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Mental Health

On January 8, 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced the availability of $2.8M in reemployment funds for the Direct Care Worker Job Quality (DCWJQ) Grant. The grant funding is to be used to boost PA’s direct care workforce by improving job quality and increasing career advancement opportunities. Applicants may request awards of up to $600,000 each.

Additional information about this funding is posted on the L&I grant opportunity web page. This information includes the grant itself, the application form, project summary, budget form, and the Worker Protection and Investment Certificate form.

The application deadline for the DCWJQ Grant is February 29, 2024, at 4:00 pm ET.

The Early Intervention Providers Association is hosting the “Early Intervention Advocacy Agenda Webinar” on Monday, January 30, 2024, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. The webinar aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the federal and state systems related to early intervention. It will explore the intersection of policy and early intervention, highlighting how policies impact daily activities and the relationship between fieldwork and overarching programs. Participants will learn how to align their daily work with the PA Part C Advocacy Agenda and gain insight into the impact of state requirements on their field activities. The discussion will emphasize the connection between work and policy for the greater good of Part C Early Intervention Services. Attendees will also receive a certificate for 1.5 hours of Infant/Toddler training. Register for the webinar here.

The Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) in Pennsylvania has continued partnering with the Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) to offer free trauma training for child welfare professionals. Lakeside Global Institute facilitates this initiative and caters to anyone in Pennsylvania working to improve the lives of children and families. The training, available until September 30, 2024, covers various aspects of trauma awareness and includes both workshops and intensive courses. Sessions are conducted live via a web-based platform; all tuition and material costs are covered. The training includes:

  • Enhancing Trauma Awareness;
  • Deepening Trauma Awareness;
  • Applying Trauma Principles;
  • Trauma-Sensitive Certification;
  • Train the Trainers;
  • And more!

One notable offering is the Trauma-Sensitive Professional course, a 50-hour program that aims to equip participants with the title of Certified Trauma-Sensitive Professional upon completion. Registration for both workshops and intensive courses is open, and professionals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Participants who have already completed certain prerequisite courses are advised not to duplicate content. For inquiries, individuals can reach out to Lakeside Global Institute. You can register for workshops here or intensive courses here.

Join RCPA for a Membership Benefits webinar on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 1:00 pm to orient yourself with all that RCPA membership entails. This is not just for new and future members; for current members, there may be benefits associated with your membership that you may not be aware of, including meetings and group communications that occur throughout the year. This webinar is a great way to ensure you are getting the most out of your membership!

Register here to attend. During the webinar, you’ll be able to:

  • Virtually meet the dedicated RCPA Policy Staff and lobbyists;
  • Discuss the 2024 Legislative and Administrative priorities;
  • Preview RCPA division committee and subcommittee meetings and what they offer;
  • View the RCPA member-only website;
  • Review exclusive yearly education and networking events; and
  • Understand the value of the National Association memberships included with RCPA membership.

Visit the RCPA member benefits page or contact Tieanna Lloyd for benefit information. We look forward to your participation in this webinar.

Pennsylvania’s Behavioral Health Council, created through executive order in October, held its first meeting yesterday.

The council intends to develop and recommend to the governor a statewide action plan to address any gaps in access, affordability, or delivery of services, with the goal of removing silos across state agencies, healthcare providers, payers, state and local government sectors, as well as decreasing the wait time for services for Pennsylvanians in need.

Read the full press release and list of Behavioral Health Council members.