Best practices and workforce development training 2024

1:45pm – 3:00pm

Concurrent Sessions

 

1. Navigating Workforce Dynamics: Unveiling Innovative Strategies with Hillside Leaders

David Fluellen, MS, Hillside, VP for Residential Treatment Services

Mazie Tai, Hillside, Chief HR Officer

 

Enhance your understanding of contemporary workforce challenges in our presentation where Hillside HR and residential treatment leaders share insights. Discover innovative recruitment strategies, delve into effective retention methodologies, and explore our commitment to ongoing professional development. Join us for a dynamic discussion on navigating the complexities of today’s workforce environment.

 

2. Managing Children's Behavioral Health Needs Through JCCA's Continuum of Care

Abby Jeffrey, LCSW, JCCA, AVP Behavioral Health and Wellness, City Programs

Lauren Pack, LMSW, JCCA, Program Director, Health Homes

Pauline Rose, LCSW, JCCA, Program Director, Health Homes

McQuita James, LCSW, JCCA, Program Director, Youth ACT

 

The mission of JCCA prioritizes providing the highest quality services to New York's neediest and most vulnerable population.In alignment with this mission, the Behavioral Health and Wellness Division's (BHW) goal is to provide a continuum of care for youth with behavioral and mental health needs.JCCA's BHW city division is geared to addressing youth's social determinants of health by offering supports such as mental health counseling, care management, peer support, psychotropic medication management and psychological services.The workshop will share the framework of this continuum of care, information about the programs involved, the collaborative aspects of the relationships between programs, and outcomes.The BHW programs the workshop will discuss are Health Homes, Brooklyn and Bronx Counseling Centers, Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Home-Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI).The workshop will explore how each program tailors its services to meet the diverse populations it serves as well as the individualized needs of each youth.A particular focus is on trauma-informed care, as most of JCCA’s clients have experienced one or more traumas. The presentation will demonstrate that the results of operating programs within a continuum have been successful, as will be demonstrated by case scenarios.Additionally, a parent will share their successful experiences (through video).

 

3. Family Peer Advocacy – Tools of the Trade

Barbara Callahan, Founding Partner, FPA, Supervisor, Power of Family, NY

Trish Luchnick, Director, Astor Services

Tori Barnes, Director, Family of Woodstock

Michael Johnan, BS, Founding Partner, Power of Family, NY

 

This workshop will present 5 tools that can be used in providing Family Peer Support. The following will be shared: with the participants: A Wall Activity (a valuable training activity); Trauma Sensitive Review: (A tool that explores the traumas a person has experienced and develops a non-contingent intervention called Mindful Healing); Preferred View Desk Reference:(A tool that tells a practitioner how to use the Preferred View technique); Who's In: (A training tool used to actively explore a particular topic that a presenter is introducing) Questions Document: (A tool to share with families to assist them in formulating the questions they want to ask a service or program when investigating what is appropriate for their child)> Participants will be involved throughout this experiential workshop and receive the documents related to each of the above named techniques. Presenters will explain how each tool can be used and will entertain questions from the participants.

 

4. Annual SPOA Meeting

Davia Plusch, MS, NYS OMH, Statewide SPOA Coordinator

Elizabeth Bruce, LMHC, Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors, Director of Public Policy and Special Projects

 

SPOAs and Transition Coordinators from RTFs and CCRs will come together for a facilitated discussion on best practices for collaboration.

 

5. Matching Clients to Clinicians: A Multi-Factor Caseload Assignment Tool and Storytelling Framework for Dashboard Development      

Daniel Korovikov, PsyD, Astor Services, Director of Analytics & Outcomes

 

Learn about a caseload assignment tool that optimizes client-clinician matches by balancing presenting problems, scheduling availability, client preferences, and more. Discover how a storytelling framework was used to develop this tool, in which a series of use case anecdotes were analyzed to reveal shared themes and structures. The collective shape of these stories then directly impacted the dashboard's design and workflows.

 

6. Home Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI): Hot Topics and Common Themes

Anna LaDelfa, LMHC, HBCI Clinician, HBCI

Annabeth McGovern, LMSW, HBCI Clinician, HBCI

Others TBA

 

This Presentation will provide an understanding of Home-Based Crisis Intervention program and will explore common themes identified by HBCI Clinicians.

