESENTER (S): Kaki Dimock, Emily Dodson, DSS Advisory Board Member
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Department of Social Services (DSS) Advisory Board, required by the Code of Virginia, was established by the Board of Supervisors to demonstrate an interest in all matters pertaining to local social services, monitor social service programs, and provide an annual report to the governing body. The DSS Advisory Board enjoys participation from each of the five magisterial districts, meets monthly with DSS leadership, and receives monthly departmental updates by unit. The DSS Advisory Board is pleased to present this annual report for the activities of Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21).
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: The theme for the FY 21 DSS Annual Report is ‘Creative Pivot for Community Well-being’. This theme reflects the work done by the department in a changing and changeable context. DSS staff responded to national, state, policy, family, agency, and individual-level changes throughout the year, always focusing on sustaining or improving community well-being. Doing work that requires this level of flexibility and responsiveness is difficult and requires a steady focus on the values and intention of DSS’s charge. DSS could not simply rely on historic processes or protocols.
This report reveals the following major themes: an increase in the number of individuals in need in our community, an increase in the acuity and level of need experienced by individuals and families receiving services, a focus on community safety, effective relationship-building, and going above and beyond; a changing policy landscape that supported community members struggling during the global pandemic and placed significant additional administrative burden on staff; a largely teleworking team that adapted to ensure best practice expectations were being met, the physical office was sufficiently staffed, and excellent support and supervision was provided; and a change in leadership as Phyllis Savides retired after many years of dedicated service to social work and Albemarle County. The Advisory Board is pleased to submit this report to illustrate the work provided by the DSS staff.
BUDGET IMPACT: No impact
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This is an informational item only. No action is needed at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - FY21 Annual Report of the DSS Advisory Board