New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core Competencies · 2016-09-14 · Hampshire...

New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core Competencies

New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core Competencies Leadership Team

October 2012This document is available in alternative formats upon request.

Made possible by a grant from:

New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core Competencies

New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core Competencies Leadership Team

October 2012This document is available in alternative formats upon request.

New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Competencies Leadership Teamiv

Acknowledgements• WrittenandeditedbytheNewHampshireChildren’sBehavioralHealthCoreCompetenciesLeadershipTeamincludingmembersfromtheChildren’sDirectorsofthe10NewHampshireCommunityMentalHealthCenters;NAMINH;GraniteStateFederationofFamiliesforChildren’sMentalHealth;NHDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices,DivisionofCommunity-BasedCareServices;andtheInstituteonDisability,UniversityofNewHampshire.

• MuchofthisworkhasbeenadaptedfromNewHampshire’sEarlyChildhoodandFamilyMentalHealthCompetencies(2011),producedbytheNewHampshireAssociationforInfantMentalHealth.

• ManythankstoJoanM.Dodge,Ph.D.,SeniorPolicyAssociate,GeorgetownUniversity,NationalTechnicalAssistanceCenterforChildren’sMentalHealth,whoprovidedguidanceandtechnicalassistancetoourteam.

ThisdocumentwasmadepossiblebyagrantfromtheEndowmentforHealth.

FormoreinformationabouttheCoreCompetencies,pleasecontact:

JoAnneMalloy,ProjectDirector 56OldSuncookRoad,Suite2|Concord,NH03301 603.228.2084|[email protected]

MelissaMandrell,ProjectCoordinator 56OldSuncookRoad,Suite2|Concord,NH03301 603.228.2084|[email protected]

Our VisionNewHampshire’schildren,youth,andfamilieswillreceivethehighestqualityservicesfromthestate’scommunitybehavioralhealthsystem.Towardthatend,implementationoftheCoreCompetencieswillresultinimprovedoutcomes,thesystemwillberecognizedashighqualitybychildren,youth,familiesandcommunities,andwillbesupportedbylocal,stateandfederalsystems.

Our PurposeTheNewHampshireChildren’sBehavioralHealthCoreCompetencieshavebeendesignedtoimprovethequality,consistency,andefficiencyofthebehavioralhealthservicedeliverysystemforchildren,adolescents,andtheirfamiliesandcreateafoundationfortrainingindividualswhoworkwithchildrenandadolescentswithbehavioralhealthchallengesandtheirfamilies.

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New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Competencies 1

New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core CompetenciesContentsOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Framework for the Core Competencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Organization of the Core Competencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Target Workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Use of the Core Competencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Core Competencies by Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Family Driven and Youth Guided Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Cultural and Linguistic Competence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Childhood Development and Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Screening, Assessment and Referral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Treatment Planning, Interventions and Service Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Systems Knowledge and Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Quality Improvement, Professionalism and Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Core Competencies by Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Foundational Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Intermediate Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Advanced Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

NH Children’s Behavioral Health Competency Self-Assessment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Competencies Leadership Team2

Overview ThestabilityandlongevityofNewHampshire’scommunitymentalhealthchildren’sworkforcehasbeenalongstandingconcern.Theannualturnoverratesofdirectserviceworkersareashighas20%.iSeveralNHstudieshaveshownthatthereisashortageofqualifiedprofessionalsinNH’scommunitybehavioralhealthsystem,andhaverecommendedthatincreasedresourcesbebroughttobeartoensureahighlyqualifiedworkforceinchildren’sbehavioralhealth.ii Familiescitestaffturnoverasakeysourceoffrustrationintheireffortstoaccesssupportfortheirchildren.iiiIthasbeenachallengeforthestate’smentalhealthcenterstokeepupwiththesechangingdemandsandthementalhealthcenterchildren’sdirectorshavebecomemoreandmoreconcernedabouttheirabilitytoprovidethebestpossibleservicestochildrenandyouthwithbehavioralhealthneedsandtheirfamiliesgiventhesechallenges.

Therehasbeenaninvestmentinthedevelopmentofevidence-supportedandpromisingpracticesinNewHampshire’sbehavioralhealthchild-servingsystem.Thestate’scommunitymentalhealthcentershaveputconsiderableresourcesintodevelopingandsustainingsuchpractices;therehasalsobeensignificantsupportfromtheEndowment

iNewHampshireBehavioralHealthAssociation.(2009).Addressing the Critical Mental Health Needs of NH’s Citizens: A Strategy for Restoration. Report of the Listening Sessions.http://www.nhcbha.org/downloads/REPORT2009-04-ListeningSessionsReport.pdfiiAntal,P.(2009).New Hampshire’s Prescription for Mental Health Care: Comprehensive, Integrated, and Coordinated Health Care.Durham,NewHampshire:InstituteonDisability,UniversityofNewHampshire.http://iod.unh.edu/pdf/PMHS09_brief.pdf

Norton,S.,Tappin,R.&McGlashan,L.(2007).Few and Far Between? Children’s Mental Health Providers in NH. Concord,NH:NewHampshireCenterforPublicPolicyStudies.http://www.nhpolicy.org/reports/cmh_workforce_september_2007.pdfiiiNationalAllianceonMentalIllnessNH(2007).Collecting Family Voices on Children’s Mental Health: Final Report of Findings.http://www.naminh.org/sites/default/files/EFHFINALACCEPTED.pdf

forHealthandfederally-fundedtrainingandimplementationprojectsinCognitiveBehavioralTherapy(CBT)andRENEW(RehabilitationforEmpowerment,Naturalsupport,Education,andWork).Despitetheseinvestmentsintrainingandcapacitybuilding,thementalhealthcentershavedifficultysustainingthepractices,inpartbecausethereisnoinfrastructureorfundingforongoingtrainingandcoaching,andtherearehighratesofturnoveramongdirectservicestaffmembers.

Nationally,theneedforcompetenciesinthebehavioralhealthfieldhasbeenwelldocumentedandisoneoffivepriorityareasinthedevelopmentofaSystemofCare.ivvvi Competenciesareakeycomponentofanyefforttoimproveservicedeliveryandtoensurecontinuousimprovementoftheworkforce.ByconcentratingtheprofessionaldevelopmentresourceswithinaSystemofCareframework,thestatewillbeabletoinfusestrongfamily-centeredknowledgeandskillsacrossadiversesetofproviders,includingstaffmembersincommunitymentalhealthagencies,privatepractice,schools,childprotection,andjuvenilejustice.

The New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core Competenciesarethefirststepindevelopingasystematicandcomprehensivehumanresourcesdevelopmentinfrastructure.Thetenmentalhealthcenters,beginningwithasetofcompetenciesacceptedstatewide,will

ivHoge,M.A.,Morris,J.A.,Daniels,A.S.,Stuart,G.W.,Huey,L.Y.&Adams,N.(2007).Anactionplanforbehavioralhealthworkforcedevelopment:Aframeworkfordiscussion.Cincinnati,OH.PreparedfortheSubstanceAbuseandMentalHealthServicesAdministration(SAMHSA)byTheAnnapolisCoalitionontheBehavioralHealthWorkforce.ContractNumber280-02-0302.vHuang,L.,Macbeth,G.,Dodge,J.,Jacobstein,D.(2004).TransformingtheWorkforceinChildren’sMentalHealth.Administration and Policy in Mental Health,32(2),167-187.viStroul,B.,Blau,G.,&Friedman,R.(2010).Updating the system of care concept and philosophy.Washington,DC:GeorgetownUniversityCenterforChildandHumanDevelopment,NationalTechnicalAssistanceCenterforChildren’sMentalHealth.


havethefoundationforacommonframeworkforstaffrecruitment,orientation,training,supervision,promotion,andretention.Finally,thecompetenciesprojecttrainingnetworkwilldevelopameansforthechildren’sbehavioralhealthcommunitytoarticulateitstraining,education,andinternshipneedstoinstitutionsofhighereducationandothertrainingprovidersinordertoincreasethecompetencyleveloffutureandcurrentstaff.

Development of the Core Competencies

In2010theChildren’sDirectorsfromNewHampshire’stencommunitymentalhealthcentersrecognizedaneedtodevelopaninfrastructuretosupportandimprovetheconsistencyandqualityofservicestochildren,youth,andfamiliesstatewide,toretainqualifiedstaff,andtosustainevidence-informedpractices.TheDirectorsworkedwiththeEndowmentforHealthtoaccesssupporttodevelopthecompetenciesandthencreatedaLeadershipTeamwithmembershipfromtheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices,theGraniteStateFederationofFamiliesforChildren’sMentalHealth(GSFFCMH),NAMINewHampshire(NAMINH),andtheInstituteonDisability(IOD)attheUniversityofNewHampshire.

BetweenDecember2010andJanuary2012,asubgroupoftheleadershipteamdraftedthecompetencies,disseminatedthedrafts,andcontinuouslyrevisedthedocumentbaseduponfeedbackfrommentalhealthcenterstaff,communityorganizations,trainingproviders,stateleadersandfamilymembers.Thesub-grouplookedatchildren’sbehavioralhealthcompetencydocumentsfromVermont,Maryland,Alaska,Ohio,andNewHampshire’sEarlyChildhoodandFamilyMentalHealthCompetencies(2011).WithguidancefromDr.JoanDodgeofGeorgetownUniversity,thelargerleadershipteamengagedintwoday-longretreatsandworkedthroughthelanguageandmeaningofeverycompetencyinthedraft,constructingadocumentthatisdesignedtohavesignificantvalueandrelevancetothechildren’sbehavioralhealthworkforce.

Wewanttothanktheindividualsinthesub-groupthatdevelopedthecompetenciesdraftsandworkeddiligentlytoreviseandimproveeachversion.Theseindividualsare:

• KathleenAbate,GraniteStateFederationforFamiliesforChildren’sMentalHealth

• ChrisCummings,RiverbendCommunityMentalHealthCenter

• ClaudiaFerber,NAMINH

• EgonJensen,DivisionofCommunity-BasedCareServices,NHDHHS

• JoAnneMalloy,InstituteonDisabilityattheUniversityofNewHampshire

• MelissaMandrell,InstituteonDisabilityattheUniversityofNewHampshire

• GlennQuinney,TheMentalHealthCenterofGreaterManchester

Framework for the Core Competencies Guiding Principles for the New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core Competencies

TheNewHampshireChildren’sBehavioralHealthCoreCompetenciesLeadershipTeamagreedonsixguidingprinciplesforthecompetencies:

1. Theneedsandstrengthsofthefamilyandchild/youthareatthecenteroftheservicesystem:familiesarepartnersateverylevel.

2. Thesystemisdesignedonacontinuum(thePublicHealthmodel):prevention,earlyintervention,targetedservices,andtertiaryservicesandinterventions.

3. Behavioralhealthcareisintegratedwithprimarycareandsubstanceabuseservices.

4. Thesystemincludescollaborationandsharedresponsibilitywithschoolsandotherchild-servingagenciesandproviders:sharedlanguage,integratedcosts,data,planning,andservicedelivery.


5. Thesystemusesandissupportedtouseevidence-informedpractices.

6. Staffaresupportedtoimprovetheirpractice.

System of Care

Thedevelopmentofthesecompetencieshasbeendesignedtoreflectthechildren’sbehavioralhealthSystemofCarePrinciplesandValues.TheSystemofCareframeworkforthedeliveryofchildren’smentalhealthservicesandsupportswasdevelopedin1986viiinrecognitionthatourchild-servingsystemisfragmented,inefficient,and,insomeinstances,ineffectiveinhelpingchildrenandyouthwithseriousmentalhealthneedsandtheirfamilies.TheSystemofCareframeworkoffersguidanceforhowservicesandsupportsshouldbedeveloped,delivered,andassessed.TheCoreCompetenciesLeadershipTeamdecidedtoadopttheSystemofCarePrinciplesandValuestoguidethedevelopmentandimplementationofthecompetencies.

System of Care Principles and Values

Definition

Asystemofcareis:

Aspectrumofeffective,community-basedservicesandsupportsforchildrenandyouthwithoratriskforbehavioralhealthorotherchallengesandtheirfamilies,thatisorganizedintoacoordinatednetwork,buildsmeaningfulpartnershipswithfamiliesandyouth,andaddressestheirculturalandlinguisticneeds,inordertohelpthemtofunctionbetterathome,inschool,inthecommunity,andthroughoutlife.

Values

Systemsofcareare:

1. Familydrivenandyouthguided,withthestrengthsandneedsofthechildandfamily

viiStroul,B.,&Friedman,R.M.(1986reved).A system of care for children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbances.WashingtonDC:GeorgetownUniversityCenterforChildDevelopment,NationalTechnicalAssistanceCenterforChildren’sMentalHealth.

determiningthetypesandmixofservicesandsupportsprovided.

2. Communitybased,withthelocusofservicesaswellassystemmanagementrestingwithinasupportive,adaptiveinfrastructureofstructures,processes,andrelationshipsatthecommunitylevel.

