Southern Indiana Works (SIW) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a three-year grant from the State of Indiana for the Behavioral Health Workforce Recruitment and Retention Innovation (BHWF R&RI). This grant, made possible by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) – Division of Mental Health and Addiction, represents a significant investment in enhancing the recruitment, retention, and overall quality of the behavioral health workforce.
SIW has received a total of $500,000.00, which will be utilized from September 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026. The grant program, named “SoInCares,” is aimed at bolstering the capacity of the behavioral health sector through the following key initiatives:
1. Targeted Recruitment, Training, and Employment
“SoInCares” will launch a comprehensive program designed to recruit, train, and employ justice-involved individuals and individuals in recovery. This initiative is dedicated to preparing them for entry-level positions within the behavioral health field, with the goal to provide essential pathways for personal and professional development. Occupations include Peer Recovery Coaches, Community Health Workers, and Behavioral Health Technicians.
2. Professional Development and Training
SIW is committed to enhancing the skills and expertise of current behavioral healthcare workers. They will offer specialized certifications and credentials, such as Cultural Competency for Service Providers, Medication Assisted Treatment (M.A.T.), and technical certificates in the areas of Human Services, Mental Health Direct Support, and Addiction Studies. This initiative will empower professionals to enhance their skills, advance in their careers, and deliver high-quality care.
3. Employer Awareness and Education
To create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, SoInCares will conduct an extensive campaign to raise awareness among employers. The campaign aims to promote second chance employment opportunities and equip employers with strategies to address substance misuse, addiction, and recovery in the workplace.
SIW’s President and CEO, Tony Waterson, expressed his excitement about this opportunity, stating, “We are excited about the opportunity to advance our mission through the support of the FSSA by convening a network of partners to build a pipeline of talent for behavior health providers while at the same time serving an underrepresented population.”
The partners involved in this initiative include Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana, Inc. (ASPIN), Baptist Health Floyd, Clark County Addiction Treatment & Support Program (CCATS), Clark Floyd Systems of Care, Ivy Tech Community College, LifeSpring Health Systems, Olive Tree Resources, and Our Place Drug & Alcohol Education. This collaborative effort underscores SIW’s commitment to driving workforce development in the behavioral health sector.
Through the SoInCares initiative, SIW is dedicated to equipping its customers with in-demand skills, valuable credentials, and the necessary degrees to meet the evolving needs of the local behavioral health providers. SIW is excited to embark on this transformative journey, fostering a stronger, more resilient, and compassionate behavioral health workforce for the betterment of the community and beyond.
