DAS hires researchers to study IHSS contract‑mode workforce and fiscal viability amid Homebridge staffing squeeze

Deputy Director of Programs Jill Nielsen presented two related contracts with Social Policy Research Associates (SPR) that the Department of Disability and Aging Services will use to study and recommend strategies for San Francisco’s IHSS contract‑mode program.

Nielsen described contract mode as a distinct IHSS delivery option for individuals who cannot direct their own care (often for reasons such as serious mental illness, cognitive impairment or substance use). She said Homebridge — the city’s contract‑mode provider — “is the only county in the state that operates a contract mode program like this” and that Homebridge’s ability to serve clients has diminished as it struggles to recruit and retain sufficient home care workers.

The commission authorized two contracts:

- A labor‑market analysis specific to IHSS contract mode ($99,971) to identify competitive wages, retention strategies and workforce pipeline recommendations; and
- An infrastructure and financial viability assessment ($99,619) to examine contract structure, administrative costs and fiscal strategies to sustain contract‑mode service delivery.

Nielsen said SPR will use quantitative data, key‑informant interviews, focus groups and qualitative research to develop recommendations. Commissioners emphasized urgency given proposed state and federal policy developments and praised targeting external research to an understudied local program.

Both contracts were approved unanimously. DAS staff said SPR will deliver interim and final reports and that the studies will inform potential program and contract reforms to stabilize the workforce and financial model for contract‑mode IHSS.