3. Culturallyandlinguisticallycompetent,withagencies,programsandservicesthatreflectthecultural,racial,ethnicandlinguisticdifferencesofthepopulationstheyservetofacilitateaccesstoandutilizationofappropriateservicesandsupportsandtoeliminatedisparitiesincare.

Guiding Principles

Systemsofcarearedesignedto:

1. Ensureavailabilityandaccesstoabroad,flexiblearrayofeffective,community-basedservicesandsupportsforchildrenandtheirfamiliesthataddresstheiremotional,social,educationalandphysicalneeds,includingtraditionalandnontraditionalservicesaswellasnaturalandinformalsupports.

2. Provideindividualizedservicesinaccordancewiththeuniquepotentialsandneedsofeachchildandfamily,guidedbyastrengths-based,wraparoundserviceplanningprocessandanindividualizedserviceplandevelopedintruepartnershipwiththechildandfamily.

3. Ensurethatservicesandsupportsincludeevidence-informedandpromisingpractices,aswellasinterventionssupportedbypractice-basedevidence,toensuretheeffectivenessofservicesandimproveoutcomesforchildrenandtheirfamilies.

4. Deliverservicesandsupportswithintheleastrestrictive,mostnormativeenvironmentsthatareclinicallyappropriate.

5. Ensurethatfamilies,othercaregivers,andyoutharefullpartnersinallaspectsoftheplanninganddeliveryoftheirownservicesandinthepoliciesandproceduresthatgoverncareforallchildrenandyouthin


theircommunity,state,territory,tribe,andnation.

6. Ensurethatservicesareintegratedatthesystemlevel,withlinkagesbetweenchild-servingagenciesandprogramsacrossadministrativeandfundingboundariesandmechanismsforsystem-levelmanagement,coordination and integrated care management.

7. Providecaremanagementorsimilarmechanismsatthepracticeleveltoensurethatmultipleservicesaredeliveredinacoordinatedandtherapeuticmannerandthatchildrenandtheirfamiliescanmovethroughthesystemofservicesinaccordancewiththeirchangingneeds.

8. Providedevelopmentallyappropriatebehavioralhealthservicesandsupportsthatpromoteoptimalsocial-emotionaloutcomesforyoungchildrenandtheirfamiliesintheirhomesandcommunitysettings.

9. Providedevelopmentallyappropriateservicesandsupportstofacilitatethetransitionofyouthtoadulthoodandtotheadultservicessystemasneeded.

10.Incorporateorlinkwithbehavioralhealthpromotion,prevention,andearlyidentificationandinterventioninordertoimprovelong-termoutcomes,includingmechanismstoidentifyproblemsatanearlierstageandbehavioralhealthpromotionandpreventionactivitiesdirectedatallchildrenandadolescents.

11.Incorporatecontinuousaccountabilityandqualityimprovementmechanismstotrack,monitor,andmanagetheachievementofsystemofcaregoals;fidelitytothesystemofcarephilosophy;andquality,effectiveness,andoutcomesatthesystemlevel,practicelevel,andchildandfamilylevel.

12.Protecttherightsofchildrenandfamiliesandpromoteeffectiveadvocacyefforts.

13.Provideservicesandsupportswithoutregardtorace,religion,nationalorigin,gender,

genderexpression,sexualorientation,physicaldisability,socio-economicstatus,geography,language,immigrationstatus,orothercharacteristics,andensurethatservicesaresensitiveandresponsivetothesedifferences.viii

Organization of the Core CompetenciesThecompetencieshavebeendevelopedtofitNewHampshire’suniqueculturalcontextandservicedeliverysystem.Thedomainsareconsistentwiththoseincompetencydocumentsfromotherstates,andareconsideredcriticaltothedeliveryofhighqualitybehavioralhealthservicesandsupportstochildren,youth,andfamilies.Thecompetenciesareorganizedwithinthefollowingstructureofdescendingspecificity:

1.CompetencyDomains

• Levels(Foundational,Intermediate,Advanced)

• SubheadingsorSub-domains:

• CompetencyKnowledgeStatements

• Competencies:Statementsthatreflectspecificskills

The Domains

ThesevenCompetencydomainsreflecttheprimarycontentareasfortheknowledgeandskillsthatareknowntobecriticalinthedeliveryofservicesinthechildren’sbehavioralhealthfield.Theskillsinonedomainmayberelatedtoskillsinotherdomains.Thesedomainshavebeenadaptedfromcompetencyframeworksinotherstates.Thesevendomainsare:

1. FamilyDrivenandYouthGuidedPractice—Thesecompetenciesspecifythatservicesandsupportsarefocusedonthestrengthsandneedsoffamiliesandtheirchildren.

viiiStroul,B.,Blau,G.,&Friedman,R.(2010).Updating the system of care concept and philosophy.Washington,DC:GeorgetownUniversityCenterforChildandHumanDevelopment,NationalTechnicalAssistanceCenterforChildren’sMentalHealth.


2. CulturalandLinguisticCompetence—Thesecompetenciesstresstheneedforknowledgeandskillsthatshowrespectforandservicesthatsupportfamiliesfromallcircumstancesincludingthosefromdiverseracial,ethnic,andlinguisticbackgrounds.

3. ChildhoodDevelopmentandDisorders—Thesecompetenciesaddresstheneedforknowledgeandskillsintheareasofhealthychilddevelopmentandcharacteristicsofdevelopmentalproblemsanddysfunction.

4. Screening,AssessmentandReferral—Thesecompetenciesaddresstheskillsandknowledgeneededtoeffectivelyidentifythebehavioralhealthneedsofchildrenandyouth.

5. TreatmentPlanning,InterventionsandServiceDelivery—Thesecompetenciesaddresstheskillsandknowledgenecessarytoprovideeffectivebehavioralhealthinterventions,services,andsupportstochildren,youthandfamilies.

6. SystemsKnowledgeandCollaboration—Thisareaaddressestheskillsforeffectivecollaborationandknowledgeofcriticalpublic,private,andcommunitysupports.

7. QualityImprovement,ProfessionalismandEthics—Thesecompetenciesaddresstheworkhabits,skills,andknowledgerequiredtobemosteffectiveinprovidingservicesandsupportstochildren,youth,andfamilies.

The Levels

Thecompetenciesareorganizedbylevelsofknowledgeandskillsineachdomain.Therearethreelevels-Foundational,Intermediate,andAdvanced-thataredesignedtoidentifytheskilllevelofpractitionersandassistindividualstaffinreflectingonstrengths,interestsandprofessionaldevelopmentneedsandgoals.Thelevelsarefluidandarenotspecificallytiedtocertaineducationalattainmentorpositiontitles.Forexample,aBachelor’slevelstaffpersonmightanadvancedratingin“CulturalandLinguisticCompetence”butmightself-assessashavingfoundationalcompetenciesin“Screening,

Assessment,&Referral”;theperson’sskillsinCulturalCompetencewouldqualifyhimorhertomentororsupportotherstaffmembersinthatarea.Thelevelsare:

1. Foundational—Thesecompetenciesrepresentthebasicknowledgeandskillsneededbyallindividualswhoprovideservicesandsupportstochildren,youthandfamilies.

2. Intermediate—Thesecompetenciesreflecttheskillsandknowledgeofindividualswhohaveresponsibilityfortheprovisionofservices,includingtreatmentplanningandworkingwithchildren,youth,andfamiliestomakedecisionsaboutinterventionsandsupports.

3. Advanced—Thesecompetenciesreflecttheskillsandknowledgeofindividualswhosuperviseandteachothershowtoimplementinterventions.Individualswithadvancedskillsalsomonitorthequalityofpractice,andleadothersinchildren’sbehavioralhealthsystemsandcommunitychange.

Thecompetenciesineachdomainincludeknowledgecompetencieswiththecorrespondingskillcompetencieslistedbeneatheachknowledgecompetency.Thishasbeendonetoreflecttheneedforunderstandingtheoryandconceptsandbeingabletodemonstratethatunderstandinginpractice.

Target Workforce These professional competencies are intended to guidethepreparationandongoingprofessionaldevelopmentofbothdirectserviceandsupervisorystaffinNewHampshire’sbehavioralhealthsystem.Thefocusisonsupportingchildrenandyouthandtheirfamilies.

Use of the Core CompetenciesThecompetenciescanbeusedto:

• Createconsistencyandcontinuityofchildren’sbehavioralhealthservicesthroughoutthestate.


• Createmoreconsistentandefficienttrainingforstaff.

• Createasystemtoevaluateindividualstaffcompetenciesandcreateaproactiveprofessionaldevelopmentplanningprocessforeachstaffmember.

• Improveoutcomesforchildren,youthandfamilies.

• Improvequalityofcarebyprovidingthetrainingandsupportsystemsneededbychildren’sbehavioralhealthproviders.

• Provideleadershipforchildren’sbehavioralhealthinourcommunitiesandthestate.

• Ensureretentionofwelltrained,effectivestaff.

• Providebettersupportanddevelopmentforprovidersinthechildren’sbehavioralhealthsystem.

• Beresponsivetothebehavioralhealthneedsofchildren,youthandfamilies.

• Effectivelycommunicatethemissionandservicesprovidedbythechildren’sbehavioralhealthsystemtostakeholders.

• PromoteandsupportSystemofCarevaluesandprinciplesandtheirintegrationintopractice.

Whileallofthesecompetenciesmaybeusedinvarioussettingsalongthechildren’sbehavioralhealthservicecontinuum,itisveryunlikelythatanyonepersonhas—orthatanyonepositionmakesuseof—allthecompetenciesineitheradomainorlevel.Thefullarrayofcompetencieswilllikelybeevidentonlywhenlookingatawholeprogramorcommunityteam.Onacontinuum,hiringagenciesandsupervisorsshoulddeterminewhichcompetencydomainsandlevelstheyrequireforparticularpositions.ix

ixNewHampshireAssociationforInfantMentalHealth.(2011).New Hampshire’s Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Competencies: A Framework for Professional Development for those Working with Children Under Six and their Families.http://www.nhaimh.org/manager/external/ckfinder/userfiles/files/ECFMHC%20w%20DPlan%20and%20SATool.pdf

Workforcecompetencydocumentscanbeusedforavarietyofpurposes.Theycanbeusedtoassesslearningneedsofstudents,employees,andwholeprogramsorteams.Theycanbeusedtodeveloporevaluateprofessionaldevelopmentcurricula,orasatoolforsupervisionandmentoringsupport.x

Itisourplantousethesecompetenciesforworkforcedevelopment,includingassessingthecurrentworkforcestrengthsandneedstodeveloptrainingandcoachingoptionsthataddressareasofneedandsustainareasofstrength,andtoembedthecompetenciesinpre-serviceprogramsandcourseworkthatindividualsmayaccesstomeetlicensingrequirements.

xId.


Core Competencies by DomainFamily Driven and Youth Guided Practice

Professionalstaffworkinginchildren’sbehavioralhealthmustpossessconsiderableknowledgeandskillinthedomainoffamily-drivenandyouth-guidedcare.Thisdomainincludestheknowledgeandskillsrequiredtopromoteaculturewithinanagencyororganizationthatdemonstratesinbothclinicalpracticesandadministrativepolicyadeliberate,organizedprocesstoengagefamilies,children,andyouthatalllevelsinameaningfulway.Byembeddingtheknowledgeandskillsofafamily-drivenandyouth-guidedsystemofcareapproachintopractice,professionalstaffwillsupportthesocialandemotionaldevelopmentofchildren,youthandtheirfamilies.

Foundational Level Competencies

A. Engagement & Partnering

Understandstheimportanceofpartneringasequalswithyouthandfamilies.

UnderstandsFamilyDrivenandYouthGuidedSystemsofCare,including:1)familyastheexpertsontheirchild;2)familyasequalpartners;3)families’culturalpreferences;4)strengthsandneedsofthefamily;5)partnershipatalllevels(individualfamily,policy,community).

1. Effectivelyengagestheyouth(asdevelopmentallyappropriate)andfamilyasequalpartnersindecisionmakingandimplementationprocess.

2. Recognizesthestrengths,competencies,andneedsoftheyouthandfamilyindeterminingsupportsandservices.

3. Respectsandacknowledgestheperspectivesoftheyouthandfamilyaboutwhatisneededandwhatworksbestevenwhenitcontradictstraditionaltreatmentmodels.

4. Respectsandincludesthedreamsandgoalsofeachchild,youthandfamilyinservices

andsupportsevenwhenteammembershavedifferentopinionsaboutwhethertheyarerealisticpossibilities.

5. Providesopportunitiesforsuccessandbuildingresilience.

6. Providesrelevantinformationanddatatoyouthandfamilytoassistthemindecisionmaking.

7. Practicesopen,honest,sensitivecommunicationskillsusingjargon-freelanguage.

8. Supportstheyouthandfamily’seffortstodirecttheirowncare.

9. Jointlysetsgoalsanddesiredoutcomesfortreatmentwiththeyouthandfamily.

10.Includestheyouthandfamilyinmonitoringthetreatmentplan.

