RELIAS: Regulatory, Financial, and Workforce Impact of COVID-19 for Behavioral Health 12/8
Jim Sharp
OMHSAS Residential Facilities ALERT
As COVID-19 cases are surging and the holidays are approaching, it is critical that Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) licensed residential facilities remain vigilant about preventing the spread of COVID-19 in their facilities.
As you know, your residents are among the most at-risk population for COVID-19. Visitation and non-medical outings during the upcoming holiday season will increase their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- Facilities should ensure that residents and their families and friends are fully aware of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Considerations for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19. It is suggested that facilities communicate openly with residents and their families and friends. We’ve attached a pledge to assist you in educating and having residents and their families and friends acknowledge an understanding of the seriousness of this matter.
- The COVID Alert app is a critical tool in our fight against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Encouraging residents and staff in your facility who have a smartphone to download the app will be useful in mitigating the virus.
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact your RCPA policy director.
OMHSAS Stakeholder Call Q&A Update
Please see the questions and answers (Q&A) document, which contains the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’s (OMHSAS’s) responses to the questions submitted via the chat box during the webinar on Monday, November 16.
Here is a link to view the recording of the OMHSAS Stakeholder Webinar, which took place on Monday, November 16 from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
If you have further questions, please contact your Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) policy director.
Report: Larger Segment of Pennsylvania Kids Going Without Health Insurance
OCYF New Education Resource Page and RA Account
The Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) would like to inform you of two new resources. There is a new webpage on the PA DHS website about the education of children served by PA County Children and Youth Agencies that includes links to helpful guides, forms, and contacts. There is also a new resource account to be used by child welfare professionals to ask questions related to education that have not been resolved at the local or regional level.
Access the education webpage here.
To submit an education-related query to OCYF, please use this resource account.
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director, Jim Sharp.
OMHSAS Updates: APAs to Continue, Licensing Process Updates
OMHSAS & PA Care Partnership Offer Webinar Speaker Series
OMHSAS Offers FREE Autism Navigator Course
The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has an open enrollment for the Autism Navigator Course. This free training for Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) and Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS) providers who serve young children and their families will end on Wednesday, December 30, 2020. Once enrolled, trainees will be able to complete the course for free in 2021.
Approximately 200 people have already taken advantage of this opportunity that OMHSAS, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) have partnered to offer.
For further information and to enroll, please see the this letter, guide, and agreement. Then email your completed enrollment agreement along with any questions here.
If you have any further questions, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp.
Keeping Up with Neuroscience: Trauma-Informed Training for Child Welfare Staff
Direct Care Works Recruitment Pilot Project Launches
We’re excited to announce that RCPA’s Direct Care Works initiative is now live. The workforce development pilot project is using social media platforms to engage potential applicants likely to be attracted to careers in health and human services.
We established a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube (Look for LinkedIn soon!). As part of the pilot project, paid advertising will drive individuals to the Direct Care Works website, where they can learn more about the field and access job opportunities.
The initial paid campaign is focused on Allegheny County and some of the surrounding areas, yet we welcome members from throughout the Commonwealth to share information about employment opportunities for the job portal, as we will be sharing information on several social media channels that reach a statewide audience.
To include your organization in the DCW Job Portal, email directcareworks@paproviders.org with the following information:
- Organization’s name and one line program description (approximately 15 words – see job portal for examples)
- List of regions where your programs are operated (i.e., Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest)
- Contact person
- Website link where potential candidates can view organization information and employment openings
RCPA recently issued a release that details the project. Additionally, a social media toolkit has been developed, for our members to use the collateral materials as a way to enhance recruitment efforts and share the Direct Care Works networks with your own audiences.
For more information, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp or email directcareworks@paproviders.org
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