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3:00pm – 3:30pm

Break

 

3:30pm – 5:00pm

Concurrent Sessions

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1. Bringing Recruitment & Retention of Mental Health Professionals to Underserved Communities

Arthur Heimowitz, LCSW, CARES, CFTSS Clinical Director

Steven Pirutinsky, Ph.D., Touro University, Professor

Dr. Leah Lax, Ph.D., CARES, CEO

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This presentation will address the critical shortage of mental health professionals nationwide. CARES will present an innovative partnership with a local University to enhance recruitment and retention for Masters Level social workers, in particular from underserved and under-represented communities. To date 50 students are actively enrolled in the program.

 

2. Self-Care for the Direct Caregiver

Timothy Gallop, BA, Northern Rivers Family of Services, Senior Trainer

Steven Oill, Parent Partner, Northern Rivers Family of Services, Trainer

 

This training will focus on the need for caregivers to pay attention to their own need to heal and rebuild while working to provide support to others. The workshop will talk about the impact that social and institutionalized discrimination, as well as intergenerational and community trauma play not just on the service recipient, but also on the service provider. Participants will explore some of those impacts and wrap up by discussing ways to promote personal health in this field.

 

3. Equity in Behavioral Health Leadership Initiative

Keith Little, MPA, InUnity Alliance, Program Director

 

Racial disparities in behavioral heal outcomes represent a complex and deeply rooted issue with far-reaching implications. InUnity Alliance’s Equity Executive Leadership Institute (EELI) envisions a future where leadership within the behavioral health sector mirrors the rich diversity of the communities we serve. The EELI will offer leadership development programming designed to dismantle system barriers, foster inclusive practices, and promote the authentic representation of racial and ethnic diversity at the highest levels of the organization. The presentation will provide insight into the development of the program, the unique program approach, and how the program can be of benefit to executive and senior leaders changing the leadership dynamics within their organization.

 

4. The Accessibility of Day Treatment Programs for School-Aged Clients and Guardians

Andrea Cimino, LCSW, JCCA, Supervisor of Westchester Day Treatment

Dr. Shajiuddin Faraz Mohammed, MD, JCCA, Program Psychiatrist

​Budy Garcia-Whitfield, LCSW, JCCA, AVP Behavioral Health and Wellness

 

This presentation will highlight the ways in which Day Treatment programs continue to develop as accessible mental health resources. This presentation will also discuss the interventions that are used in order to provide mental health treatment while being within a school setting.

 

5. NYS Implementation of Youth Assertive Community Treatment

Michelle Wagner, Program Co-Lead Youth ACT, NYS Office of Mental Health
Jessica McGinn, Program Co-Lead Youth ACT, NYS Office of Mental Health
Deborah Layman, Co-Director, NYS Office of Mental Health
Laura Elwyn, Co-Director, NYS Office of Mental Health
Lydia Franco, Education and Innovation Officer, YTAC
Jayson Jones, Director of Learning Design & Innovation, NYU McSilver Institute | YouthACT Technical Assistance Center (YTAC)
McQuita James, Program Director, Youth ACT,  JCCA
Jomar Canales, Hillside

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Youth Assertive Community Treatment (Youth ACT) is designed to support children with complex mental health needs, and their families, so that they may remain in their homes and communities. Participants will learn about the model, preliminary outcome data and hear from Youth ACT teams via a panel discussion.

 

6. RTF and Child-Serving Psychiatric Inpatient Prescriber Roundtable (Zoom and In-person): Enhancing Patient Care, Opportunities in Psychopharmacology 

Matthew Perkins, MD, Medical Director, Division of Integrated Community Services for Children and Families, NYS Office of Mental Health

 

Dr. Perkins invites RTF and child and adolescent serving psychiatric inpatient prescribers to engage and discuss current challenges and opportunities for providing efficient, best practice, psychopharmacological treatment for children and youth. Dr. Perkins will highlight current state-wide resources available to help formulate medication profiles and assist in clinical decision-making.  

 

Participants will be encouraged to consider their involvement in psychopharmacological treatment, administration, and management for children and youth, not just within the children's system continuum, but also their long-term influence on children and youth throughout their lifespan. 