11.Assiststheyouthandfamilytounderstandtheirrightsandresponsibilitiesinthetreatmentprocess.

12.Explainstheagencygrievancepolicytoyouthandfamiliesandensuresthatallfamiliesunderstandthemannerinwhichgrievancescanbeaddressed.

B. Leadership

Understandstheimportanceofyouthandfamiliesasequalpartnersandleadersinorganizationalorsystemschangeefforts.

13.Sharesinformationaboutyouthandfamilyleadershiptrainingandsupportstheirparticipation.

14.Promotesandencouragesyouthandfamiliestoprovideinput,feedbackandparticipateinagency/organizationpolicy/programdecisionmaking.

15.Linksyouthandfamilywithleadershiptrainingopportunities.

Intermediate Level Competencies

A. Engagement and Partnering


Knowshowtodeliverdifficultinformationinawaythatisrespectfuloffamilies.

Understandshowtointegratetheprinciples,values,andphilosophyoffamily-drivenandyouth-guidedsupportsintopractice.

1. Modelshowtoprovidethefamily-drivenandyouth-guidedapproach.

2. Includesyouthandfamilyvoice,includingtheirexpressedgoals,needs,andstrengths,inthedevelopment,monitoring,andmodificationofthetreatmentplan.

3. Effectivelymaintainsengagementwithyouthandfamilywhenapproachingareasoftreatmentthatmaypresentasthreateningand/oremotionallysensitive.

4. Developsnewideasandsolutionstomeetthechallengesofengagingandpartneringwithyouthandfamiliesinthetreatmentprocess.

B. Leadership

Understandstheimportanceofyouthandfamilymemberstakingleadershiprolesinsystemschangeandserviceevaluationefforts.

5. Identifiesandencouragesfamilyandyouthtoassumeleadershiproles.

6. Ensuresatanorganizationallevelthatfamiliesandyouthareidentifiedtoprovideinputandfeedbacktoagencypoliciesandpractice,andthatthereisaprocessinplacetosupportthemtodoso.

Advanced Level Competencies


Understandsthevalueofengagingandpartneringwithfamiliesandyouthatalllevelswithinthesystem.

1. Createsacollaborativecultureintheorganizationbetweenfamiliesandprofessionals.

2. Trainsandsupervisesstafftoensurethatfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedvaluesandprinciplesareintegratedintotheirpractice.

B. Leadership

Understandsandisversedincurrentpractices,research,andliteratureaboutfamilyandyouthpartnershipsandleadershippracticesandtrainingopportunities.

3. Teachespartneringskillsandprovidesongoingcoachingtostaffinfamilyandyouthleadership.

4. Engagesfamiliesindevelopingandimplementingqualityimprovementprocesseswithintheagency/programs.

5. Advocatesforfamiliesandyouthtohaveauthenticinfluenceasmembersofagency/programboardsandcommittees.

6. Createsopportunitiesforyouthtohaveavoiceinthedevelopmentandimplementation of policy and practice withintheagency/programs.

7. Connectsfamiliesandyouthwiththestatewidefamily/youthorganizationstoengageinsystemchangeworkonthestateandfederallevel.

8. Providesopportunitiesforstaff,youth,andfamiliestoreceivetrainingtobuildfamily/youthandleadershipskillsandopportunities.

Cultural and Linguistic Competence

Professionalstaffworkinginchildren’sbehavioralhealthmustpossessconsiderableknowledgeandskillinthedomainofculturalandlinguisticcompetence.Culturalandlinguisticcompetenceisoneofthevaluesofsystemsofcare.CulturalCompetenceisdefinedas“theintegrationofknowledge,informationanddataaboutindividualsandgroupsofpeopleintoclinicalstandards,skills,serviceapproachesandsupports,policies,measuresandbenchmarksthatalignwiththeindividual’sorgroup’scultureandincreasesthequality,appropriatenessandacceptabilityofhealthcareandoutcomes”.


(Cross,etal.,1989)LinguisticCompetenceisdefinedas“thecapacityofanorganizationanditspersonneltocommunicateeffectivelyandconveyinformationinamannerthatiseasilyunderstoodbydiverseaudiencesincludingthoseoflimitedEnglishproficiency,thosewhohavelowliteracyskillsorarenotliterate,andindividualswithdisabilities”.(Goode&Jones,2004)


A. Engagement and Communication

Understandstheimportanceofresponding,communicatingandengagingeffectivelywitheachfamilyandchildgiventheirculturalhistories,experiences,currentcircumstances,routines,preferences,andvalues.

1. Demonstratesrespectfulandsensitiveresponsestoeachchild,youth,andfamilygiventheiruniquecultureandexperiences.

2. Engageseachchild,youth,andfamilybasedupontheiruniquelifeexperiencesanddevelopmentalchanges.

3. Developsandprovidesinformationandresourcesthatvalueculturalandlinguisticdiversity,includinghowtoaccessinterpreterswhennecessary.

4. Appliesanunderstandingandappreciationofculturalandlinguisticdiversityinallaspectsofpractice.

5. Effectivelyengageswithfamiliesandyouthfromvariousculturaltraditions.

B. English as a Second Language and Low Literacy Skills

UnderstandshowtorecognizelowliteracyskillsandlimitedEnglishproficiencyamongfamilies,children,andadolescents.

6. Accuratelyrecognizestheneedandseekssupporttofindtranslatorsforfamilies,children,andyouthwhohavelimitedEnglishproficiency.

7. Accuratelyrecognizesandseekssupportforfamilies,children,andyouthwhomayhavelowliteracyskills.

C. Social Justice

Understandsthedifferenttypesofbarriersthatfamiliesmayfaceandhowthosebarriersrelatetoafamilyandchild’sviewsofbehavioralhealthandoverallworldviews.

8. Interactswithfamiliesandchildreninamannerthatshowsrespect,sensitivity,andempathy.

9. Demonstratesanon-judgmentalapproachtoallfamiliesandchildren.

D. Best Practices

Hasknowledgeofculturallyresponsivepracticeandthelimitationsofcommonlyusedbehavioralhealthpractices.

10.Workswitheverychildandfamilytoidentifytheirpriorities,strengths,andneeds.

11.Utilizesinterventionsthatareappropriatetothechild’s,youth’sandfamily’scultureandexperiences.



Understandsthearrayofculturallydiversepopulations,toincluderace,ethnicity,creed,gender,sexualidentity,disability,andfinancialstatusandunderstandstheattitudes,barriers,andbiasesthatimpacttheirengagement.

1. Engageseachchild,youth,andfamilywithrespecttoculturalandlinguisticdifferencesinthecontextofeachindividual’sandfamily’sbeliefsandvalues.

2. Respondsappropriatelytoverbalandnon-verbalcommunication,anddemonstratesculturallyspecificsignsofrespect...

3. Engagesandcommunicateseffectivelywitheachfamilyaboutbehavioralhealthandwellnessandthebehavioralhealthservicesystem.



Understandstheimportanceofandknowsthecommunity-basedresourcestoassistthefamily,childoradolescentwhomayhavedifficultycommunicatinginEnglishorwhohaslowliteracyskills.

4. ObtainsEnglishtranslationservicesforfamilies,children,andyouthwhoneedit.

5. Obtainssupportstoassistfamilies,children,andyouthwhohavelowliteracyskills.

6. Understandsthelegalrequirementsforaccommodatingindividualswhorequireinterpreters,alternateformsofcommunication,etc.

C. Social Justice

Knowstheresourcesavailabletoassistfamilieswithissuesrelatedtodiscriminationand/orprejudice.

7. Advocatesonbehalfofculturallyandlinguisticallydiversechildren,youth,andfamiliestoensurefullaccesstosupportandservicesintheircommunities.

Understandsthecurrentsocio-politicalandsocio-culturalenvironmentinrelationtochild,youthandfamilywell-beingfromvariousculturesandexperiences.

8. Developsinformationandcreatesanenvironmentthatpromotesunderstandingoftheneedsofculturallyandlinguisticallydiversefamilies.

9. Effectivelyarticulatestheneedsofindividualswhoarefacedwithchallengingsocio-politicalandsocio-culturalcircumstances.

D. Best Practices

Knowsoftheculturallyandlinguisticallyappropriateservicesintheregionandstate.

10.Refersfamiliestoappropriateculturalandlinguisticservicesgiventheneedsoffamiliesandtheirchildren.

11.Linksthefamilytoresourceswithinthefamily’sculturalcommunity



Understandsandcompilescurrentinformationaboutthevalues,traditions,androutinesofculturallydiversepopulations.

1. Developsandsharesinformationaboutculturally-specificresourceswithco-workers.

2. Refersco-workerstoappropriateinformationandresourceswhenrequested.

3. Trainsinternalandexternalstaffandpartnersonculturally-sensitiveandculturally-specificpracticesandinterventions.

B. Social Justice

Knowsandunderstandsallstateandfederallegislation,regulationsandmandatesthataddresshuman,civil,andclientrights.

4. Consultswithpeersandstaffaboutissuesrelatedtoinstitutionalizeddiscriminationanddisadvantage.

5. Promotesgreaterinclusion,supportiveservices,andaccesstoopportunitiesforculturallyandlinguisticallydiversechildren,youthandfamilieswithbehavioralhealthconcernsattheagency,community,andstatelevels.

C. Best Practices

Understandshowtoreflectonone’spersonalbehaviorsandactionsthataresensitiveto,andrespectfulof,culturallydiversepopulations.

6. Teachesotherseffectivetechniquesfortheassessmentandengagementofindividualsandfamiliesfromculturallyandlinguisticallydiversebackgrounds.

7. Appropriatelycorrectsothers’insensitivityordisrespecttoculturallydiversepopulationsand/orvalues.


Childhood Development and Disorders

Professionalstaffworkinginchildren’sbehavioralhealthmustpossessconsiderableknowledgeandskillinthedomainofchilddevelopmentanddisorders.Thisdomainincludestheskillsandknowledgeneededtounderstandthemajortheoriesofandfactorsthataffectpositivechildandadolescentgrowthanddevelopment,includingtheimportanceofpositiveadult/childrelationships.Professionalsshouldunderstandsocial,emotional,andbraindevelopmentandtheeffectofenvironmentandindividualtemperamentonthechild’srelationships,communication,andbehavior.Professionalsshouldhaveknowledgeofthementalhealthdiagnosesandtheunderlyingcausesandmanifestationsofdisordersinchildrenandadolescents in order to design and implement positivestrategiestoassistthechildandfamily.


A. Child and Adolescent Development

Understandsthebasicmilestonesofchildandadolescentdevelopment.

1. Recognizesthecharacteristicsandbenchmarksofatypically-developingchildoryouth.

2. Identifiessignificantindicatorsofpotentialdevelopmentproblemsorchallenges.

Knowsmajortheoriesofchildandadolescentdevelopment.

3. Recognizesandrespondseffectivelytoeachchild’sandyouth’sdevelopmentaldifferences.

Understandstheimportanceofcognitivedevelopmentinchildrenandadolescents.

4. Appliesknowledgeofcognitivedevelopmenttoworkwithchildren,youthandfamilies.

B. Childhood Disorders

Understandsthecommonbehavioraldisordersofchildhoodandadolescence(aspercurrent

editionoftheDiagnosticandStatisticalManual).

5. Matchesthedevelopmentandimplementationofstrategiestothechild’soryouth’sstrengthsandneeds.

Understandsthegeneralcharacteristicsofchildhooddisorders.

6. Recognizesareasofconcernregardingpotential symptoms or disorders and discusseswithsupervisor.

Understandsthatmultiplefactorsthatimpacttheneedsofchildrenandyouthwithemotional/behavioralchallenges.

7. Accuratelyidentifiestheenvironmental,historical,andculturalfactorsthatmaybeimpactingthestrengthsandneedsofthechild,youthandfamily.

C. Substance Use

Understandscommonindicatorsofsubstanceuseandabuseinfamiliesandyouthsandthepotentialadverseimpactsuponchildandadolescentdevelopment.

8. Recognizessituationswhensubstanceusemaybepresentandmayaffectchildoryouthandseekssupervision.

9. Recognizessituationswhentheadverseimpactofalcoholandsubstanceusemaybepresentduringpregnancyandseeksconsultationwithsupervisor.



Understandstheinterplaybetweenthemilestonesofandthespecificenvironmental,community,andindividualfactorsthataffectchildandadolescentdevelopment.

1. Effectivelycommunicatesinformationaboutthemilestonesofchildandadolescentdevelopmenttofamiliestohelpthembettermeettheirchild’ssocial/emotionalneeds.


Understandshowtraumacanaffectcognitiveandoverallchildandyouthdevelopment.

2. Incorporatesknowledgeoftraumaandotherenvironmentalfactorsinassessmentandtreatmentplanning.

3. Identifies,provides,andreferschildandfamilytoappropriateadditionalsupportsandservicestoaddresseachchild’sdevelopmentalneeds.

4 Incorporatesinformationaboutchildandadolescentbrain/cognitive/emotionaldevelopmentandindividualassessmentintothedevelopmentofthetreatmentplan.


