TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the City of Los Angeles in the amount of $48,869 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to operate a customized training program for Patient Care Assistants; to execute an agreement with Memorial Medical Center of Long Beach in the amount of $40,000; to execute any needed subsequent amendments; and to increase appropriations by $48,869 in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Human Resources Department (HR). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pacific Gateway administers job-training programs and business services delivered by the Career Transition Center, Harbor WorkSource Center, Torrance Career Center, and selected community-based organizations to assist local residents in acquiring skills leading to employment in high demand occupations by local employers.
Local job opportunities in demand occupations are largely addressed through industry sector strategies that link together business needs, local workforce skills gaps, and training strategies. Our local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) continues its priority focus on jobs strategies in five key sectors, of which Healthcare is primary.
Pacific Gateway has collaborated with Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (LB Memorial) to design, develop, and implement a customized training program for Patient Care Assistants in which Pacific Gateway and LB Memorial jointly share initial training costs for these newly created jobs in Long Beach. The program focuses on developing transferable computer, clinical and customer service skills essential for employment in the healthcare industry. Each participant completes 120 hours of classroom and clinical training. The program has trained 49 participants during the first six cohorts; LB Memorial successfully hired 48 of those graduates.
In December, Pacific Gateway submitted a grant request to the City of Los Angeles WIB seeking funds to support additional cohorts that would train approximately 20 residents. Of the ten applications received by that WIB, the City of Los Angeles opted to fund four projects; Pacific Gateway was approved for $48,869 in support of its strategy.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on January 13, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on January 18, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 1, 2011 to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The receipt of grant funds is not currently budgeted. Therefore, an appropriation increase of $48,869 in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Human Resources Department (HR) is requested as part of the recommended action. There is no impact to the General Fund. Approval of this recommendation will result in job training, skills enhancement, and employment opportunities for an estimated 20 residents.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEBORAH R. MILLS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER