TL;DR (generated · confidence: high)

Response memo outlines staffing and operational enhancements for Portland Street Response (PSR) and Community Health Assess and Treat (CHAT) programs. Proposes converting limited-duration positions to permanent roles, expanding PSR by 16 FTEs for 24/7 coverage and CHAT by 16 FTEs for seven-day operations. Recommends investment in recruitment, competitive compensation, and staff wellness programs including mental health resources and peer support to address turnover and burnout.

Key points (each cites a PDF page):

Transition limited-duration positions to permanent roles to improve job stability and reduce recruitment/training costs and operational ineffectiveness from high turnover (p. 1129)
Add 16 FTEs to PSR to transition to 24/7 coverage with around-the-clock availability (p. 1129)
Increase CHAT staffing by 16 FTEs to expand to a seven-day response model for low-acuity medical calls (p. 1129)
Enhance recruitment with securely funded positions and competitive pay/benefits to attract diverse candidates trained in trauma-informed care (p. 1129)
Create robust onboarding and ongoing training framework to reduce new-hire ramp-up time and support retention (p. 1129)
Introduce wellness programs and mental health resources for responders, including peer support groups and counseling services to mitigate burnout and secondary trauma (p. 1129)
Utilize call volume and geographic data to prioritize deployment during peak demand hours and underserved areas, with expanded BOEC collaboration on dispatch criteria (p. 1129)
Expand follow-up services for frequent 911 and emergency department users; enhance coordination with Project Respond and other mental health providers for continuity of care (p. 1129)

👥 16 FTE · 16 FTE · 📋 Portland Street Response · PSR · Community Health Assess and Treat · CHAT · Project Respond · 🏛️ Bureau of Emergency Communications

Staffing and Workforce Resilience

Source: PDF p. 1129 · raw: 1129

Breadcrumb: 5 ps › PSR-and-CHAT-2025-Budget-Note-Memo › Response memo to FY2025 Budget Note: Direction to Develop Programmatic Mission, Scope, and Staffing Model for Portland Street Response & Community Health Assess and Treat › PROPOSAL & RECOMMENDATIONS › Staffing and Workforce Resilience

S TAFFING AND W ORKFORCE R ESILIENCE Addressing high turnover rates and staffing challenges is critical to maintaining program effectiveness and morale.

Transition Limited-Duration Positions to Permanent a) Convert limited-duration roles into ongoing, regular positions to improve job stability and attract long-term talent. High turnover has significant costs related to recruitment and training, as well as decreasing operational effectiveness.
Expand Staffing for Service Growth a) For PSR: Add 16 full-time equivalents (FTEs) to transition to 24/7 coverage, ensuring around-the-clock availability. b) For CHAT: Increase staffing by 16 FTEs to expand to a seven-day response model, meeting the demand for low-acuity medical calls.
Invest in Recruitment and Training a) Enhance recruitment efforts with securely funded positions, competitive pay and benefits to attract diverse candidates with specialized training in trauma-informed care. b) Create a robust onboarding and ongoing training framework to reduce new-hire ramp-up time and support retention.
Prioritize Staff Wellness a) Introduce wellness programs and mental health resources for responders to mitigate burnout and secondary trauma. b) Develop peer support groups and ensure access to counseling services for staff. OPERATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS Optimizing program delivery and efficiency will maximize the impact of resources and improve outcomes.
Data-Driven Resource Allocation a) Utilize call volume and geographic data to prioritize deployment during peak demand hours and underserved areas. b) Expand collaboration with the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) to refine dispatch criteria and streamline response protocols.
Strengthen Community Engagement a) Deepen partnerships with community-based organizations to improve outreach, resource navigation, and service continuity. b) Engage in public education campaigns to raise awareness of PSR and CHAT services and alternative pathways to care.
Comprehensive Follow-Up Care a) Expand follow-up services for frequent users of 911 and emergency departments to address underlying health and social issues. b) Enhance coordination with Project Respond and other mental health service providers to ensure continuity of care.
Continuous Improvement and Accountability a) Continued evaluation and publication for CHAT and establishing evaluation framework for PSR.

Parent: PROPOSAL & RECOMMENDATIONS · PDF: p. 1129