San Francisco expands case management services amid staffing challenges and increased demand

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on critical updates regarding case management services within the Department of Public Health (DPH). The meeting, led by Mr. Wagner, addressed the ongoing efforts to enhance case management capacity, which is deemed essential for improving overall care delivery.

The discussion began with an overview of the current state of case management services. DPH representatives highlighted the establishment of a critical care case management team, operational since April 2021, which aims to support individuals engaged by the street crisis response team. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance care coordination and engagement.

Mr. Wagner noted that the DPH is in the process of hiring additional staff for the Office of Coordinated Care, with plans to onboard new team members by April 1, 2025. This includes expanding intensive case management services and introducing new case management roles at outpatient clinics. The meeting emphasized the urgency of filling these positions to address the growing demand for services.

Supervisor Ronan expressed appreciation for the progress made in hiring efforts, acknowledging the challenges faced in the past. She highlighted the importance of proper staffing levels to ensure effective case management, particularly for intensive care management, which currently has a waitlist of over 100 individuals. The DPH representatives assured that they are closely monitoring wait times and are optimistic that the hiring push will alleviate these concerns.

The meeting also touched on the challenges of recruiting qualified case managers, particularly in specialized areas. DPH officials acknowledged that while there have been difficulties in hiring, they are actively tracking recruitment efforts and exploring alternative strategies to meet staffing needs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the DPH's commitment to enhancing case management services through strategic hiring and program development. The next steps involve ongoing recruitment efforts and monitoring service demand to ensure that the community receives timely and effective care.