 

 

Wednesday, December 4, 2023

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9:00am – 10:00am

Opening Plenary

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Soulful Connections: Harnessing Empathy to Cultivate Empowerment

Leah Gooch, MS, Illuminate Self, LLC, DOCCS, Facilitator

 

Leah Gooch offers a unique workshop that combines various artistic and contemplative practices to cultivate creativity and empathy. Incorporating music, poetry, movement, and meditations can be powerful tools for self-expression and connecting with others on a deeper level. By engaging in these exercises, participants explore their own creative potential while also developing empathy and understanding for others. The combination of contemporary and traditional practices provides a rich and dynamic experience for participants. Scaffolding the physical and visual exercises to meet every level of experience ensures that participants of different backgrounds and skill levels can engage and benefit from the program. This inclusive approach allows individuals to participate at their own pace and comfort level, creating a supportive environment for growth and exploration. Overall, a holistic and innovative approach to nurturing creativity and empathy can be particularly valuable for those who serve others in their work. By incorporating these practices into their lives, participants may enhance their ability to connect with and understand the needs of others, ultimately improving their  service and impact. 

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10:15am – 11:30am

Concurrent Sessions

 

1. Workforce Recruitment and Retention for Providers Serving Children and Families

Yvette Kelly, LMHC, MSEd, NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Director of Children Services & Healthcare Innovation

Boris Vilgorin, MPA, NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Healthcare Innovation Officer

Rayna Wang, LCSW, NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Assistant Director of Healthcare Innovation

 

In the behavioral health settings, prioritizing the wellbeing of the workforce is a top priority to ensure that high quality care is provided to children and families. However, recruiting and retaining a strong workforce is an ongoing challenge. In this presentation, the McSilver Institute/MCTAC team will share practical strategies that agencies can use to engage and retain professionals working in child-serving settings. Specifically, the topics of recruitment, onboarding, staff recognition, supervision, and ongoing engagement will be discussed.

 

2. Blueprints for Building a High-Performance Culture

Jeremy D. Butler, National Trainer, ICAN, Chief Innovation Officer

Jimsak Daoreuang, MSEd, MSW ('25), ICAN, Training and Education Program Manager

Gina Dier, SHRM-CP, ICAN, Director of Human Resources

Matt Buono, PhD, ICAN, Chief Strategy Officer

 

In the human services sector, cultivating a high-performance culture is essential to delivering compassionate, effective care. This session, "Blueprints for Building a High-Performance Culture," focuses on how human services organizations can foster a strong sense of belonging and a commitment to continuous growth among employees. By creating environments where individuals are valued and empowered, organizations can enhance staff engagement, leading to better service outcomes and long-term commitment.Participants will explore strategies to support continuous employee development through tailored professional growth opportunities. We will explore ways to create a culture of belonging, where staff connect deeply with the organization's mission and feel empowered to contribute their strengths. Leaders will learn how to align practices with core values that promote inclusivity, personal growth, and engagement, ensuring a motivated and resilient workforce.This session underscores the importance of culture and belonging as cornerstones for high-performance teams in human services. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to foster a supportive, mission-driven environment where employees are not only engaged but inspired to provide the highest quality of care to the communities and clients they serve.

 

3. S.T.A.Y. Supporting Transition Age Youth

Willie Elliott, OnCare Healthy Transitions Project, Director

Alysia Vazquez, OnCare Healthy Transitions Project, Transition Facilitator Supervisor

Kahari Benton, OnCare Healthy Transitions Project, Senior Transition Facilitator

 

This presentation will identify, discuss and problem solve issues, obstacles and barriers experienced while navigating the nuances of serving transition age youth from a system and service lens provided by the director, transition facilitator supervisor and senior transition facilitator/peer engagement specialist of several SAMHSA grants including but not limited to System of Care, Juvenile Justice, Mental Health and most recently, Transition Age Youth 16-25.The presentation will explore lessons learned, the utilization and intersectionality of evidenced based curriculum like STARS Transition to Independence Program Model and the Academy for Transformational Change; Credible Messenger Program and how they are utilized to support the eight dimensions of wellness of TAY, their families and/or self-identified natural supports.

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4. Uniting for Stability: A Partnership Approach to Strengthening Youth ACT Team Services

Rachael Rivera, LCSW, Access: Supports for Living, Children & Family Services Director

Marcella Gallucci-Ritchko, LMSW, RSS, Managing Director, Children and Youth Services

 

This presentation will discuss the model of two service provider's collaboration on leading, staffing, and overall provision of Youth ACT services. Presenters will discuss processes for program implementation and continued quality management, risks & benefits of collaboration, and partnership plans for the future.

