FROM: Barbara Hannah, Chief Counsel
SUBJECT: Agreement for services with Access Employment Network
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommend that the Board approve a contract for services with Access Employment Network (AEN) for vocational assessment services in the context of disability retirement applications; authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute an agreement with AEN in a form approved by Chief Counsel.
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BACKGROUND:
SBCERA administers a supplemental disability benefit in the amount of $300 per month for qualifying disabled retirees who are found to be permanently incapacitated for the performance of their duties and incapable of engaging in gainful employment, as provided by Government Code section 31740.
As part of SBCERA’s Triennial Strategic Plan, a strategic priority was identified to engage a qualified vocational specialist to advise the Board on disability cases involving determinations of gainful employment. To fulfill this objective, staff engaged Enrique N. Vega, MS through AEN to conduct a pilot evaluation and test case. Mr. Vega’s approach is aligned with the standards and definitions outlined in Government Code section 31740, Article V of the SBCERA By-Laws, and SBCERA Benefits Policy No. 016.
The pilot evaluation process included the following steps:
• Completion of a detailed applicant questionnaire.
• Follow-up interview with the applicant to validate and expand upon questionnaire responses.
• In person vocational testing, tailored to the applicant’s specific injury or illness.
• Review of relevant records, including an analysis of work restrictions.
• Assessment of test results, transferable skills, and labor market factors.
• Final report summarizing the methodology, findings, and determination regarding gainful employment.
The Board received Mr. Vega’s report as part of a disability matter on its agenda for the February 6, 2025 meeting. Mr. Vega’s report was structured to provide clear, concise, and sound conclusions regarding the applicant’s inability to engage in gainful employment.
The fee structure and expectations for this service are as follows:
• Hourly rate: $100.00/hour (total cost estimated per case is $1,800 to $2,000).
• Travel time: Billed at 50% rate ($50.00/hour)
• Applicant’s interview will be held via video conference or telephone, and testing will be conducted in person at SBCERA’s office.
• A completed report will be delivered within 30 days of the evaluation.
The proposed engagement with AEN will ensure a consistent and impartial approach to assessing whether an applicant is eligible for the supplemental disability retirement benefit. Based on the above, staff recommends approving a contract for service with Access Employment Network.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Costs for this item are included in the current year administrative budget. Subsequent costs will be included in the upcoming administrative budget.
STRATEGIC PLANNING GOAL/OBJECTIVE:
Operational Excellence & Efficiency
STAFF CONTACT:
Barbara Hannah
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A: Confidential Vocational Assessment Report