Understandsthecharacteristicsandmanifestationsofchildandadolescentbehavioralanddevelopmentaldisorders.

5. Effectivelycommunicateswiththechild,youth,familyandteammembersinformationaboutthechild’sdisorderandtreatmentbaseduponstrengthsandneeds.

Understandsthecharacteristicsandmarkersofadultmentalillnessesthatmaysurfaceinadolescence.

6. Providessupportandengagesandcommunicateseffectivelywithyouthandfamilytoensureaseamlesstransitiontoadulthood.

7. Assistswiththeadultdiagnosticprocessandeffectivelyengagesandcommunicateswithyouthandfamilywhenthereisaconcernthatanadultmentalorbehavioralhealthissueisemerging.

C. Substance Use

Understandsthemajortheoriesofaddictionandhowsubstanceuseimpactschildandadolescentdevelopment.

8. Engagesandcommunicateswiththeyouthandfamilywhenthereisaconcernaboutsubstanceuse.

9. Incorporatestheyouthandfamily’sneedsandstrengthsrelatedtosubstanceuseandabuseintotreatmentplan.

10.Provideseducationandengagesyouthandfamilyindiscussionsabouttheadverseimpactofalcoholandsubstanceuseduringpregnancyorwhenparenting,includingthenegativeeffectsonchilddevelopment.



Possessesadvancedandin-depthknowledgeofthemilestonesofhealthychildandadolescentcognitive/brainandsocial/emotionaldevelopment.

1. Supervisesandtrainsstafftousedevelopmentallyappropriatepracticesandinterventionstrategiestosupportandaddressthechild’sandyouth’sdevelopmentneedsandstrengths.

2. Supervisesandtrainsstaffintheimplementationoftreatmentplansthatsupporthealthydevelopmentbasedonanunderstandingofcognitive/braindevelopmentandthechild’s,youth’sandfamily’sneedsandstrengths.


Possessesadvancedandin-depthknowledgeofchildhoodandyouthdisorders.

3. Supervisesandtrainsstaffinthedevelopmentandimplementationoftreatmentplansbasedonthechild’sandyouth’sneeds,strengths,andthoseofthefamily.

4. Providesconsultationtostaffmembersregardingfindingsthatarecontrarytohealthychildandyouthdevelopmentandsupervisesstaffthataredevelopingstrategiestoaddressneeds.

5. Providesconsultationtostaffmembersandcommunityagencycolleaguesonusingknowledgeofchildandyouthdisorderstoeffectivelyengagechild,youth,andfamily.


C. Substance Use

Hasknowledgeoftheelementsandfeaturesofspecificevidence-informedsubstanceusedisordertreatments.

6. Providestrainingtostaffinsubstanceusedisordersandtheiradverseimpactsonchildandyouthdevelopment.

7. Providestrainingandsupervisiontostaffmembersoneffectivetreatmentsandresearch-supportedpracticesforsubstanceusepreventionandintervention.

Screening, Assessment and Referral

Professionalstaffworkinginchildren’sbehavioralhealthmustpossessconsiderableknowledgeandskillinthedomainofscreening,assessmentandreferral.Screeningandassessmentreferstotheinitialandongoingprocessofdeterminingtheuniqueandchangingneedsandstrengthsofchildrenandfamiliestoensuretheyareprovidedthemosteffectivecarethroughouttreatmenttoachievedesiredoutcomes.Thisprocessmayalsoprovidedataforprogramdevelopmentandsystemimprovementinitiatives.


A. Behavioral Health Assessment and Access

Understandsthereferral,intake,andeligibilitydeterminationprocessforbehavioralhealthservicesandhasabasicunderstandingoftheagency’sservicearray.

1. Explainsthereferralandintakeandeligibilityprocesstoaparentorothercaregiver,youth,and/orcommunitymember.

2. Identifiesfamilyneedsandstrengths,aspartofateamwithchildren,youth,andfamilies.

3. Collaborateswithateam,includingyouthandfamilies,intheprocessofongoingassessment.

4. Integratesexistingclinicalandfunctionalassessmentstosupportongoingworkwithchild,youth,andfamily.

5. Identifiesandreferschildren,youth,andtheirfamilymemberswithneedsoutsidethecenter’sareaand/orlevelofexpertisetotheappropriateagenciesandsupports.

B. Safety and Risk Assessment/Screening and Management

Understandspotentialdangertoselforothers,includingsuicide,self-harm,homicideandotherriskandwarningsigns,andhowtorespondappropriately.

6. Respondstoriskandsafetysituationsinatimelyandappropriatemanner,withsupervision.

Knowstheriskandwarningsignalsthatmaythreatenachild’s,youth’sorfamily’shealthandwell-being.

7. Articulatesthespecificcharacteristics,warningsigns,behaviors,andriskfactorsthatmaythreatenthehealthandsafetyofchildren,youthandfamilies.

Understandstherelationshipbetweenbehavioralhealthandgeneralhealthandwellness.

8. Workswithfamilytoidentifygeneralhealthcareneeds.

9. Identifiesinstanceswhenthechildmayneedotherhealthservicesanddiscusseswithsupervisortodevelopaplanofaction

Understandsthemandatoryreporterrequirementsforabuseandneglectandknowshowtoreportaccordingtothelawandtheprocess.

10.Reportsinstancesofsuspectedabuseorneglectaccordingtothestatedprocessandthestatelaw.

11.Communicateswithfamily/caregiveraboutthemandatoryreportingprocesswhilemaintainingfamilyengagement.

Understandstheimpactoftrauma,abuseandneglectonthechildandfamily.


12.Identifiessignsoftrauma,abuseandneglectonthechildandfamilyandreportstotheproperauthority,withsupervisorysupport.

UnderstandstheEmergencyServicesandtheInvoluntaryEmergencyAdmissions(IEA)process.

13.ReferstoEmergencyServicesandgivesinformationtoenableassessment,inconsultationwithteamandsupervisor.

14.Explainstheemergencyservicesprocesstofamiliesorcaregiversandsupportsthemthroughtheprocess.

Understandsfactorsandriskrelatedtodomesticviolence–howitimpactsthefamilyandsafetyissues.

15.ReferstodomesticviolenceagenciesandtopoliceandDCYF,asappropriate.

Understandsandcanassesssafetyinthecommunity.

16.Assessesriskinthecommunityandusesthisinformationincommunity-basedwork.

Knowsthetechniquestoreduceriskincommunitybasedwork.

17.Takesstepstoavoidsituationswhereriskmaybepresent.

Knowledgeofsubstanceuseincludingimpactonyouthandthefamily.

18.Identifiessignsofsubstanceuseandmakestheappropriatereferrals.

Intermediate Level


Understandsthatassessmentisanongoingprocesstoevaluatetheuniqueneedsandstrengthsofeachchild,youth,andfamily.

1. Continuouslyassesses,usingastrengths-based,family/childcenteredapproach,thechangingneedsofthechild,youth,andfamilyandmodifiestheindividualizedserviceplanasneeded.

2. Synthesizesinformationfromavarietyofsourcestodevelopanaccurateassessment.

3. Communicatesassessmentresultsandrecommendationseffectivelytochildren,families,membersoftheclinicalteamandothercaregivers,inbothoralandwrittenformats.

Knowshowtoadministertheformalassessmenttoolsthatareutilizedbythestateorlocalcommunitybehavioralhealthsystemfordeterminingeligibilityandoutcomes.

4. Utilizesandimplements,withfidelity,theapprovedformalandinformalassessmenttoolsforeligibility.

5. Usesformalassessmenttoolsanddataforclarifyingdiagnosticissues,foridentifyingcasemanagementneeds,andtorefertoevidenceinformedtreatmentinterventionsorrefertotheappropriateexpert.

KnowshowtoutilizethecurrentDiagnosticandStatisticalManual(DSM)usedtodeterminemulti-axialdiagnoses.

6. UsestheDSMtodevelopanaccuratediagnosis.

7. UtilizestheDSMandeffectivelycommunicatesfindingswithfamilies,clinicalstaff,managedcareandgovernmentalagencies,asneeded.

Knowshowtosynthesizeassessmentinformationintoaconciseclinicalformulation.

8. Writesaneffective,usable,readable,clinicalformulationthatincludesfamilystrengths,needs,culturalfactors,andgoals.


Possessesathoroughunderstandingofdepression,includingwarningsigns,symptoms,prevalence,myths,risksandprotectivefactors.

9. Accuratelyidentifiesdepressionorotherconditionsthatmayputthechildoryouthatrisk.


10.Conductssuicideandotherassessmentsofhighriskscreeningsanddesignstimelyreferralsandinterventions.

Knowshowtoidentifyandrespondtorequestsforsafetyassessments.

11.Respondstoemergencysituations,accordingtothepoliciesandproceduresregardingdomesticviolence,trauma,substanceuseestablishedbytheorganization.Supportsfamiliesthroughouttheprocess.

12.Effectivelycoordinatescrisisresponsewithfamilies,clinicalteammembers,emergencyservices,hospitalemergencyroomsandinpatientfacilities.

UnderstandsandhashadexperiencewiththeInvoluntaryEmergencyAdmission(IEA)process.

13.SupportsfamiliesandthechildoryouththroughtheIEAprocess.

Possessesathoroughunderstandingofdomesticviolence,traumaandsubstanceuseandtheimpactonchildandfamilydevelopment.

14.Accuratelyidentifiessituationsthatincludepossibledomesticviolence,trauma,andsubstanceuse.

15.Developsandrevisestreatmentplansandmaintainseffectivetreatmentrelationshipswithfamilieswhoarereportedforsuspicionsofabuseorneglect.

UnderstandsthedetailsofmandatoryreportingofSentinelandHighProfileevents.

16.FollowsestablishedorganizationalpoliciesandproceduresforreportingSentinelandHighprofileeventstotheBureauofBehavioralHealth.

Knowstheriskfactorsassociatedwiththepotentialfordangerousorviolentbehavior.

17.Followspoliciesandproceduresonhowtoevaluate,respondtoandreportpossibledangeroussituations,includingdutytowarn.



Hasextensiveknowledgeandexpertiseinprovidingcomprehensivebehavioralhealthassessmentstochildrenandfamilieswiththemost complex needs across a broad range of behavioral,developmental,anddiagnosticcategories.

1. Trainsandsupervisesstaffonhowtoprovidecomprehensivebehavioralhealthscreenings.

2. Providesconsultationtohelpidentifyandresolvedifferentpointsofviewabouthowbesttounderstandandassistchildrenandfamilieswiththemostcomplexneeds.

HasextensiveknowledgeandexperiencewiththeDiagnosticandStatisticalManual(DSM)utilizedtodeterminemulti-axialdiagnoses.

3. TrainsandsupervisesstaffonhowtousetheDSM.

4. Engagesandcommunicateswithfamilies,staffmembersandotherstakeholdersaboutdiagnosticfactors.

Hasthoroughknowledgeaboutstateandfederalrulesandregulationswhichimpacttheassessmentprocess,includingmasteryofanytoolsthataremandatedfordeterminingeligibilityandoutcomesandfidelityofimplementation.

5. Providessupervision,training,andconsultationtostaffusingrequiredassessmenttools.


Hasextensiveknowledgeandexperiencewithyouthdepression,domesticviolence,traumaandsubstanceuse.

6. Providessupervision,training,andconsultationtostaffinsymptomsandassessmentsforyouthdepression,domesticviolence,trauma,andsubstanceuse.


7. Providessupervision,trainingandconsultationtostaffmembersandotherstakeholdersinriskassessmentandmanagement.

Possessesextensiveknowledgeandexperienceinprovidingsafetyassessments,includingmasteryofrulesandregulationsregardingcriteriaforadmissiontoNewHampshireHospital.

8. Servesasaresourcetostaffregardingtheneedforhigherlevelsofcaretoaddresssafetyneeds(suchashospitalization)andmayfacilitatetheprocess.

9. Trainsandsupervisesstafftorecognizetheneedforhigherlevelsofcareandhowtofacilitatetheadmissions/applicationprocess.

HasthoroughknowledgeandexperienceregardingthemandatoryreportingofsuspicionsofchildabuseandneglectandSentinelandHighProfileevents,includingessentialknowledgeofstatelawsandadministrativerules.

10.Followsandservesasaresourceforstaffregardingtheagencyprotocolformandatoryreportingandothertypesofhighprofileevents.

Hasextensiveknowledgeandexperienceinassessingthepotentialfordangerousorviolentbehavior,aswellashowthesefactorsmayimpactthelocationwhereservicesareprovided.

11.Providesconsultationandsupervisiontostaffinhighrisksituations.

Treatment Planning, Interventions and Service Delivery

Professionalstaffworkinginchildren’sbehavioralhealthmustpossessconsiderableknowledgeandskillinthedomainoftreatmentplanning,interventionsandservicedelivery.Thisdomainreferstotheskillsandknowledgenecessarytodevelop,implement,monitorandrevisetreatmentplans,andtoprovidehighqualitybehavioralhealthservicestochildren,youth,andtheirfamiliesbasedupontheirneeds.Treatmentprovidersneedtobeknowledgeableofandskilledintheuseofevidence-based,evidence-

informed,professionally-acceptedandeffectivebehavioralhealthstrategiesandpracticesintheirworkwithchildrenandfamilies.

