Human Services Department
Human Services strives to protect consumers, connect veterans to benefits and resources, expand justice system supports, reduce homelessness and housing instability, improve access to health and behavioral health resources, fight food instability, support local emergency response, and coordinate with local system partners for program development, service planning and continuous improvement.
PCHS along with DOH received recognition for systematic use of Patient-Centered, Coordinated Care Management processes by NCQA from 10/25/2019 to 10/25/2020
Accomplishments
Launched the Care About Me Coordinated Access Model on May 22, 2024. Care About Me will streamline access to mental health, substance use and addiction services for Pinellas Residents and will provide key performance metrics related to accessing behavioral health care in Pinellas County.
Successfully procured behavioral health services and staffing support for Emergency Management Shelter operations for enhanced service delivery during disaster events. Emergency shelter staff will support functions such as client intake, dorm management, meal distribution, demobilization of shelter, and resource distribution.
Clinical/behavioral health shelter staff will provide services to include mental health support, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, acute mental health de-escalation, public health protocols as appropriate, and shelter resident outreach/engagement to ensure stability.
Supported the Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board (OAFAB) and convened meetings to develop the first iteration of the Pinellas County Opioid Abatement Priority List. The OAFAB is supported by Human Services and is tasked with reviewing opioid- related data, setting priorities for regional settlement funding and annual reporting to the Statewide Opioid Abatement Council. Human Services has facilitated the procurement and contracting for the Gap Analysis of Substance Use Services for Pinellas County which will outline strategic, transformative programs aimed at abating opioids.
Expanded the Pinellas Matters Substance Use Program to HCA Northside. This program is funded by the Pinellas County City/County Opioid Settlement Fund and is aimed at increasing warm connections to substance use care, harm reduction and peer supports for residents accessing local hospitals for overdose or substance use related needs. The program also primarily focuses on shifting the culture within a hospital system and building medical pathways for substance use conditions.
Led the Bayside Clinic Expansion Project, which added 2,400 square feet to the existing building for a total square footage of 5,400 sq This allows for four (4) new exam rooms that are responsive to pandemic conditions with negative pressure capabilities, an additional dental operatory for a total of three (3) dental chairs, four (4) new offices dedicated to behavioral health integration for on-site mental health and substance use services, a conference room, improved professional office spaces for clinic care coordination staff, and storage.
Facilitated the design and procurement of the Health Care for the Homeless Mobile 45- foot Medical Van. The vehicle is equipped with two (2) private exam rooms, a private counseling room, a lab drawing/counseling area, and an intake area, all atop a Freightliner chassis. The vehicle has modern features that include a quieter, rear-mounted air conditioning unit, two smart TVs for customized programming, a multifunctional medical and dental exam table, security features such as an electronic lock and 360-degree cameras with in-cab monitor, and new graphics designed by Pinellas County Marketing and Communications.
Enhanced the Pinellas County Health Program/Health Care for the Homeless Program eligibility process by increasing the number of staff out-posted sites as well as continued focus on the use of technology to increase efficiencies for residents. This increase has allowed Human Services to condense staff operations into one county owned building thus decreasing annual leased space by approximately $121,000.
Using ARPA funding, Human Services in partnership with Business Technology Services completed the competitive procurement process for the Pinellas County Health Program Electronic Health Record, Case Management Systems Update as well as the Contract Life Cycle Management System. All three systems are being procured to integrate with advanced technology processes to increase efficiencies, analytics, compliance as well as enhanced user experience for staff and residents.
