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

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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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:
Certificate Program Information:
Highlands College Enrollment Information:
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:

7. 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.

8. MORH Contact information:
Catherine Ferguson Project Coordinator Montana Office of Rural Health/Area Health Education Center