Supporting the Workforce of Today, Training the Workforce of Tomorrow

Program Description

To meet the needs of our community, MHCGM has developed “Supporting the Workforce of Today, Training the Workforce of Tomorrow,” a comprehensive approach to workforce challenges that too often affect the quality of behavioral health care. “Supporting the Workforce of Today, Training the Workforce of Tomorrow” allows us to offer high-quality, Evidence-Based services, which are the result of dynamic workforce trainings for staff in all programs, including our 24/7 16-bed Acute Crisis Unit, MHCGM’s three supervised residences, and our shared emergency response system in the two local hospital emergency rooms. Thankfully, we’ve found ways to introduce and advance the use of 20+ Evidence-Based Practices including but not limited to IMR, IPS, ACT, BFT, LEAP, IDDT, CBT, TFCBT, CCP, HNC, Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health First Aid and DBT, all at a time when state funding for behavioral health care is uncertain and staffing shortages are commonplace. By incentivizing and providing easy access to educational opportunities, our agency enjoys a lower than average staff turnover rate, a higher long-term staff retention rate, elevated staff satisfaction and EBP Fidelity/Penetration rates, and 98% customer satisfaction. “Supporting the Workforce of Today, Training the Workforce of Tomorrow” is fundamental to providing accessible, comprehensive mental health care.

Creativity

Our program considers a workforce of diverse learners, both emerging and Evidence-Based Practices, and the 24/7 needs of a dynamic community when statewide health care professional shortages are common. Yet we’ve found a way to achieve success by: • Regularly scheduling live EBP trainings that focus on a train-the-trainer model to create sustainability • Livestreaming NH Hospital bi-monthly Grand Rounds (1.5 CEUs) and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Psychiatry Grand Rounds (1.0 CEU) • Integrating Relias Learning’s behavioral health education management system, which offers 24/7 access to 1,000+ online courses (w/CEUs) • Connecting to webinars and Interactive series such as Charles Swenson’s Advanced DBT Series, which afforded 23 MHCGM master’s level clinicians 19.5 hours of advanced training • Offering in house and recorded panel presentations by community representatives, accessible on our network drive • Providing $10,000 in upfront tuition reimbursement annually • Exploring partnerships with regional universities to offer debt relief to recent graduates.

Leadership

Goals of this program are born of MHCGM guiding values and principles: • Treating everyone with respect, compassion, and dignity • Offering hope and recovery through individualized, quality mental health services • Providing Evidence-Based, culturally responsive and consumer/family focused care • Supporting skilled staff members who work together and strive for excellence • Pursuing partnerships that promote wellness and create a healthy community These commitments compel staff to: • Complete a comprehensive 7-hours orientation outlining protocols/policies • Maintain 15 CEU hours for non-clinical staff, 25 CEU hours for clinical staff and managers, and 20 CEU hours to maintain licensure • Attend a 4-hour Cross Cultural Effectiveness Training • Attend a 2-hour Stigma Assessment & Reduction Initiative training • Engage in regular supervision and performance evaluations MHCGM also offers employees $10,000 in upfront tuition reimbursement annually for higher education and MHCGM’s Janelle Fund offers scholarship opportunities to both staff and family.

Sustainability

Given the comprehensive nature of “Supporting the Workforce of Today, Training the Workforce of Tomorrow,” MHCGM employs a Consultation, Education, and Research Department to identify, manage, and record available educational opportunities (and CEUs), funding for which is allocated in their annual budget. The Consultation, Education, and Research Department also outreaches MHCGM’s many community partners to advertises educational opportunities and to ensure their effectiveness. Tuition assistance in obtaining a degree or certificate is allocated in MHCGM’s annual budget, though scholarship monies to be distributed by the Janelle Fund have been raised via private donations. MHCGM’s Human Resources Department ensures that all materials outlining “Supporting the Workforce of Today, Training the Workforce of Tomorrow” are available to employees online, and MHCGM’s Leadership Team is responsible for perpetuating an agency-wide culture that encourages and supports empathy, curiosity, and dedication in all employees through direct involvement, modeling, and positive reinforcement.

Replicability

MHCGM is a New Hampshire leader in behavioral health workforce development, and we strive to disseminate our experience and expertise. Non-MHCGM practitioners are welcome to register for most of our agency’s trainings, which we promote on our website, social media, and MHCGM’s Training Insight, a web-based compendium of workshops, presentations, and forums available to 3,000+ enlistees in need of licensure CEUs. Our Grand Rounds series, geared toward clinicians but attended by all staff, are free events held six times a year. In addition, we host the annual Mental Health Symposium featuring renowned speakers, an event attended by practitioners from across New England. MHCGM is a sought after partner in education/consultation services, and we offer trainings and workshops in “cutting edge” treatments and modalities through a number of research facilities, including Dartmouth College and Boston University. MHCGM Director of Consultation, Education & Research Harry Cunningham provides trainings both nationally and internationally.

Results/Outcomes

Our program monitors both staff and patient metrics. MHCGM Staff Outcomes: • MHCGM turnover rate: 11.3 %, as compared to 32.5% in other New Hampshire CMHCs. • Retention rates/durations: 18% of our staff has been with us for 5 years; 13% of our staff has been with us for 10 years; and 20% of our staff has been with us for 15 years. • Licensure rate: 46% of staff, including RN’s and per-diem. • Evidence-Based Practices Fidelity Outcomes: -Assertive Community Treatment = Good Fidelity (113 to 140 points). -Support Employment = Exemplary Fidelity (115 to 125 points). MHCGM Patient Outcomes: • Adult SPMI Competitive Employment Rate: 36.7% (statewide target is 18.10%; state wide average is 19.30%). • Of the 839 clients provide ACT services statewide, 35% were served by MHCGM. • 98% of clients surveyed felt our agency was very helpful in assisting them toward recovery.