News & Stories
View All NewsCold night shelters activating Tuesday night
Cold night shelters in Pinellas County will be open on Tuesday night, Dec. 3, 2024, the Homeless Leadership Alliance has announced. The…
- October 10, 2024 Avoid becoming a victim of a post-hurricane scam
- October 3, 2024 Where displaced people can find housing assistance
- September 30, 2024 Avoid becoming a victim of a post-storm scam
- August 7, 2024 Drug Abuse Trust Fund Grant applications sought
Events
View All EventsMobile Medical Unit – Salvation Army ARC
The mobile unit is a medical office on wheels. It has provided basic care for more than 20 years. Pinellas County homeless…
- December 13, 2024, 8:30 am Mobile Medical Unit – Salvation Army One Stop Salvation Army Across the Street in Parking Lot
- December 16, 2024, 8:00 am Mobile Medical Unit – Clearwater Health Department Clearwater Health Department
- December 17, 2024, 8:00 am Mobile Medical Unit – Services at Bayside Clinic Bayside Health Clinic
- December 18, 2024, 8:30 am Mobile Medical Unit – Pinellas Hope Pinellas Hope
- December 19, 2024, 8:30 am Mobile Medical Unit – Salvation Army ARC Salvation Army, ARC
- December 19, 2024, 9:00 am Veterans Coffee Social VFW Post 2550
Services
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View All ProgramsWhat We Do
Human Services facilitates access to critical supportive programs and services across Pinellas County. Through both direct administration of programs and coordination with a broad array of contracted partners, the department seeks to support services, capacity, and community solutions to promote health and stability.
Human Services strives to protect consumers, connect veterans to benefits and resources, expand justice system supports, reduce homelessness and housing instability, improve access to health and behavioral health resources, fight food instability, support local emergency response, and coordinate with local system partners for program development, service planning and continuous improvement.
Within the department, there are divisions that work collaboratively to fulfill the department’s role within the county.
- Behavioral Health Data Scientist – conduct research into evidence-based practices, emerging practices, policy, and systems-oriented operations to guide collaborations with county-funded agencies and other funding or regulatory authorities to continuously inform and improve local service deliver models and programs.
- Business Services – responsible for projects and grants accounting, grant billings, the production of financial statements, processing invoices for payment for suppliers and service providers, preparing the annual budget and similar activities.
- Community Connections – one of three public facing divisions within The Human Services Department. The Division consists of three case management teams who facilitate eligibility and provide case management services to qualified low-income residents for the following programs:
- Disability Advocacy – Assists eligible adult residents with applying for and securing social security benefits.
- Family Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) – helps families experiencing homelessness who have been referred by the Pinellas County Coordinated Entry System (CES) with financial assistance and case management services to secure and sustain housing.
- Pinellas County Health Program (PCHP)/ Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) – In partnership with the Florida Department of Health, the County Health program provides prevention-focused health care, mental health and substance use services, specialty care referrals, and case management services to qualified low-income residents.
- Contracts Services – support the Human Services Department (HS) in prioritizing and maintaining effective, efficient, and sustainable contracted programs and services to meet community needs. For example:
- Adult Emergency Financial Assistance Program – available to qualifying adults who need a helping hand during unexpected financial hardships.
- Health Care Services – responsible for ensuring health programs are meeting the needs of residents and works in concert with the clinical provider of services, Department of Health Pinellas as well as behavioral health providers, and hospital partners.
- Homeless Services – Human Services partners with multiple agencies to provide services and assist unhoused persons and those at risk of homelessness in our community.
- Senior Services – help our senior residents find the resources and services they need.
- Age Friendly Initiatives – provides a list of resources and services.
- Program Services –work to enhance the Department’s impact across human services through grant program development, consumer-focused initiatives, justice service coordination, quality assurance, planning, and information support, as well as special projects that arise. Core service areas include:
- Consumer Protection – works to reduce and prevent victimization of consumers while helping to ensure local businesses don’t engage in unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices.
- Grants Services – responsible for the identification, development, pursuit of new grant resources to further department goals, effective implementation of grant funded programs, as well as the ongoing administration and compliance of awarded grants.
- Justice Coordination – works collaboratively with justice stakeholders and community providers to develop and implement programs that promote public safety and improve outcomes for justice-involved citizens in Pinellas County.
- Planning and Quality Assurance – responsible for enhancing department and program planning, implementing the tools, information, and infrastructure to support department efforts, and developing processes to promote quality and improved program outcomes.
- Veterans Services – assists veterans and their families access benefits provided by the State of Florida, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and other government services.