Foundational Level

A. Treatment Planning

Understandsthevaluesandprinciplesoffamily-drivenandyouth-guidedcareandhowtheyareintegratedintoallaspectsofthetreatmentprocess.

Knowsbasictreatmentmodalitiesandtheapplicationofeach(knowswhattheyareandwhotheyarefor).

1. Describesapproachesandmodelsforindividualtherapy,familytherapy,group,therapeuticbehavioralsupports,familysupport,casemanagement,andcrisismanagement.

Understandstheimportance,purpose,andstructureofthetreatmentplanningprocess.

2. Formulatesmeasurablegoals.

3. Usesthetreatmentplantoassessprogressandneedforongoingservices.

4. Buildsonstrengths,needsandresiliencyofyouthandfamilies.

Understandstheimportanceofsupportingyouthandfamiliestoidentifytheirownpriorities/goals.

5. Helpsyouthandfamilytoidentifytheirgoals.

Understandstheconnectionbetweenpositivechildandyouthdevelopmentandpositiverelationshipsandenvironments.

6. Implementspracticesandtreatmentplanobjectivesthatprioritizethedevelopmentofpositivebehavior.

7. Implementspracticesandtreatmentplanobjectivesthatprioritizethedevelopmentofpositiverelationshipswithpeers,familymembers,teachers,andothersocialsupports.


B. Interventions

Understandsstrategiesandskillstoengagechild,youth,andfamilyinthetherapeuticrelationship.

8. Providessupportandeducationtofamilymembers/caregiverstopromotetheirchild’sresiliency.

Knowsthebasicapplicationsandeffectsofpsychotropicmedicationusedwithchildrenandyouth.

9. Explainsthepurposesandappropriateusesofmedicationsbeforeandduringusetofamiliesandyouth.

Knowstheevidencebasedandinformedpracticesutilizedinthementalhealthcenter.

10.Explainstheservicesandsupportsprovidedbythementalhealthcentertothefamily,youth,andotherproviders.

11.Providesaccuratebasicinformationandsupporttotheyouthandfamilyaboutevidencebasedandinformedpracticesprovidedbythementalhealthcenter.

Knowledgeableintechniquesandstrategiesforde-escalationandcrisismanagement.

12.Appliesandmodelsbasicde-escalationtechniqueswhenworkingwithchildren,youthandfamiliesandusescrisismanagementskillstoavoidescalation.

Understandsabroadrangeofstrategiestopromotechildandyouthbehavioralhealthandwellness,andtoameliorateorreducesymptomsandbehaviorsthatimpairanindividual’sabilitytofunctioninanage-anddevelopmentallyappropriatemanner.

13.Implementsbasiccognitivebehavioralstrategiessuchas:problemsolving,parentingstrategies,effectivecommunication,modeling,coaching,affectmanagement/calmingdown,reinforcement,shaping,identifyingstrengthsandstressors,andlimitsetting.

Knowledgeableinbasicpositivecommunicationtechniquessuchasactivelistening,problem-solving,andmodeling,amongothers.

14.Modelspositivecommunicationtechniqueswhenworkingwithchildren,youth,andfamilies.

Isfamiliarwiththeriskandprotectivefactorsassociatedwithleveloffunctioningamongchildrenandyouth.

15.Communicatesinformationanddatawithfamily/caregiversandteammembersaboutbehavioralneeds,strengths,concerns,andprogress.

Understandsbasicbehavioraltheory,includingfunction,triggers,antecedents,contextandwaystointervene.

16.Identifiestheneedforandconsultswithsupervisortofacilitatereferralsforadditionalbehaviorsupportsandserviceswhenindicated.

17.Implementsstrategiesandinterventionsthatpromotepro-socialbehaviorsandinclusion.

Understandstheimportanceofcontinuallyreassessing,changinginterventionsandplanningasneededtofitthesituation.

18.Changesapproachandinterventionbasedonongoingassessmentwithconsultationwithsupervisor.

19.Participatesandoffershelpfulinformationasamemberoftheyouth’sorfamilyteam.

Understandsmodelsforengagementandtheimportanceofpromotingreadinessforchange.

20.Adjustsinterventionsandstrategiesinresponsetotheneedsofthechild,youth,andfamily,andwiththesupportoftheteamandsupervisor.

Knowstheagency’smodelandprocessforTargetedCaseManagement.

21.Explains,refersto,andutilizesTargetedCaseManagementwhenneeded.




Understandstheimportanceofandhowtodevelopfamily-driven,youth-guided,strengths-basedtreatmentplans.

1. Engagesandcommunicateseffectivelywithchildren,youth,andfamiliesaspartnersinthetreatmentprocess.

Knowshowtoengageandpartnerwithyouthandfamiliesinatherapeuticcontract.

2. Developstreatmentplansinpartnershipwithfamiliesandyouththatfocusontheuniqueinterests,strengths,andneedsoftheyouthandfamily.

Knowshowtomatchyouthandfamilystrengthsandneedswithspecificinterventionsandtechniques.

3. Matchesobjectivesandinterventionstoyouthandfamilystrengthsandneeds.

4. Developstreatmentplanobjectivesthatprioritizethedevelopmentofpositiverelationshipswithpeers,familymembers,teachers,andothersocialsupports.

Understandshowclinicalassessmentguidesthedevelopmentofthetreatmentplan.

5. Developstreatmentgoalsandobjectivesthatareconsistentwithclinicalpresentationand generally accepted standards of care or evidencebasedprinciples.

6. Usesclinicalassessmentasaguideindevelopmentoftreatmentgoalsandobjectives.

Understandstheconnectionbetweenservicesandgoalsandobjectives.

7. Developstreatmentplanobjectivesthatoutlinestrategiesandinterventionsthatmatchthechild,youthandfamily’sgoals,strengths,andneeds.

Knowshowtodevelopandwriteobservable,measurableobjectives.

8. Writesmeasurablegoalsandobjectivesthatincludetimeframes,provider,andfrequencies.

9. Developscriteriaforreachingthegoalswiththechild,youthandfamilyandincorporatesthosecriteriaintothetreatmentplan.

10.Monitors,withinvolvementofchild,youth,family,andotherkeyteammembers,theprogresstowardstreatmentobjectivesquarterlyandmodifiesplanasneeded.

Understandstherelationshipbetweengoalsandobjectivesandcriteriafordischarge.

11.Usestreatmentplantoassessprogressandtodeterminereadinessfordischarge.

B. Interventions

Understandsfamilysystemsmodels,theoriesofchild/youth/familytherapyandhowtoapplytheoriesinpractice.

12.Providesclinicallyappropriateindividual,groupandfamilytherapy.

Understandsclinicaltheoriesandtheimportanceofusingstrategiesthatarebasedupontheoryandresearch.

13.Providesevidenceinformed,evidence-based,professionally-acceptedandeffectiveclinicalservicesandinterventions.

Understandstheimpactofandresourcesfortreatmentofsubstanceusedisordersonyouthandfamilies.

14.AccuratelyidentifiesandprovidesservicesandinterventionsincollaborationwithyouthandfamiliestoaddresssubstanceusedisordersORfacilitatesareferraltoanappropriateprovider.

Understandshowtraumaimpactsfamilies,childrenandyouthinthetreatmentrelationship.

15.Whenclinicallyindicated,providestreatmentmodelsthataddresstraumarelatedissues.


16.Developsandimplementspositivebehavioralstrategiesandinterventionsthataresensitivetohowtraumaimpactsbehaviorinchildren,youthsandfamilies.

Understandscognitivebehavioraltherapy,practice,andinterventions.

17.Effectivelyusescognitivebehaviorstrategieswithinatreatmentcontext.

UnderstandsTargetedCaseManagementservicesandsupports.

18.Identifiestheneedforcasemanagementandprovidesreferralandoutreachforcommunity-basedservicesandsupportssuchaseconomic,housing,vocational,education,culturallyrelevant,andotherresources.

Hasknowledgeofparentingandbehavioralmanagementskillsandtheoriesandhowtousetheseeffectivelywithchildrenandyouthwithcomplexbehavioralandemotionalneeds.

19.Providesinterventionsandsupportsforfamiliesandsignificantothersthatwillimprovetherelationshipofthechild/youthwithfamilymembers.

Understandstheimportanceofandhowtodevelop,facilitate,andworkeffectivelywithfamily/youthteams.

20.Workswithyouthandfamilytosupportanddevelopindividualizedteams,includingnaturalsupportssuchasextendedfamilymembersandotherswhoareimportanttothesuccessofthechild/youth.

21.Facilitatestheteamprocesssothatthestrengths,needsanddignityofthechild/youth/andfamilyarethefocusofthework.

Understandsimportanceofnaturalsupportsandcommunityactivities/interventionsthatareculturallyeffective.

22.Facilitatesandbuildssupportfortheuseofnaturalsupportsandresources.

23.Promotestheuseofcommunityresourcesandactivitiesandmatchessupportswith

regardtoeachyouth’sandfamily’sculturalandsituationalneedsandstrengths.

Understandsbehavioralanalysisandtheory,includingfunction,triggers,antecedents,contexts,principles,practicesandevidence-informedinterventions.

24.Developsbehaviorplansdesignedtopreventproblembehaviorandpromotepositivebehaviors.

25.Includesbehaviorstrategiesand/orbehavioralinterventionsintreatmentplansbasedontheneedsandstrengthsofthechild,youth,andfamily.

26.Assessesandadjustsbehavioralinterventionsandpracticesfrequentlytoensurepositivesocialandemotionaloutcomesforthechild,youthandfamily.

27.Choosesstrength-based,pro-socialbehavioralapproacheswhenplanningandimplementingbehaviorinterventions.



Knowstherulesandregulationsgoverningthetreatmentplanningprocess.

1. Supervisesandtrainsstaffinthedevelopmentandwritingoftreatmentplans.

Hasknowledgeandextensiveexperienceinthedevelopmentandassessmentofeffectivetreatmentplandevelopment,implementation,andreviewprocesses.

2. Monitorstreatmentplansandmakesrecommendationstoensurepositiveoutcomes.

3. Oversees,designs,anddirectssystemsandprocesseswithintheagencyfortreatmentplanningdevelopmentandreview.

4. Assessesthequalityoftreatmentplanningandimplementation,andassessestreatmentoutcomesinordertorecommendand implement system and practice improvements.


B. Interventions

Hasknowledge,trainingandexpertiseinthemodels,theories,andeffectivepracticesofclinicalsupervision.

5. Provideshigh-qualityclinicalsupervisionandconsultationbothinternallywithinthebehavioralhealthsystemandexternallywithinthechildservingcommunity.

Knowseffectiveconsultationmodelsandpractices.

6. Providesconsultationtooutsideagenciesinspecificbehavioralhealthpracticesandinterventionsincludingcognitivebehavioraltherapy.

Hasexpertise,training,andknowscurrentliteratureandresearchontheimportanceoffamily-drivenandyouth-guidedprinciplesandpracticesandhowtheycanbeintegratedwithclinicaltheoriesandinterventions.

7. Providestraining,supervision,andconsultationtostaffonfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedprinciplesandpractice.

8. Developsnewpracticemodels,processesandsystemswithintheagencyandwithotherprovidersinordertoimprovepracticethatreflectsfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedprinciplesandpractice.

Understandsthecomplexcultural,behavioral,psychological,andenvironmentalfactorsthatcaninfluencebehaviorinchildren,youth,andfamilies.

9. Teachesandsupervisesstaffandclinicalsupervisorsinthedevelopmentanddeliveryofbehaviorally-basedinterventions.

Hasbeentrainedinoneormorespecificresearch-basedbehaviorinterventions.

Hasexpertiseandtraininginseveralevidenceinformed/evidence-basedpractices.

10.Implementsevidenceinformed/evidence-basedinterventionswithfidelity.

11.Continuouslyassesses/monitorstheimplementationofsystemsthatsupportthedeliveryofevidence-informed/evidence-basedpracticeswithintheagencyandtrainsandsupervisesstaffinthosesystems.

12.Workseffectivelywithchildrenandfamilieswiththemostsignificantandcomplexsupportneeds.

13.Continuouslyassessestheimplementationofsystemsthatsupporthowspecializedinterventionsarematchedandprovidedtospecificpopulations.

14.Providesconsultationoncomplexchildandfamilysituationstostaffwithinandoutsidetheagency.

