SR.1 - Establish Department Human Services

WHEREAS, Section 19 of the Charter of the City of Miami, Florida, as amended (“Charter”), provides that the City Commission may, by ordinance adopted by vote of at least three (3) members, create new departments or discontinue any department and determine, combine, and distribute the functions and duties of departments and subdivisions thereof; and

WHEREAS, the City of Miami (“City”) provides a wide range of programs and services that support children, youth, seniors, families, and vulnerable populations; and

WHEREAS, these services include early childhood education, youth development, health initiatives, homelessness prevention, social services, and community outreach programs; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Human Services (“Department”) currently administers many of these programs through the Office of the City Manager but has not been formally codified in the Code of the City of Miami, as amended (“Code”) as an established City department; and

WHEREAS, formally establishing the Department in the Code will ensure clarity in organizational structure, accountability, and service delivery; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission finds it necessary and in the best interest of the public to formally establish the Department and define the powers and duties thereof;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:

Section 1.  The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Ordinance are adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.

Section 2.  Chapter 2/Article IV of the City Code is amended in the following particulars:

“CHAPTER 2

ADMINISTRATION

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ARTICLE IV. DEPARTMENTS

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DIVISION 18. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Sec. 2-598. Created.

A department to be known as the Department of Human Services is hereby created (“Department”).

Sec. 2-599. Purpose.

The Department shall identify and implement programs and initiatives designed to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of City residents. The Department shall administer programs that support children, community youths, seniors, families, and vulnerable populations through services including early childhood education, youth development programs, health initiatives, homelessness prevention, social services, and community outreach. The Department may coordinate partnerships with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders to deliver such services and promote community stability and well-being.

Sec. 2-600. Director – Appointment and duties.

(a)The City Manager shall appoint the Human Services Director (“Director”) as the authorized official designated to administer the affairs of the Department subject to the supervision and control of the City Manager in all matters.

(b)The Director shall provide leadership, direction, and operational oversight of theDepartment and shall ensure the effective administration of all programs and services administered by the department.

Sec. 2-601. Divisions.

The Department shall include, but not be limited to, the following divisions within the Department and shall administer its respective services:

(a)Administration Division to provide overall administrative, fiscal, and operational support to the Department.

(b)Pathway to Prosperity Access Miami Division to provide residents and small businesses with the financial tools and education necessary for long-term success.

(c)Homeless Assistance Division to identify, develop, and implement programs and initiatives to address homelessness in the City through services focused on outreach, prevention, emergency assistance, and coordination with regional service providers.

(d)Workforce Services / Opportunity Center Division to provide workforce development services, job training, employment assistance, and career pathway programs to support economic mobility and self-sufficiency.

(e)Child Learning Centers Division to provide developmental, educational, and recreational daycare services for young children in a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters early learning, social development, and emotional growth.

The City Manager may abolish or establish additional divisions as necessary to carry out the functions of the Department.

Sec. 2-602. Functions and duties of the Department.

(a)Functions and duties of the Department.

1.Develop and administer programs that support early childhood education, youth development, and family services.

2.Provide services and initiatives that promote health education, preventive care, and community wellness.

3.Implement programs designed to support seniors and vulnerable populations.

4.Administer City operated child development programs including day care, preschool, and after-school programs.

5.Monitor program performance and ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

6.Perform other related duties as directed by the City Manager.

7.Administer workforce development and employment assistance programs.

8.Develop and implement homelessness prevention and intervention strategies.

9.Provide centralized access to human services through coordinated intake systems.

Sec. 2-598603 \- 2.610.  Reserved.

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Section 3.  If any section, part of a section, paragraph, clause, phrase, or word of this Ordinance is declared invalid, the remaining provision of this Ordinance shall not be affected.

Section 4.  This Ordinance shall become effective immediately after final reading and adoption thereof.