Montana Healthcare Workforce Advisory Committee February 5, 2018 Community Health Worker (CHW) & Behavioral Health Training Opportunities Montana Healthcare Workforce Advisory Committee February 5, 2018

Agenda Overview of grant support/funding Brief review of each certificate program Discussion

Overview Montana Office of Rural Health (MORH) received funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to increase the number of paraprofessionals trained in behavioral health issues particularly in rural and underserved communities across our state. This four-year effort will further the development of behavior health workforce leaders, curriculum, and best practices and will support efforts to integrate and broaden access to behavioral health. Grant Funds can be utilized to reimburse the certification/tuition of several programs: Community Health Worker (CHW) Fundamentals – Montana Certificate Fundamentals of Behavioral Health Certificate Highlands College-Montana Tech: Behavioral Health Tech Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) Montana’s Peer Support Network: Behavioral Health Peer Supporter Certification (BHPSS)

Community Health Worker (CHW) Fundamentals – Montana Certificate Prerequisite Requirements: High school diploma or GED preferred. If needed, completion of a Computer Literacy Assessment & Training Sponsoring facility may request a valid Montana driver’s license Course Description: This certification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills to become a Community Health Worker (CHW). A CHW is a frontline public health worker who can serve as a link between health and social services and the community, as well as, supports access to those services. CHWs can be engaged in various activities including outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy depending on the needs of the employing facility/organization. Training Requirements: Completion of 85 hours of work including: Four on-line Learning Modules (15 hours each) 25 hours of an Agency/Facility Supervised Experience This course is facilitated by an instructor and provides a certificate upon completion Skills Developed: professional skills & conduct; communication; self-care; interpersonal relationships; outreach, navigation & coordination; organization; advocacy; capacity building & teaching Status: Available on-line March 2018

Fundamentals of Behavioral Health Certificate Previous Required Experience: Three months direct patient care or related health care experience Course Description: This certification provides the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively recognize and appropriately respond to behavioral health issues and mental health disorders. Training Requirements: Completion of 80 hours of work including: Six on-line Learning Modules (10 hours each) Completion of the Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) Training in-person The course is facilitated by an instructor and provides a certificate upon completion Skills Developed: knowledge of mental and behavioral health issues & disorders; legal requirements, ethical responsibilities, reporting & documentation; communication, compassion & teamwork; resiliency, personal empowerment & self-care; therapeutic settings, and treatment modalities & resources Status: Course available on-line in April 2018

Additional Behavioral Health Training Certificates Behavioral Health Tech Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS): Academic/Employment Prerequisite Requirements: none (the student must enroll at Highlands College-Montana Tech) Course Description: Certificate is designed to train and educate students in one semester for entry level employment in medical and mental health positions. Training Requirements: 15 credits (90% online via distance technology and interactive education). Course also includes an additional certification in Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) training which is done on-site at Highlands College. Skills & Knowledge Developed: Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, Mental Health and Addiction, Elements of Counseling, Crisis & Behavioral Management, Behavioral Lab Practicum. Provided by: Highlands College-Montana Tech in Butte, MT (website: www.mtech.edu) Certificate Program Information: https://www.mtech.edu/academics/highlands/health/CTS-behavioral-health-tech.asp Highlands College Enrollment Information: http://www.mtech.edu/admissions/highlands/index.php Status: Enrollment begins April 2018; Course begins August 2018 Behavioral Health Peer Supporter Certification (BHPSS): Prerequisite Requirements: Individual must identify as being in recovery from a behavioral health diagnosis, have sought treatment and identify as being in recovery. State certification required. Course Description: This certification utilizes personal experience with a behavioral health diagnosis disorder to provide the skills to support, mentor, guide, and advocate for peers and offer hope to individuals with behavioral health disorders Training Requirements: 40 hours of initial in-person training and 20 CEUs annually Provided by: Montana’s Peer Support Network: http://mtpeernetwork.org/

Discussion Questions: What gaps/needs do these training programs address? What is the value of the training programs for your institutions? What ideas do you have to market/communicate these training opportunities? (e.g. meetings; distribution lists, newsletters, websites) What ideas do you have for potential partnerships/collaborations? Training Value Example: The CHW competencies could help Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) facilities meet their goals. CPC+ is a national advanced primary care medical home model that aims to strengthen primary care through regionally-based multi-payer payment reform and care delivery transformation.

MORH Contact information: Catherine Ferguson Project Coordinator Montana Office of Rural Health/Area Health Education Center catherine.ferguson@montana.edu 406-994-6972