I.  PURPOSE
 

This policy governs the Department of Mental Health (DMH) staff development and in-service trainings for DMH individual programs, units, and divisions. In-service trainings will be developed considering long and short-range needs based upon Departmental, service area, and program service goals and objectives. Planning will reflect needs for continuing staff development necessary to further develop skills and knowledge, cultural competency goals, changing mental health trends and requirements, and responsiveness to the community and service populations.
 

II.  DEFINITION
 

In-service Training: Training activities provided by departmental staff or by procurement that have the intended purpose of preparing staff of a particular DMH program, unit, or division to perform specific functions, tasks, and procedures necessary for the operation and functions relative to those entities. All Department employees are eligible for in-service training based on job assignment, operational need, and supervisory approval.
 

III.  POLICY
 

In-service training shall prepare staff to carry out mandated requirements associated with their positions and enhance staff capabilities to meet changes and modifications in regulations, procedures, policy, service directives, and Departmental needs.

Program Managers shall work with employees to identify training needs, taking into consideration: a) use of available internal personnel/DMH subject matter expertise or b) the need to procure an outside trainer. The Training Unit shall be contacted if an outside trainer is required for the identified in-service training. Program Managers may authorize or require an employee’s attendance at any approved in-service training conducted within DMH. The in-service training must be job related and should directly add to the employee's work performance.
 

IV.  PROCEDURES
 

Procedures - In-Service Training
 

V.  AUTHORITY
 

DMH Administrative Directive