Strengthening the human services workforce.

The Issue

A number of reports have described problems and issues affecting workforce development for those who treat mental illness and substance abuse.¹ These findings can be applied more generally to the broader human services workforce:

• Insufficient capacity to meet service demands.
• Lack of ethnic diversity and cultural competence.
• Limited training for people in the field.
• Little integration of evidence-based practices.
• Uneven education, licensing and credentialing standards.
• Outdated teaching and training methods.
• Lack of training for family members who provide care.

Shaping the Solution

Researchers have identified key areas of inquiry that will help strengthen the workforce. These include:

• Current nature and size of the workforce: How many workers are there, what are their credentials and skills, where do they work, and in what jobs?
• Nature and size of a workforce to meet future needs: Will the supply of workers be adequate to meet demand, and what knowledge, skills, and core competencies must workers bring to their jobs?
• How to close the gap: What are effective recruitment and retention strategies, including pay, benefits, and career development as well as a supportive organizational culture?