Health and Human Services

BRONNER has developed holistic approaches and business methodologies to support health and human services agencies at all levels of government and to enhance the quality and responsiveness of delivered services.

Federal Level

• Supported the HHS Shared Service Program Support Center through project management and consulting services.

• Provided soft skills training for managers, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and leadership skills.

• Provided technical assistance to the Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to extend the National Registry of Effective Programs in Substance Abuse Prevention and facilitated the development of a strategic plan for extending the registry to mental health services.

• Provided a comprehensive agency-wide assessment on agency workload, organizational structure, program management structure, technology utilization, and other operational elements.

• Conducted analysis of administrative support organization and determined appropriate series of “next steps” to improve service to American Indians and Alaska Natives through balancing internal financial and programmatic controls with localized delivery of administrative services.

• Facilitated the implementation of administrative realignment, streamlined acquisitions, budget, finance, property management, facilities management and safety functions, and developed new policies and procedures.

• Developed a financial monitoring program and worked with the staff to implement financial controls to ensure that government-wide best practices were utilized in building a new grants management capability related to the Paralympic Games.

• Conducted program evaluation services for alignment of quality assurance systems with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Framework and provided guidance for compliance with local, state, and federal standards for quality assurance in mental health care service provision.

• Facilitated joint executive and legislative Task Force sessions to evaluate alternatives regarding the restructuring of the Division of Public Health.

• Evaluated the procurement and contract management processes for the Bioterrorism Preparedness programs.

• Facilitated planning for realignment of the human services system and reviewed financial management and federal funds functions.

• Performed a diagnostic management audit including overall agency management and structure review, business management review, and child welfare program/services management review.

• Conducted a Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) Assessment.

• Developed and piloted customized training for Illinois Department of Human Services case workers.

• Conducted a management audit of DMHDD as well as a systems planning and operations improvement project for the Human Resources Development Institute on behalf of DMHDD.

• Conducted a government-to-government service delivery analysis, which included interviews with the Chicago Department of Health and other local health departments throughout the State.

• Assisted in the development of program-based budgeting and reporting procedures for the 12-library system affiliates.

• Assisted in providing risk and strategic advisory services, especially relating to the development and monitoring of FSSA’s strategic plan.

• Conducted planning sessions and comparative analyses focused on emergency preparedness and MDPH’s Center for Emergency Preparedness with an objective of identifying the most effective management organization.

• Evaluated the current funding management process and advised on financial reporting and resource allocation considerations.

• Performed audit and assessment of grant award allocations and distribution channels.

• Identified gaps in controls and recommended improvements to process.

• Assessed bioterrorism and pandemic flu programs and reviewed the outcomes of programmatic activities.

• Developed and implemented web-based application for DHSEM and sub-recipients to control grant monies awarded to local governments.

• Defined requirements, developed use cases, performed user acceptance testing of the web-based system, and developed training content for management, staff and sub grantees in preparation for train-the-trainer sessions.

• Assessed the implementations, corresponding methodologies, constraints, and requirements of other state agencies that have already deployed SACWIS and compared those to Puerto Rico.

• Developed a comprehensive report detailing the risks, issues, and decisions that would be necessary as Puerto Rico embarked on the SACWIS implementation.

• Conducted an evaluation of SEPTA’s paratransit programs, and the Authority’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including a comprehensive review of applicable regulations, site visits to observe compliance, and an analysis of overall program effectiveness and compliance.

• Conducted an audit and assessment of the John M. Scott Health Trust, a charitable trust for which the City is the Trustee, and the services impacting the Trust’s service delivery model.

• Provided consulting and facilitation services in conducting joint planning and developing strategies with the Illinois Department of Human Services and Chicago Department of Human Services to ensure coordinated and comprehensive delivery of human services and promote self-sufficiency among low-income families in subsidized housing.

• Supported a Comprehensive Facility and Social Distancing COVID-19 Infection Control Assessment, including the documentation and analyzation of applicable COVID-19 public health guidance, and development of COVID-19 assessment questions based on guidance, and reviewed plans, policies, and procedures related to COVID-19 that identified areas where further protective action was needed to align with public health guidance.

• Developed curriculum and delivered training to over 350 City and service provider staff for a web-based case management system, the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

• Provided consulting services in promoting and strengthening key initiatives on affordable housing plan and resident services.

• Delivered consulting services to implement coordinated workforce development among low-income families in targeted communities.

• Led the training program development and implementation for the rollout of the Homeless Management Information System.

• Assisted in the project to automate various aspects of its Head Start Program. Analysis included requirements definition, hardware/software technology analysis, selection, and implementation.

• Facilitated the operational planning process for developing the 10-year implementation schedule of Chicago’s Plan to End Homelessness.

• Collected data and developed a report outlining best practices and recommendations for a comprehensive gang activity and violence reduction strategy to support the Citywide Gang Activity Reduction Strategy Project.

• Created a roadmap and recommendations for improving the Resident Services program, including partnerships to improve access to services, such as Age Options case management services for seniors.

• Provided ongoing, full life cycle support to CMHA’s response and recovery efforts to COVID-19 by identifying best practices in communication, facilities, sanitation, and public health.

• Developed facilities tools as well as memos on response and compliance with public health orders, stakeholder engagement plans, funding, and partnership reviews.

• Assessed costs associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency and an encryption upgrade to Kane County Public Safety Communications System for payment with Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) monies.

• Provided professional consulting and advising services for the management and administration of COVID-19 relief funds, including monies from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

• Conducted a system planning simulation to dynamically forecast the impact of delivering different mental health and substance abuse policy options, including service access, quality, and utilization, and provided recommendations for resource acquisition.

• Performed a compliance audit of the Authority’s Shelter Plus Care program to assess the eligibility of applicants with mental health disabilities.

• Identified and provided a roadmap for pursuing new revenue sources to improve community service programs in low-income neighborhoods.

• Provided operational and technical assistance to support response and recovery efforts for the COVID-19 public health emergency.

• Engaged local government and nonprofit partners to coordinate unified messaging, transition to limited remote delivery services, and community safety.

• Established the SMHA Safety Committee to promote coordination and situational awareness in critical response, and to obtain consensus on response activities taken.

• Provided policy guidance on strategies to use relief funds effectively and coordinated additional funding streams to support County vaccination and testing efforts through public health departments and state and federal emergency management agencies.

• Reviewed legislation and federal policy guidance and administered relief programs on behalf of the County. The programs, enacted with Coronavirus Relief Funds activated primarily by the CARES Act, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and American Rescue Plan, included local government assistance, housing support, food assistance and behavioral health grants, and other programs for veterans’ groups, nonprofits, small businesses, and school districts.