 

5. Understanding Substance Use, Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Strategies

Jessica Sorbello, LCSW, Project Director, NYS OASAS

 

Overdose prevention is achieved through harm reduction practices, and Project COPE recognizes that harm reduction is far more than naloxone and needle exchange. Project COPE addresses intersection between overdose risk and underserved communities, while discussing how we incorporate practices that decrease risk for substance-based harm. Our outreach efforts focus on several key populations, which include members of the LGBTQ+ community and survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence. As part of the overdose prevention efforts, we provide safe sex supplies, hygiene supplies and wound care kits. Meeting basic needs and reducing the risk of STIs and untreated wounds are imperative in practicing harm reduction in all areas.Project COPE’s approach to overdose prevention is unique in that we focus on educating providers who do not normally see themselves as harm reductionists. We are providing them the tools to discuss sensitive, challenging topics with high-risk, vulnerable populations who may not otherwise receive the information elsewhere. We challenge stigma and help people rethink these conversations and how they work with these populations.In two years’ time, we have distributed 10,525 overdose prevention and harm reduction kits and trained 11,180 individuals. Providers who receive the training report a significantly greater understanding of the science behind substance use, overdose prevention, and how to incorporate harm reduction efforts in daily practice. Providers also note increased engagement from individuals in the community, as providing hygiene supplies along with harm reduction supplies challenges the stigma experienced when asking for resources.

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6. Systems Literacy: Children's Mental Health System

Meredith Ray-LaBatt, MA, MSW, Division Deputy Director, NYS Office of Mental Health

Shannon Fortran, Unit Director, NYS Office of Mental Health

Kathryn Wright, Unit Director, NYS Office of Mental Health

Erin Williams, Unit Director, NYS Office of Mental Health

 

Leadership staff from the NYS Office of Mental Health Division of Integrated Community Services for Children and Families will review the children's mental health system and other resources available to children with mental health needs and their families.Presentation ideal for new staff or those needing a refresher on newer programs in NYS.

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11:45am – 1:00pm

Concurrent Sessions       

 

1. To the Hospital and Back: How Hospital Liaisons Support Clients and Families During Hospitalizations and Promote the Continuity of Communication Between the Systems of Care

Alan Fong, LCSW, Assistant Executive Director of Clinical Services, Astor Services

Veronica Geary, Hospital Liaison, Astor Services

Suzanne Garcia, Hudson Valley OPC Hospital Liaison, Astor Services

Carmen Torres, MPS, MHOTRS Family Advocate Supervisor, Astor Services

 

Hospitalizations are immensely stressful for clients and their families, and this stress is often compounded by limited coordination between hospital teams with families and community providers. This panel discussion will highlight the efforts of Astor Services Hospital Liaisons to establish a reliable framework that supports all client hospital admissions by fostering communication among clients, caregivers, hospital-based teams, and community providers. Our Hospital Liaisons serve as a crucial support system, guiding parents and caregivers through the hospitalization process and equipping them with the tools needed to advocate for their loved ones. By sharing the successes and challenges of building these roles, we will explore the structure required to facilitate cross-communication, track data and outcomes, and ensure continuity of care after discharge. In alignment with OMH's current focus on improving hospital discharge outcomes, we will also discuss our outreach and relationship-building strategies with hospitals to establish effective lines of communication.

 

2. HCBS, Health Homes, and Clinicians: Understanding the Link

Josephine McElligott, Children's Health Home of Upstate New York, HCBS Waiver Supervisor

 

This presentation will educate clinical providers on Health Homes, and in particular home and community-based services (HCBS). It will review the purpose of HCBS and expectations for health home care managers to collaborate with clinical providers during the eligibility determination process. Clinical providers will gain a better understanding of care manager requests for signatures on paperwork and sharing clinical documentation. Clinical providers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on expectations for care manager and clinician collaboration, and to share their thoughts on how the link between health homes, HCBS, and providers can be improved.

 

3. DIY DEI

Anasa D. Sinegal, MA, ICAN, Director of Diversity and Inclusion

Kristen Rasmussen, MSW, ICAN, Chief Clinical Officer

Anita Taylor, ICAN, Youth ACT Program Assistant

Macaul Zuk, ICAN, Director of Strategic Initiatives

 

Holding space for DEI can be intimidating for so many reasons: we don’t want to get it wrong, there’s DEI fatigue, the country’s extremely divided right now and as human services professionals, our advocacy and the daily grind in the helping professions may leave us exhausted. This panel will consist of four ICAN employees who work in four vastly different roles in the organization, but whose collaboration on diversity and equity demonstrates how measurable outcomes can be achieved when we collaborate and work outside of silos. Each panel member can speak to how their particular role is assisting the agency in serving diverse clients more equitably.

