Behavioral Health Workforce Development Projects
Given the ongoing crises in mental health and substance disorders, along with the increased demand for a robust and reliable workforce, it’s critical for the behavioral health (BH) field to act now.
The AHP Workforce Innovation Lab for Behavioral Health and Human Services (WIL) brings a multilevel approach to identifying, developing, and implementing solutions across systems, within organizations, and for individual employees.
For over 35 years, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has been improving health and human services systems of care and business operations, helping organizations and individuals reach their full potential. We have decades of experience in capacity building and workforce development (WFD) across government entities, nonprofits, and providers. AHP is a leader in the field, paving new and data-driven pathways for targeted and effective WFD.
Our Method
We use the following strategies to address the needs of the BH workforce:
- Promote and produce BH workforce pipelines.
- Recruit for diversity in systems of care.
- Develop and enhance the capacity of providers.
- Address and improve employee well-being and productivity.
- Design and implement systems change that benefits everyone.
How to Build a Sustainable Behavioral Health Workforce Pipeline
- Coordinate strategic partnerships among stakeholders to ensure the workforce can access the education, training, certification, and technology skills necessary for success.
- Collect and analyze data to inform stakeholders, assess current strategies, and develop data-driven retention and recruitment planning.
- Define career pathways and build pipelines from high school to master’s level, from returning citizens to those in recovery, and from veterans to those exploring second careers.
- Use best practices to improve workplace culture and well-being, bolster leadership and supervisory skills, and foster employee accessibility and engagement.
- Provide organizational development to create more effective workspaces and better quality of care.
Together, let’s foster a thriving, dependable, and qualified BH workforce.
Current and Key Projects in Workforce Development
Behavioral Health Workforce Development (BHWD)
This California Department of Health Care Services program aims to overcome a severe BH workforce crisis caused by low compensation and inadequate training, among other factors. Objectives include expansion of the peer-run BH workforce and other BH professions; developing a centralized repository of national, state, and local BH WFD resources; and engaging national organizations in discussions on BH WFD.
California Roadmap for Behavioral Health Workforce Development
AHP developed a road map for California that provides a strategy for a BH workforce system in crisis. Job-driven training to bolster workforce capabilities includes an analysis of infrastructure, scopes of practice, and collaborations with community colleges and universities. At a micro level, recruitment and retention, competency-based training, onboarding, and supervision, are addressed.
Iroquois Health Association Mental Health and Well-Being Digital Toolkit
AHP contracted with Iroquois Health Association to develop a Mental Health and Well-Being Digital Toolkit to enable individuals to assess their mental health and provide guiding practices to appropriately care for their mental health. Additionally, the toolkit offers resources for organizations to assess and engage in mental health planning on a broader scale.
Pierce County Human Services (Pierce County, Washington) Behavioral Health Workforce Report
The Pierce County partnered with AHP to conduct research, convene focus groups and interviews, and provide a prioritized set of actions to address BH workforce issues. The report outlines the current state of the workforce, the projected state, and a set of priorities and strategies to grow a comprehensive and sustainable BH workforce in Pierce County.
Massachusetts Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (MA DSRIP)
MA DSRIP has helped Massachusetts Accountable Care Organizations and community partners build, train, and retain their workforces. Strategies include developing associated knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and creating WFD and competency-building plans. Training staff to improve competency in new roles, developing performance evaluation criteria, and creating career ladders have also helped support improved health outcomes and member experiences.
Massachusetts Access to Recovery (ATR)
The ATR program offers innovative job training and recovery support services customized for people with substance use disorders who face multiple barriers to employment. Career services are offered to help participants build confidence and work readiness by creating a career portfolio and practicing interviewing skills. Participants feel empowered to advocate for themselves in the workplace while sustaining their recovery.
About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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