July 2, 2024
Library and Community Services
Employment & Training
DATE: July 2, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager – Community
Services
Tamara Walker, Deputy Director of
Community Services, Employment and Training Division
Subject:
Amended Contract with Express Employment
Professionals
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The amended contract will be funded entirely by the YouthBUILD and RichmondBUILD grants (12579441-
400538-42999). All expenditures associated with this
program are grant-funded and will be reimbursed to the
City. There will be no fiscal impact on the City’s General Fund.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Employment and Training Division is seeking
approval of an amended contract with Express
Employment Professionals for as-needed temporary
staffing services.
AGENDA
REPORT
July 2, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE an amended contract with Express
Employment Professionals to provide as-needed
temporary staffing services, increasing the compensation limit by $35,000, for a total compensation amount not to exceed $45,000, and for a term ending December 31,
2024 – Community Services - Employment and Training
Division (LaShonda White 510-620-6828/Tamara Walker
510-307-8006).
DISCUSSION:
RichmondBUILD and YouthBUILD are programs provided through the Employment and Training (E&T). These programs provide essential construction training and certifications for Richmond residents to enter construction trades jobs. On May 24, 2024, the instructor resigned and RichmondBUILD was left without an instructor.
E&T staff desire to ultimately hire a full-time employee to serve as the instructor and are working closely with the Human Resources Department to develop an updated job description for the position. Understanding the time it will take to go through the hiring process, utilizing a temporary staffing agency for a RichmondBUILD instructor is a strategic decision and will allow these important programs to move forward with no gap in services. Per the Human Resources Director, the union approved E&T using a temporary agency for this purpose.
Per City procurement requirements, City staff solicited requests from three temporary staffing agencies - People Ready, Express Employment Professionals, and Preferred Talent Solutions. All companies' bill rates were similar; therefore, E&T selected and entered into a contract with Express Employment Professionals, a Richmond-based company.
Utilizing staff from a temporary staffing agency will address several key needs:
1. Ensuring Continuity in RichmondBUILD:
RichmondBUILD provides essential workforce training, and an instructor is pivotal in delivering these programs. A temporary instructor ensures that there are no interruptions in training schedules, which is vital for maintaining the program’s reputation and effectiveness.
2. Addressing Immediate Staffing Needs:
The process of creating and formally filling a new position through Human Resources can take significant time due to job description creation, approval processes, and recruitment. A temporary staffing agency can
July 2, 2024
quickly provide a qualified instructor to fill the gap during this interim period.
3. Access to Specialized Skills:
Staffing agencies often have a roster of candidates with specialized skills tailored to specific needs. For RichmondBUILD, this could mean finding an instructor with particular expertise in construction, renewable energy, or other relevant fields, ensuring that trainees receive high-quality instruction.
4. Cost-Effective Solution:
Temporary staffing can be more cost-effective in the short term by avoiding the expenses associated with a full recruitment process and permanent employment benefits. This approach allows RichmondBUILD to allocate resources efficiently while still meeting immediate training needs.
5. Mitigating Operational Risks:
Leaving an instructor position vacant is a risk to the program quality and trainee satisfaction. A temporary instructor helps mitigate these risks by providing stable and continuous training delivery, which is crucial for the program’s success and stakeholder confidence.
6. Strategic Planning for the Permanent Role:
While the temporary instructor is in place, Human Resources can take the necessary time to recruit for the new position. This includes conducting a needs assessment, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring that the job description aligns with RichmondBUILD’s long-term goals and strategic vision.
Utilizing a temporary staffing agency for a RichmondBUILD instructor ensures uninterrupted training delivery, and operational stability, and allows Human Resources to fill the permanent position. This strategic approach balances immediate needs with long-term planning, supporting the program’s ongoing success.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Original Contract
Attachment 2 – Amendment to the Contract
Attachment 3 – Bids Correspondence