What is Workforce Development?
The Workforce Development Program involves initiatives that educate and train people to create, sustain and retain a viable workforce that meets the needs of current and future business needs.
Workforce Development One Pager
Background
OFMHS implements and oversees a statewide, systematic, and comprehensive forensic mental health services workforce development program, to support competency evaluation, competency restoration, forensic risk assessment, and Not Guilty for Reasons of Insanity treatment. DSHS also provides training to jail staff, the courts, attorneys, and other involved stakeholders.
The Trueblood Settlement of Contempt Agreement
The Trueblood Settlement of Contempt Agreement and subsequent legislative funding have facilitated specific enhancements to the Workforce Development Program. The agency is employing workforce development specialists that will focus on activities in the following areas:
- Community, including crisis response, homeless, in-home, residential, and clinic-based services
- In-patient, including residential treatment facilities, private hospitals, and state hospitals
- Law enforcement and corrections, including jails and prisons
Activities include:
- Participating in workforce development workgroups with stakeholders such as state hospitals, community healthcare organizations, law enforcement, and jails
- Conducting training needs surveys/gaps analysis
- Assisting in the development of a master training plan(s)
- Developing and coordinating training including standardized training manuals and guidelines
- Collaborating with other community-based, organizational workforce development staff
- Conducting training program(s) evaluations
DSHS also assesses the need and target areas for training programs, certification programs, and possible degree programs.
Reports to the legislature regarding the status of these workforce development activities will be completed and available in 2020.
This Workforce Development Program does not provide staffing or staffing contracts.
For more information, contact:
Tim Hunter, M.A.
Workforce Development Administrator / Office of Forensic Mental Health Services
Behavioral Health Administration/Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
4500 10th Ave. SE, Lacey, WA 98503
360-790-7983/ timothy.hunter@dshs.wa.gov