LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 609.05 Employee Training: Minimum Standards
 
Policy Category:  Administrative
Distribution Level:  Directly-Operated
Responsible Party:  Human Resources
 
Approved by Marvin J. Southard, DSW, Director, on January 1, 2005
 
I.  PURPOSE
 
The Operational Recommendations of the Comprehensive Community Care (CCC) Report include placing an emphasis on Department of Mental Health (DMH) staff development and training at all levels in order to maximize success in the development of a world-class mental health system. Among the recommendations was the initiation of training modules for DMH and contract staff at various levels, including one for all DMH employees. This module included the recommendation that all new employees participate in a central orientation that embraces CCC values, to familiarize them with the Department and CCC. In addition, it recommended the promotion of staff and management development programs.

The purpose of this policy is to implement CCC recommendations by establishing and promoting minimum training standards for DMH employees.
 
II.  POLICY
 
DMH employees constitute a valuable resource to the Department and must have staff development opportunities made available to them that:
  • familiarize them with the Department, its mission, organization, and shared values;
  • familiarize them with CCC goals and implementation strategies;
  • expand their knowledge base and work-related skillset; and
  • develop their treatment skills.

This policy sets forth the minimum standards set by DMH for training of its employees. This policy applies to all DMH employees including, but not limited to, clerical, clinical, and supervisory/management staff.

EXCLUSION DMH employees who are required by virtue of their function or classification to obtain and retain professional licenses that require continuing education units for renewal purposes must fulfill the requirement of their licensing boards. Employees who fail to renew their professional licenses are subject to termination of their employment. Since this is a personnel requirement, it is not addressed in this policy, which pertains to DMH training requirements only.

MINIMUM TRAINING STANDARDS
  1. All DMH employees shall complete the following courses:
    1. A foundation course in cultural diversity as provided/recommended by DMH. Clinical staff may substitute advanced courses in lieu of this requirement. Subsequent to the initial foundation course, a cultural diversity course shall be taken every three years.
    2. A course in sexual harassment prevention as provided/recommended by DMH
      1. Sexual harassment prevention training is mandatory training for all DMH employees and volunteers.
      2. Employees newly hired or promoted to a supervisory position must complete their Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within the first six months of being hired or promoted.
      3. Volunteers must complete Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within three months of initiating volunteer status with the Department.
      4. Each employee and volunteer shall attend a refresher course once every two years.
    3. A course in HIPAA Privacy Awareness as approved by the Department’s Bureau of Standards, Practices and Conduct.
    4. A course in HIPAA Security Awareness as approved by the Department’s Bureau of Standards, Practices and Conduct.
    5. Annual Training in Integrity, Ethics, and Compliance to assure compliance with Federal mandates.
       
  2. In addition, all client-contact staff shall complete:
    1. A course in non-violent crisis intervention including recognition of the escalation process, de-escalation methods, and non-physical intervention techniques as provided by DMH
    2. A course in field safety as provided by DMH.
       
  3. In addition, all clinical staff shall complete:
    1. A course provided/recommended by DMH Bureau of Standards, Practices, and Conduct on rules and regulations that govern the use of forms and documentation.
    2. A course provided/recommended by DMH on appropriate documentation in the client record.
       
  4. In addition, all newly hired staff shall complete:
    1. The New Employee Central Orientation as assigned by DMH Human Resources Bureau and the Training and Cultural Competency Bureau.
       
  5. In addition, all supervisory and/or management employees shall complete:
    1. A course in supervision and management as provided by DMH.
    2. A course in performance evaluation as provided by DMH. A course in elements of discipline as provided by DMH
       
  6. All staff that have previously taken courses equivalent to the above training as determined by their supervisor shall be exempt from retaking those courses unless otherwise specified in this policy. This exemption shall not apply to courses required for supervisory and/or management employees.
III.  PROCEDURES
 
Procedures - Employee Training - Minimum Standards
 
IV.  AUTHORITIES
 
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Department of Mental Health Policy
Federal Register, Volume 64, No. 219