SD21 - Implementation of a Comprehensive Training System for Community Services Boards and Facility Staff

  • Published: 1991
  • Author: Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 138 (Regular Session, 1989)

Executive Summary:
Senate Joint Resolution No. 138, agreed to by the 1989 Session of the General Assembly, directs the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services (DMHMRSAS) to establish and implement a system of statewide training and staff development for community services Boards and DMHMRSAS facility staff.

The Commissioner submitted an interim report in December, 1989, on a two-phased approach to developing statewide training and development of minimum standards. This final report details the on-going development and implementation process.

The two-phased approach is in response to the differing training needs of managers and direct care staff. Individuals hired into management positions bring with them basic professional skills and experience, yet they may lack a clear understanding of the Virginia system of public mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services. On the other hand, training for direct care staff must ensure competence in delivery of services. The methods for determining the content and implementation of training and staff development will therefore differ for the two groups.

The process followed to develop a curriculum for key management positions can be replicated for all management and supervisory positions. The major components are as follows:

1. An individual designated by the Commissioner convenes a steering committee of representatives of the targeted positions.

2. Each member of the steering Committee is directed to form an ad hoc committee of his peers to identify and recommend areas that should be addressed.

3. The Steering committee makes decisions on the recommended content and the procedures for implementing the training program.

4. The program is assigned to the appropriate unit for implementation and monitoring.

5. Support for these activities is provided by the Office of Human Resource Development and the Office of Employee Relations and Personnel.

The above process was used successfully in the first year to develop an orientation package for twelve key management positions in Community Services Boards and state facilities. Ten additional positions are targeted for the second year. The orientation training provides an introduction to the Virginia system of community and facility services, to other human services, and information essential to function at a high level of managerial and operational capacity. Dissemination of the basic system overview and position specific knowledge will be handled through a mentor system. As with other orientation training, responsibility for implementation and monitoring this program has been given to the Office of Employee Relations and Personnel.

A six-month trial implementation period will begin January 1991. At the conclusion, the Human Resource Development Office will ask for comments and suggestions regarding the curriculum and its delivery. Recommended changes in the process will be incorporated in the implementation of Phase II of the project. The Office of Human Resource Development will establish a working relationship with the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards Training Committee for the purpose of establishing Training Standards for Community Services Boards. The Office of Human Resource Development will work with the facility training directors to establish similar standards for state hospitals and training centers. The Office of Human Resource Development will recommend that these standards be incorporated in the CSB Evaluation process and facility Licensure Regulations.

A different process is being used to implement a standardized curriculum for entry-level positions. In cooperation with the Virginia Department of Education, the Department has initiated a process for developing competency-based training standards for direct care personnel in state hospitals and training centers. The two agencies will study one direct care position each year to determine required duties, tasks, and proficiency levels. Currently, one position study is complete, and a second is near completion. The Vocational and Adult Education Division of the Department of Education is furnishing an extensive, competency-based curriculum guide for each position. These completed curriculum guides can be modified for training community staff who perform similar services in residential programs.