Systems Knowledge and Collaboration

Professionalstaffworkinginchildren’sbehavioralhealthmustpossessconsiderableknowledgeandskillinthedomainofsystemsknowledgeandcollaboration.Systemsknowledgeandcollaborationreflectsandrecognizesthefactthatchildrenandyouthandtheirfamiliesoftenexperienceinvolvementinmultiplechild-servingsystems,aswellasincommunity-basedrecreationandotheractivities.Inorderforchildrenandyouthtoexperiencepositivedevelopmentandgoodoutcomes,allfacetsoftheirdailylivesmustbeconsidered.Therefore,professionalsmustknowhowtoincludeproviders,mentors,andotherindividualsinvolvedwithachildoryouthaspartoftheirteamforplanningpurposes,andknowhowtocoordinateservicesandsupportsinordertoincreaseefficienciesandpositiveoutcomes.

Foundational Level

A. Public Child-Serving Systems

Understandsthebasicrulesgoverningpublicchildservingsystemsincludingjuvenilejustice,childprotection,educationandspecialeducation.

Understandstheroleofworkerswithinthepublicchildservingsystems.


1. Communicateseffectivelywithfamiliesaboutthesystemswithwhichtheymaybeinvolved.

2. Knowswhotocontactattheofficesofotherchildservingagenciesiftherearequestionsaboutthatsystemoraboutfamily-specificissues,andassistsinfacilitatedreferralsforfamilies.

B. Community Resources

Knowsofawidevarietyofpublicandprivateresourcesincludingthosetomeetbasicneedsandothernecessarysupports(familysupports,financial,food,housing,clothing,faithbased,recreationalactivities,etc.).

3. Assistsfamiliestoidentifytheirresourceneeds,accesscommunityresources,andincreasetheircapacitytoaccessresourcesindependently.

4. Refersfamiliesandyouthtofamilyandyouthorganizationsforfamilytofamilyorpeertopeersupportandeducation,recognizingtheirvaluetothechild,youth,andfamily.

Understandstheeligibilityandreferralprocessforthesecommunityresources.

5. Facilitatesandcoordinatesreferralsforfamiliestocommunityresources.

Understandsthevitalrolecommunityandnaturalsupportsandresourcesplayinthelifeofchildren,youth,andfamilies.

6. Effectivelyassistsfamiliesandyouthtoidentifyandconnectwithnaturalsupportsandservicesthatwillprovidegreaterqualityoflifeandcanenhanceresilienceandopportunitiesforsuccess.

C. Development of Relationships with Other Systems and Resources

Understandstheimportanceofbuildingandnurturingpositiverelationshipswithpeopleatotherpublicandcommunityagencies.

7. Buildspositiverelationshipswithindividualsatotheragencies.

Understandstheimportanceofworkinginteams.

8. Workseffectivelyasateammember.

KnowstheSystemofCareValuesandPrinciples.

9. Coordinatesservicesandsupportsthatdemonstratefamily-drivenvalueswhenplanningandprovidingservices.

10.DemonstratesSystemofCareValuesandPrinciplesinallfacetsofdailywork.

Intermediate Level


Understandsthelaws,rules,mandates,andplanningprocessesforthespecialeducation,childprotection,juvenilejustice,developmentaldisabilitiessystemsamongotherchild-servingagencies.

Understandstheinterplaybetweenmandatesandresourcesofthevariouspublicchildservingsystems.

1. Educatesfamiliesaboutregulationsandtherolesandlimitationsofancillarypublicsystemsinwhichtheymaybeinvolved.

2. Facilitatesafamily-drivenplanthatdrawsonresourcesavailablethroughaccesstomultiplesystems.

3. Promotesplanningamongagenciesandcommunityresourcesthatiseffective,non-duplicative,andconsistentwiththegoalsandneedsofthefamilyandchild/youthwithinputfromtheteam.

Understandstherulesandregulationsgoverningbenefitsforchildrenandfamilies(i.e.Medicaid,Medicare,financialassistance,localassistance,housingbenefits,workincentives,post-secondaryeducationassistance,amongothers).

4. Assistsfamiliesandyouthtoapplyforand,ifeligible,complywitheligibilityredeterminationsforcriticalpublicbenefitprograms.


UnderstandsSystemofCarephilosophyandvalues.

5. IntegratesSystemofCarevaluesandprinciplesinallaspectsofworkandisabletoprovideconsultationtoothersinthisarea.

6. ProvidessupervisiontostaffinamannerthatenhancestheabilityandcommitmentofstafftoworkinconcertwiththeSystemofCareValuesandPrinciples.


Isfamiliarwiththeprinciplesofbestpracticesinpersonorfamilycenteredplanning.

7. Usesfamily-drivenoryouth-guidedplanningtodevelopgoalsandobjectiveswiththeyouthandfamily.

8. Incorporatessupportfromotherchildservingagencies,communityresourcesandnaturalsupportsintheplan.


Understandsresourcesbeyondthelocalcommunity,suchasstateandfederalresourcesandtheeligibilityandapplicationprocesses.

9. Seekssupervisiontoaccessresourcesbeyondthelocallevelwhenfacedwithsystembarriersthatchallengetheabilityoffamilyteamstoachieveoptimaloutcomes.

10.Providesaclinicalperspectivetotheteamprocessbalancedwithanunderstandingoftheyouthandfamilyperspective.

Advanced Level

A. Community Resources

Knowsatleastonebestpracticeinpersonorfamilycenteredplanning.

1. Educatesfamilyoryouthaboutfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedplanningandworkstomaximizecontributionsandresourcesofallteammemberstobuildaplanthatiseffective.

2. Maintainsfidelitywhenimplementinganevidence-basedplanningmodelsuchasWraparound.

3. Exhibitshighlevelskillsintheartoffacilitationoftheplanningandteamprocess.

4. Mediatesandresolvessystemicdifferencesordifferencesofopinionandapproachesamongteammembersincomplexsituations(includingmultiplepublicandprivatemembers).

Understandsskillsandtoolsnecessarytoorientandtrainothersinfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedplanningprocesses.

5. Teachesandmodelsthecollaborativeteamprocess,conflictresolution,negotiation,andproblem-solving.

6. Trains,orients,supportsandmentorsothersastheyimplementbestpracticesinthefamily-drivenandyouth-guidedplanningprocesses.

UnderstandstheSystemsofCareValuesandPrinciplesinthecontextofmulti-stakeholderplanningandpolicyinitiatives.

7. Effectivelyengagesandleadsstakeholdersinmulti-systeminitiativesrelatedtosystemschange,policygroups,andimprovementinitiativesattheregionalorlocallevel.

8. Participatesinmulti-stakeholderinitiativesrelatedtosystemschangeandimprovementatthestateornationallevel.

9. Representslocalstrengthsandconcernsregardingsystemschangeinsuchawayastoensureneedsofthefieldaretakenintoaccountinsuchinitiatives.

Quality Improvement, Professionalism and Ethics

Professionalstaffworkinginchildren’sbehavioralhealthmustpossessconsiderableknowledgeandskillinthedomainofqualityimprovement,professionalismandethics.Professionalstaffmustknowhowtoworkwithandcollaboratewithindividualsfromdiversebackgrounds


andperspectives,andmustunderstandtheimportanceofself-reflectionandcontinuousimprovementforthebenefitofindividualchildrenandyouthandfortheagencyasawhole.Staffmembersusedatatosupportpositivehealthoutcomes.Staffmustkeepcurrentwithprofessionalknowledge,standardsandpractice,andensurethattheprivacyanddignityofallindividualsisrespected.


A. Ethics and Confidentiality

Understandstheimportanceofandreasonsforprivacyandconfidentiality.

1. Displaysandmaintainsconfidentialityandrespectofprivacyatalltimes.

2. Followspoliciesforconfidentialrecordkeepinganddocumentation.

3. Followsproperproceduresforobtainingconsents.

Understandsthemandatoryreportingrequirements.

4. Followsmandatoryreportingrequirements.

Understandspersonalandprofessionalboundariesandwhytheyareimportant.

5. Maintainsprofessionalboundariesandseekssupervisionasappropriate.

B. Self-Assessment and Professional Development

Understandstheimportanceofself-reflectionanduseofsupervisionindeliveringeffectiveservicestochildren,youthandfamilies.

6. Demonstratestheabilitytoexamineandreflectuponone’sownvalues,biases,strengths,andattitudesinworkingwithchildren,youth,andfamilies.

7. Articulatesandseeksassistancewithsituationsthatcausepersonalreactionswithchildren,youth,andfamilies.

8. Appropriatelyseeksandutilizesongoingsupervision,consultation,andmentoringactivities.

Isfamiliarwiththechildren’sbehavioralhealthcompetencies.

9. Identifiesone’sstrengthsandneedsinrelationtothefoundationallevelcompetencies.

Understandstheimportanceofprofessionaldevelopment.

10.Participatesinprofessionaldevelopmentactivities.

C. Outcomes and Quality Improvement

Knowstheagency’sdocumentationrequirements.

11.Completesrequireddocumentationinanaccurate,efficient,andcomprehensivemanner.

Understandsthepurposesandusesofdata,systematicreview,andformalassessmentstoimprovepracticewithchildren,youthandfamilies.

12.Usesdatatoassessandimprovetheeffectivenessofone’spractice.

D. Health and Safety

Understandstherequiredhealthandsafetypoliciesandprocedures.

13.Completesthebasicandrequiredhealthandsafetytraining.

14.Followsallhealthandsafetyprocedures,asrequiredbyagency,stateandfederalregulations.

Knowsthebasiccrisisresponsesforsafety.

15.Respondstocrisissituationsinacalmandappropriatemanner.

E. Work Organization

Understandstimemanagement.


16.Effectivelymanagestimetomeettheneedsofchildren,youth,families,andexpectationsoftheposition.

Knowstherequiredbilling,case,anddatadocumentationprocedures.

17.Completesrequireddocumentationaccuratelyandontime.

Understandstheimportanceofteamparticipation.

18.Participatesinandcontributestotheenhancedeffectivenessofteamactivities.

19.Workseffectivelyandappropriatelywithcolleaguesandasamemberoffamilyteams.



Understandstheimportanceofprivacyrelativetotheculturalneedsofindividualchildren,youthandfamilies.

UnderstandthebasicrequirementsoftheHIPPA.

Understandsotheragencylawsandpoliciesgoverningclientprivacy,documentation,andconfidentiality(e.g.,FERPA,IDEA,federalsubstanceusepolicies).

1. Ensuresthatclientrights,includingtherighttoinformedconsent,havebeencommunicatedtoallfamiliesandindividuals.

2. Ensuresthatallconsent,application,andeligibilityformsareuptodate.

3. Explainstofamiliesthelawsandrulesthatgovernconfidentialityandmandatoryreportingsothatfamiliesmakeinformeddecisionsaboutdisclosure.

Understandstechniquesthathonorpersonalandprofessionalboundariesandtheirrelationshiptounconditionalcare.

4. Engagesfamilies,children,andyouthwhilemaintainingprofessionalboundaries.


Understandstheimportanceofcontinuousself-assessment,reflection,andprofessionalgrowth.

5. Continuouslyexaminesownpracticerelativetobestpracticeandculturalsensitivity.

6. Modelsreflectivepracticetechniques.

Understandstheimportanceofcontinuousgrowthandstudyinone’sareaofpractice,includingconnectingwiththecurrentresearchandliterature.

7. Identifiesareasofone’sownstrengthsandneedsinrelationtotheintermediatelevelcompetencies.

8. FollowstheCodeofEthicsinone’sdiscipline.

9. Pursuesandobtainsprofessionallicensesandcertificationsinconsultationwithsupervisor

10.Participatesinandactivelyseekstrainingsdesignedtoimproveone’spracticeonanongoingbasis.

11.Readscurrentresearchandliteratureandincorporatesintopractice.


RecognizestheimportanceofprogramandpracticeevaluationandContinuousQualityImprovement.

12.Participatesinandcontributestoagencyandcommunityeffortsdesignedtoimproveservicequality.

Understandsthedataandanalysisprocessesforthemostcommonpracticesprovidedbytheagency.

13.Collectsandreflectsondatathatshowsthatoneismeetingtheneedsofclientsinaneffectiveandtimelymanner.

Understandsthatassessmentisanongoing,dynamicprocessdesignedtoimproveservicestoeachchild,youth,andfamily.


14.Bringsexperienceswithandknowledgeofchildren,youthandfamiliestoinformtheimprovementofpoliciesandpracticesattheagencylevel.

D. Work Organization

Understandstheorganization’ssystems,policiesandtechniquesformanagingone’sworkloadwhileeffectivelysupportingchildren,youth,andfamilies.

15.Organizesone’sowntimeandtaskstoensurethatchildren,youth,andfamiliesareservedinatimelyandeffectivemanner.

Understandsorknowsbasicsupervisorytechniques.

16.Supervises,asdirectedbysupervisor,agencystaffmembersandcompletesstaffevaluationsasrequired.

17.Servesasarolemodelandmentorforstaff.



Researchesandfullyunderstandscompliancewithalllawsandpoliciesthatgovernethicsandconfidentiality.

1. Supervisesandtrainsstaffinallaspectsofconfidentialityandethics.

2. Providesconsultationinternallyandexternallyregardingfamilyrightsandconfidentiality.

3. Identifiesethicaldilemmasandmanagesthemappropriately.


Hasknowledgeoftheoreticalandconceptualmodelsforself-reflectionandprofessionalbehavior.