 

Since 2021, ICAN has hired a full-time diversity director, created a diversity committee and built practical, scalable strategies for job posting, interviewing, onboarding and supervision that can be replicable for other organizations in human and behavioral services. In conjunction with IT, HR and frontline staff and executive leadership, ICAN has expanded its philosophy on hiring and expertise, incorporated questions on praxis into the diversity portion of interviewing and created hands-on activities that provide participatory learning about cultural humility and equity in orientations and training seminars.

 

Two of our biggest successes have been 1) updating and streamlining our client databases in an effort to capture demographic data to better serve our families and measure outcomes; and 2) strengthening our internal workplace culture by scaffolding lessons on social identity, race, gender identity and bias through facilitated, hands-on activities. Helping staff practice interpersonal interactions where clients and service providers may be of different cultural backgrounds is a main component of the work the diversity director does.

 

During our panel presentation we will demonstrate how we’ve developed equity strategies, resourced and implemented them, brought a variety of agency stakeholders together to further spread buy-in and how we scale our programmatic efforts and measure successes through data and narrative feedback from staff.

 

4. Fostering Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems: Aligning a System of Care Framework with MTSS Models to Support School Based Mental Health Initiatives

Tori Shaw, LCSW, Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, Program Coordinator, Children's MH Services

Shayla Aguilar, MSP, MPH, Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, Westchester County Children's SPOA Coordinator & CSE Liaison

Ann Narcisse, Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Coordinator, Guidance and Child Study Center

 

Westchester County has an over a 30-year history developing and sustaining a robust Children’s System of Care. Strategic collaboration between the LGU, the county’s 46 school districts, and local BOCES partners has played an integral role in broadening Westchester’s Children’s System of Care to meet the growing needs of youth and families. Over the last several years, this collaboration has been integral to supporting school districts to not only integrate school based mental health satellite clinics, but also to develop and sustain multi-tiered systems of support to address student mental health. Presenters will share Westchester County’s multi-tiered approach to expanding school-based mental health support through targeted training, specialized TA/consultation for district leadership, and enhanced partnership between the Children’s SPOA and Committees on Special Education (CSE).   

 

5. At the Heart of the Matter: Integrating Workforce Voice for System Change

Courtney Rovere, PhD, LCSW, Assistant Executive Director for Clinical Program Development, Children's Home of Poughkeepsie

 

It is no secret that being a member of the behavioral health workforce is not “just a job”, and for many it is a work of the heart. This presentation will expand upon the current evidence base related to workforce well-being, retention, and turnover. Dr. Rovere will discuss the advantages of elevating the voices of the workforce in organizational and larger system transformation. Drawing from recent research, Dr. Rovere will explore the critical factors influencing job satisfaction and organizational commitment among behavioral health professionals.Additionally, Dr. Rovere will highlight the transformative power of elevating the voices of frontline workers in shaping both organizational policies and broader system-wide changes. By showcasing innovative approaches, she will demonstrate how involving staff in decision-making processes can lead to more effective and responsive care delivery, improved workplace culture, and enhanced overall outcomes.Attendees will gain insights into practical strategies for fostering a supportive and resilient work environment, as well as learn about emerging trends and best practices in workforce management. This presentation aims to equip leaders and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to address the challenges facing the behavioral health workforce and to inspire feasible and realistic systemic improvements that benefit both practitioners and the communities they serve.

 

6. Family Peer Support - The Value of Collaboration with Peer Support Across Programs and Systems of Care

Amanda Marie, FPA-C, Hillside, Supervisor Peer Support

Megan Henry, FPA-C, Hillside, Program Manager

Lacey Natello, FPA-C, Hillside, Program Manager

Jenny Laney, Hillside, Supervisor Peer Advocate

Jomar Canales, FPA-C

Louise Hastings, FPA-C

 

Join us for an insightful workshop led by experienced family peer advocates, supervisors, and managers, where you'll explore the value of collaboration in providing high-quality peer support services across various programs and systems of care. Hear how Family Peer Support is provided to fidelity in diverse settings such as community-based services, Youth ACT, and residential care from a team with over 30 advocates and growing. These advocates will share their cross-system experience (OMH, OPWDD, SED & OCFS), highlighting strategies of integrating Family Peer Advocates into your program. The session will include a Q&A to address your specific questions.

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1:00pm

Adjournment