4. Providesleadership,modeling,andguidancetopromoteacultureofself-reflectionamongstaffandteams.

5. Offersopportunitiesforstafftolearn,reflect,andanalyzecomplexissuesrelatedtopractice,ethics,andsupportsgiventochildren,youth,andfamilies.

6. Trainsandsupportsstafftoadheretocodesofethics.

Understandsthecurrentliteratureonandopportunitiesfortraininginthetrends,practiceandresearch-supportedpracticemodelsthatreflectSystemsofCarevaluesinbehavioralhealthcareforchildrenandyouth.

7. Bringsinformationfromthecurrentliterature,research,andpoliciestoagencystaff.

8. Providesandfacilitatesopportunitiesforstaffmemberstoself-assessanddeveloprelevantprofessionaldevelopmentgoals.

9. Seeksout,supports,andfacilitatesstaffparticipationinrelevantprofessionaldevelopmentactivities.

10.Modelspositiveconstructivefeedbackandcommunicationtechniquesinsupervision.

11.Constructsanindividualizedprofessionaldevelopmentplanwithsupervisees,focusedontheindividual’sprofessionalgrowthneeds.


Understandstheagency’sQualityImprovementsystem.

12.Identifieswhentreatmentandservicegoalsandobjectivesareorarenotbeingmetandintervenesappropriately.

Understandshowtoevaluateservicequality.

13.Collectsandanalyzesdatatoassessthequalityofservicedeliverytochildrenandfamiliesandusesthosedatatocommunicatewithsuperviseesinordertoimproveoutcomesforchildren,youth,andfamilies.

14.Designsandanalyzestheeffectivenessofteamprocesses.



Understandstheformalandinformalhierarchiesandstructureswithintheagency.

15.Providesdirectsupervision,consultationandeducationtostaffaroundtimemanagement,workorganizationandadministrativefunctions.

16.Developsstructurestosupportdirectservicestafftoprovideoneormoreresearch-supportedpractices.

17.Analyzesdataandprovidesreportsthataddressissuesofserviceefficiencyandeffectiveness.

18.Communicatesexpectationsinaclearanddirectmannerwithallstaff.


Core Competencies by LevelFoundational Level

ThecompetenciesattheFoundationallevelreflecttheknowledgeandskillsthatallindividualswhoprovidedirectservicestochildren/youthwithbehavioralhealthneedsandtheirfamiliesshouldpossesstoensurequalityoutcomes.VariouscompetenciesattheFoundationallevelmayalsobeapplicabletoindividualswhohaveinitialcontactwithchildren,youth,andfamilies,includingintakeworkersandsupportstaffmembersatthediscretionoftheagency.StaffmemberswhopossessFoundationallevelknowledgeandskillsarecontinuallysupervisedandreceiveongoingprofessionaldevelopment.

Family-Driven and Youth-Guided Practice

A. Engagement & Partnering

Understandstheimportanceofpartneringasequalswithyouthandfamilies.

UnderstandsFamilyDrivenandYouthGuidedSystemsofCare,including:1)familyastheexpertsontheirchild;2)familyasequalpartners;3)families’culturalpreferences;4)strengthsandneedsofthefamily;5)partnershipatalllevels(individualfamily,policy,community).

1. Effectivelyengagestheyouth(asdevelopmentallyappropriate)andfamilyasequalpartnersindecisionmakingandimplementationprocess.

2. Recognizesthestrengths,competencies,andneedsoftheyouthandfamilyindeterminingsupportsandservices.

3. Respectsandacknowledgestheperspectivesoftheyouthandfamilyaboutwhatisneededandwhatworksbestevenwhenitcontradictstraditionaltreatmentmodels.

4. Respectsandincludesthedreamsandgoalsofeachchild,youthandfamilyinservicesandsupportsevenwhenteammembershave

differentopinionsaboutwhethertheyarerealisticpossibilities.

5. Providesopportunitiesforsuccessandbuildingresilience.

6. Providesrelevantinformationanddatatoyouthandfamilytoassistthemindecisionmaking.

7. Practicesopen,honest,sensitivecommunicationskillsusingjargon-freelanguage.

8. Supportstheyouthandfamily’seffortstodirecttheirowncare.

9. Jointlysetsgoalsanddesiredoutcomesfortreatmentwiththeyouthandfamily.

10.Includestheyouthandfamilyinmonitoringthetreatmentplan.

11.Assiststheyouthandfamilytounderstandtheirrightsandresponsibilitiesinthetreatmentprocess.

12.Explainstheagencygrievancepolicytoyouthandfamiliesandensuresthatallfamiliesunderstandthemannerinwhichgrievancescanbeaddressed.

B. Leadership

Understandstheimportanceofyouthandfamiliesasequalpartnersandleadersinorganizationalorsystemschangeefforts.

13.Sharesinformationaboutyouthandfamilyleadershiptrainingandsupportstheirparticipation.

14.Promotesandencouragesyouthandfamiliestoprovideinput,feedbackandparticipateinagency/organizationpolicy/programdecisionmaking.

15.Linksyouthandfamilywithleadershiptrainingopportunities.




Understandstheimportanceofresponding,communicatingandengagingeffectivelywitheachfamilyandchildgiventheirculturalhistories,experiences,currentcircumstances,routines,preferences,andvalues.

1. Demonstratesrespectfulandsensitiveresponsestoeachchild,youth,andfamilygiventheiruniquecultureandexperiences.

2. Engageseachchild,youth,andfamilybasedupontheiruniquelifeexperiencesanddevelopmentalchanges.

3. Developsandprovidesinformationandresourcesthatvalueculturalandlinguisticdiversity,includinghowtoaccessinterpreterswhennecessary.

4. Appliesanunderstandingandappreciationofculturalandlinguisticdiversityinallaspectsofpractice.

5. Effectivelyengageswithfamiliesandyouthfromvariousculturaltraditions.


UnderstandshowtorecognizelowliteracyskillsandlimitedEnglishproficiencyamongfamilies,children,andadolescents.

6. Accuratelyrecognizestheneedandseekssupporttofindtranslatorsforfamilies,children,andyouthwhohavelimitedEnglishproficiency.

7. Accuratelyrecognizesandseekssupportforfamilies,children,andyouthwhomayhavelowliteracyskills.

C. Social Justice

Understandsthedifferenttypesofbarriersthatfamiliesmayfaceandhowthosebarriersrelatetoafamilyandchild’sviewsofbehavioralhealthandoverallworldviews.

8. Interactswithfamiliesandchildreninamannerthatshowsrespect,sensitivity,andempathy.

9. Demonstratesanon-judgmentalapproachtoallfamiliesandchildren.

D. Best Practices

Hasknowledgeofculturallyresponsivepracticeandthelimitationsofcommonlyusedbehavioralhealthpractices.

10.Workswitheverychildandfamilytoidentifytheirpriorities,strengths,andneeds.

11.Utilizesinterventionsthatareappropriatetothechild’s,youth’sandfamily’scultureandexperiences.



Understandsthebasicmilestonesofchildandadolescentdevelopment.

1. Recognizesthecharacteristicsandbenchmarksofatypically-developingchildoryouth.

2. Identifiessignificantindicatorsofpotentialdevelopmentproblemsorchallenges.

Knowsmajortheoriesofchildandadolescentdevelopment.

3. Recognizesandrespondseffectivelytoeachchild’sandyouth’sdevelopmentaldifferences.

Understandstheimportanceofcognitivedevelopmentinchildrenandadolescents.

4. Appliesknowledgeofcognitivedevelopmenttoworkwithchildren,youthandfamilies.


Understandsthecommonbehavioraldisordersofchildhoodandadolescence(aspercurrenteditionoftheDiagnosticandStatisticalManual).

5. Matchesthedevelopmentandimplementationofstrategiestothechild’soryouth’sstrengthsandneeds.

Understandsthegeneralcharacteristicsofchildhooddisorders.


6. Recognizesareasofconcernregardingpotential symptoms or disorders and discusseswithsupervisor.

Understandsthatmultiplefactorsthatimpacttheneedsofchildrenandyouthwithemotional/behavioralchallenges.

7. Accuratelyidentifiestheenvironmental,historical,andculturalfactorsthatmaybeimpactingthestrengthsandneedsofthechild,youthandfamily.

C. Substance Use

Understandscommonindicatorsofsubstanceuseandabuseinfamiliesandyouthsandthepotentialadverseimpactsuponchildandadolescentdevelopment.

8. Recognizessituationswhensubstanceusemaybepresentandmayaffectchildoryouthandseekssupervision.

9. Recognizessituationswhentheadverseimpactofalcoholandsubstanceusemaybepresentduringpregnancyandseeksconsultationwithsupervisor.



Understandsthereferral,intake,andeligibilitydeterminationprocessforbehavioralhealthservicesandhasabasicunderstandingoftheagency’sservicearray.

1. Explainsthereferralandintakeandeligibilityprocesstoaparentorothercaregiver,youth,and/orcommunitymember.

2. Identifiesfamilyneedsandstrengths,aspartofateamwithchildren,youth,andfamilies.

3. Collaborateswithateam,includingyouthandfamilies,intheprocessofongoingassessment.

4. Integratesexistingclinicalandfunctionalassessmentstosupportongoingworkwithchild,youth,andfamily.

5. Identifiesandreferschildren,youth,andtheirfamilymemberswithneedsoutsidethecenter’sareaand/orlevelofexpertisetotheappropriateagenciesandsupports.


Understandspotentialdangertoselforothers,includingsuicide,self-harm,homicideandotherriskandwarningsigns,andhowtorespondappropriately.

6. Respondstoriskandsafetysituationsinatimelyandappropriatemanner,withsupervision.

Knowstheriskandwarningsignalsthatmaythreatenachild’s,youth’sorfamily’shealthandwell-being.

7. Articulatesthespecificcharacteristics,warningsigns,behaviors,andriskfactorsthatmaythreatenthehealthandsafetyofchildren,youthandfamilies.

Understandstherelationshipbetweenbehavioralhealthandgeneralhealthandwellness.

8. Workswithfamilytoidentifygeneralhealthcareneeds.

9. Identifiesinstanceswhenthechildmayneedotherhealthservicesanddiscusseswithsupervisortodevelopaplanofaction

Understandsthemandatoryreporterrequirementsforabuseandneglectandknowshowtoreportaccordingtothelawandtheprocess.

10.Reportsinstancesofsuspectedabuseorneglectaccordingtothestatedprocessandthestatelaw.

11.Communicateswithfamily/caregiveraboutthemandatoryreportingprocesswhilemaintainingfamilyengagement.

Understandstheimpactoftrauma,abuseandneglectonthechildandfamily.


12.Identifiessignsoftrauma,abuseandneglectonthechildandfamilyandreportstotheproperauthority,withsupervisorysupport.

UnderstandstheEmergencyServicesandtheInvoluntaryEmergencyAdmissions(IEA)process.

13.ReferstoEmergencyServicesandgivesinformationtoenableassessment,inconsultationwithteamandsupervisor.

14.Explainstheemergencyservicesprocesstofamiliesorcaregiversandsupportsthemthroughtheprocess.

Understandsfactorsandriskrelatedtodomesticviolence–howitimpactsthefamilyandsafetyissues.

15.ReferstodomesticviolenceagenciesandtopoliceandDCYF,asappropriate.

Understandsandcanassesssafetyinthecommunity.

16.Assessesriskinthecommunityandusesthisinformationincommunity-basedwork.

Knowsthetechniquestoreduceriskincommunitybasedwork.

17.Takesstepstoavoidsituationswhereriskmaybepresent.

Knowledgeofsubstanceuseincludingimpactonyouthandthefamily.

18.Identifiessignsofsubstanceuseandmakestheappropriatereferrals.



Understandsthevaluesandprinciplesoffamily-drivenandyouth-guidedcareandhowtheyareintegratedintoallaspectsofthetreatmentprocess.

Knowsbasictreatmentmodalitiesandtheapplicationofeach(knowswhattheyareandwhotheyarefor).

1. Describesapproachesandmodelsforindividualtherapy,familytherapy,group,therapeuticbehavioralsupports,familysupport,casemanagement,andcrisismanagement.

Understandstheimportance,purpose,andstructureofthetreatmentplanningprocess.

2. Formulatesmeasurablegoals.

3. Usesthetreatmentplantoassessprogressandneedforongoingservices.

4. Buildsonstrengths,needsandresiliencyofyouthandfamilies.

Understandstheimportanceofsupportingyouthandfamiliestoidentifytheirownpriorities/goals.

5. Helpsyouthandfamilytoidentifytheirgoals.

Understandstheconnectionbetweenpositivechildandyouthdevelopmentandpositiverelationshipsandenvironments.

6. Implementspracticesandtreatmentplanobjectivesthatprioritizethedevelopmentofpositivebehavior.

7. Implementspracticesandtreatmentplanobjectivesthatprioritizethedevelopmentofpositiverelationshipswithpeers,familymembers,teachers,andothersocialsupports.

B. Interventions

Understandsstrategiesandskillstoengagechild,youth,andfamilyinthetherapeuticrelationship.

8. Providessupportandeducationtofamilymembers/caregiverstopromotetheirchild’sresiliency.

Knowsthebasicapplicationsandeffectsofpsychotropicmedicationusedwithchildrenandyouth.


9. Explainsthepurposesandappropriateusesofmedicationsbeforeandduringusetofamiliesandyouth.

Knowstheevidencebasedandinformedpracticesutilizedinthementalhealthcenter.

10.Explainstheservicesandsupportsprovidedbythementalhealthcentertothefamily,youth,andotherproviders.

11.Providesaccuratebasicinformationandsupporttotheyouthandfamilyaboutevidencebasedandinformedpracticesprovidedbythementalhealthcenter.

Knowledgeableintechniquesandstrategiesforde-escalationandcrisismanagement.

12.Appliesandmodelsbasicde-escalationtechniqueswhenworkingwithchildren,youthandfamiliesandusescrisismanagementskillstoavoidescalation.

Understandsabroadrangeofstrategiestopromotechildandyouthbehavioralhealthandwellness,andtoameliorateorreducesymptomsandbehaviorsthatimpairanindividual’sabilitytofunctioninanage-anddevelopmentallyappropriatemanner.

13.Implementsbasiccognitivebehavioralstrategiessuchas:problemsolving,parentingstrategies,effectivecommunication,modeling,coaching,affectmanagement/calmingdown,reinforcement,shaping,identifyingstrengthsandstressors,andlimitsetting.

Knowledgeableinbasicpositivecommunicationtechniquessuchasactivelistening,problem-solving,andmodeling,amongothers.

14.Modelspositivecommunicationtechniqueswhenworkingwithchildren,youth,andfamilies.

Isfamiliarwiththeriskandprotectivefactorsassociatedwithleveloffunctioningamongchildrenandyouth.

15.Communicatesinformationanddatawithfamily/caregiversandteammembersabout

behavioralneeds,strengths,concerns,andprogress.

Understandsbasicbehavioraltheory,includingfunction,triggers,antecedents,contextandwaystointervene.

16.Identifiestheneedforandconsultswithsupervisortofacilitatereferralsforadditionalbehaviorsupportsandserviceswhenindicated.

17.Implementsstrategiesandinterventionsthatpromotepro-socialbehaviorsandinclusion.

Understandstheimportanceofcontinuallyreassessing,changinginterventionsandplanningasneededtofitthesituation.

18.Changesapproachandinterventionbasedonongoingassessmentwithconsultationwithsupervisor.

19.Participatesandoffershelpfulinformationasamemberoftheyouth’sorfamilyteam.

Understandsmodelsforengagementandtheimportanceofpromotingreadinessforchange.

20.Adjustsinterventionsandstrategiesinresponsetotheneedsofthechild,youth,andfamily,andwiththesupportoftheteamandsupervisor.

Knowstheagency’smodelandprocessforTargetedCaseManagement.

21.Explains,refersto,andutilizesTargetedCaseManagementwhenneeded.



Understandsthebasicrulesgoverningpublicchildservingsystemsincludingjuvenilejustice,childprotection,educationandspecialeducation.

Understandstheroleofworkerswithinthepublicchildservingsystems.

1. Communicateseffectivelywithfamiliesaboutthesystemswithwhichtheymaybeinvolved.


2. Knowswhotocontactattheofficesofotherchildservingagenciesiftherearequestionsaboutthatsystemoraboutfamily-specificissues,andassistsinfacilitatedreferralsforfamilies.


Knowsofawidevarietyofpublicandprivateresourcesincludingthosetomeetbasicneedsandothernecessarysupports(familysupports,financial,food,housing,clothing,faithbased,recreationalactivities,etc.).

3. Assistsfamiliestoidentifytheirresourceneeds,accesscommunityresources,andincreasetheircapacitytoaccessresourcesindependently.

4. Refersfamiliesandyouthtofamilyandyouthorganizationsforfamilytofamilyorpeertopeersupportandeducation,recognizingtheirvaluetothechild,youth,andfamily.

Understandstheeligibilityandreferralprocessforthesecommunityresources.

5. Facilitatesandcoordinatesreferralsforfamiliestocommunityresources.

Understandsthevitalrolecommunityandnaturalsupportsandresourcesplayinthelifeofchildren,youth,andfamilies.

6. Effectivelyassistsfamiliesandyouthtoidentifyandconnectwithnaturalsupportsandservicesthatwillprovidegreaterqualityoflifeandcanenhanceresilienceandopportunitiesforsuccess.


Understandstheimportanceofbuildingandnurturingpositiverelationshipswithpeopleatotherpublicandcommunityagencies.

7. Buildspositiverelationshipswithindividualsatotheragencies.

Understandstheimportanceofworkinginteams.

8. Workseffectivelyasateammember.

KnowstheSystemofCareValuesandPrinciples.

9. Coordinatesservicesandsupportsthatdemonstratefamily-drivenvalueswhenplanningandprovidingservices.

10.DemonstratesSystemofCareValuesandPrinciplesinallfacetsofdailywork.



Understandstheimportanceofandreasonsforprivacyandconfidentiality.

1. Displaysandmaintainsconfidentialityandrespectofprivacyatalltimes.

2. Followspoliciesforconfidentialrecordkeepinganddocumentation.

3. Followsproperproceduresforobtainingconsents.

Understandsthemandatoryreportingrequirements.

4. Followsmandatoryreportingrequirements.

Understandspersonalandprofessionalboundariesandwhytheyareimportant.

5. Maintainsprofessionalboundariesandseekssupervisionasappropriate.


Understandstheimportanceofself-reflectionanduseofsupervisionindeliveringeffectiveservicestochildren,youthandfamilies.

6. Demonstratestheabilitytoexamineandreflectuponone’sownvalues,biases,strengths,andattitudesinworkingwithchildren,youth,andfamilies.

7. Articulatesandseeksassistancewithsituationsthatcausepersonalreactionswithchildren,youth,andfamilies.


8. Appropriatelyseeksandutilizesongoingsupervision,consultation,andmentoringactivities.

Isfamiliarwiththechildren’sbehavioralhealthcompetencies.

9. Identifiesone’sstrengthsandneedsinrelationtothefoundationallevelcompetencies.

Understandstheimportanceofprofessionaldevelopment.

10.Participatesinprofessionaldevelopmentactivities.


Knowstheagency’sdocumentationrequirements.

11.Completesrequireddocumentationinanaccurate,efficient,andcomprehensivemanner.

Understandsthepurposesandusesofdata,systematicreview,andformalassessmentstoimprovepracticewithchildren,youthandfamilies.

12.Usesdatatoassessandimprovetheeffectivenessofone’spractice.

D. Health and Safety

Understandstherequiredhealthandsafetypoliciesandprocedures.

13.Completesthebasicandrequiredhealthandsafetytraining.

14.Followsallhealthandsafetyprocedures,asrequiredbyagency,stateandfederalregulations.

Knowsthebasiccrisisresponsesforsafety.

15.Respondstocrisissituationsinacalmandappropriatemanner.

E. Work Organization

Understandstimemanagement.

16.Effectivelymanagestimetomeettheneedsofchildren,youth,families,andexpectationsoftheposition.

Knowstherequiredbilling,case,anddatadocumentationprocedures.

17.Completesrequireddocumentationaccuratelyandontime.

Understandstheimportanceofteamparticipation.

18.Participatesinandcontributestotheenhancedeffectivenessofteamactivities.

19.Workseffectivelyandappropriatelywithcolleaguesandasamemberoffamilyteams.

Intermediate Level

ThecompetenciesattheIntermediatelevelreflectthedesiredknowledgeandskillsthatarenecessarytoplan,provide,andreassessservicedeliveryinordertoworkeffectivelywithchildren/youthwithbehavioralhealthneedsandtheirfamilies,includingskillsinspecificservicesandresearch-basedinterventions.TheseIntermediatelevelcompetenciesidentifyarangeofskillsandknowledgetodevelop,implement,andmonitortreatmentplans,toprovideappropriateservices,andtorecognizehowtheseservicesfitintoalargerclinicalandcommunityframework.



Knowshowtodeliverdifficultinformationinawaythatisrespectfuloffamilies.

Understandshowtointegratetheprinciples,values,andphilosophyoffamily-drivenandyouth-guidedsupportsintopractice.

1. Modelshowtoprovidethefamily-drivenandyouth-guidedapproach.

2. Includesyouthandfamilyvoice,includingtheirexpressedgoals,needs,andstrengths,inthedevelopment,monitoring,andmodificationofthetreatmentplan.


3. Effectivelymaintainsengagementwithyouthandfamilywhenapproachingareasoftreatmentthatmaypresentasthreateningand/oremotionallysensitive.

4. Developsnewideasandsolutionstomeetthechallengesofengagingandpartneringwithyouthandfamiliesinthetreatmentprocess.

B. Leadership

Understandstheimportanceofyouthandfamilymemberstakingleadershiprolesinsystemschangeandserviceevaluationefforts.

5. Identifiesandencouragesfamilyandyouthtoassumeleadershiproles.

6. Ensuresatanorganizationallevelthatfamiliesandyouthareidentifiedtoprovideinputandfeedbacktoagencypoliciesandpractice,andthatthereisaprocessinplacetosupportthemtodoso.



Understandsthearrayofculturallydiversepopulations,toincluderace,ethnicity,creed,gender,sexualidentity,disability,andfinancialstatusandunderstandstheattitudes,barriers,andbiasesthatimpacttheirengagement.

1. Engageseachchild,youth,andfamilywithrespecttoculturalandlinguisticdifferencesinthecontextofeachindividual’sandfamily’sbeliefsandvalues.

2. Respondsappropriatelytoverbalandnon-verbalcommunication,anddemonstratesculturallyspecificsignsofrespect...

3. Engagesandcommunicateseffectivelywitheachfamilyaboutbehavioralhealthandwellnessandthebehavioralhealthservicesystem.


Understandstheimportanceofandknowsthecommunity-basedresourcestoassistthefamily,

childoradolescentwhomayhavedifficultycommunicatinginEnglishorwhohaslowliteracyskills.

4. ObtainsEnglishtranslationservicesforfamilies,children,andyouthwhoneedit.

5. Obtainssupportstoassistfamilies,children,andyouthwhohavelowliteracyskills.

6. Understandsthelegalrequirementsforaccommodatingindividualswhorequireinterpreters,alternateformsofcommunication,etc.

C. Social Justice

Knowstheresourcesavailabletoassistfamilieswithissuesrelatedtodiscriminationand/orprejudice.

7. Advocatesonbehalfofculturallyandlinguisticallydiversechildren,youth,andfamiliestoensurefullaccesstosupportandservicesintheircommunities.

Understandsthecurrentsocio-politicalandsocio-culturalenvironmentinrelationtochild,youthandfamilywell-beingfromvariousculturesandexperiences.

8. Developsinformationandcreatesanenvironmentthatpromotesunderstandingoftheneedsofculturallyandlinguisticallydiversefamilies.

9. Effectivelyarticulatestheneedsofindividualswhoarefacedwithchallengingsocio-politicalandsocio-culturalcircumstances.

D. Best Practices

Knowsoftheculturallyandlinguisticallyappropriateservicesintheregionandstate.

10.Refersfamiliestoappropriateculturalandlinguisticservicesgiventheneedsoffamiliesandtheirchildren.

11.Linksthefamilytoresourceswithinthefamily’sculturalcommunity




Understandstheinterplaybetweenthemilestonesofandthespecificenvironmental,community,andindividualfactorsthataffectchildandadolescentdevelopment.

1. Effectivelycommunicatesinformationaboutthemilestonesofchildandadolescentdevelopmenttofamiliestohelpthembettermeettheirchild’ssocial/emotionalneeds.

Understandshowtraumacanaffectcognitiveandoverallchildandyouthdevelopment.

2. Incorporatesknowledgeoftraumaandotherenvironmentalfactorsinassessmentandtreatmentplanning.

3. Identifies,provides,andreferschildandfamilytoappropriateadditionalsupportsandservicestoaddresseachchild’sdevelopmentalneeds.

4 Incorporatesinformationaboutchildandadolescentbrain/cognitive/emotionaldevelopmentandindividualassessmentintothedevelopmentofthetreatmentplan.


Understandsthecharacteristicsandmanifestationsofchildandadolescentbehavioralanddevelopmentaldisorders.

5. Effectivelycommunicateswiththechild,youth,familyandteammembersinformationaboutthechild’sdisorderandtreatmentbaseduponstrengthsandneeds.

Understandsthecharacteristicsandmarkersofadultmentalillnessesthatmaysurfaceinadolescence.

6. Providessupportandengagesandcommunicateseffectivelywithyouthandfamilytoensureaseamlesstransitiontoadulthood.

7. Assistswiththeadultdiagnosticprocessandeffectivelyengagesandcommunicateswithyouthandfamilywhenthereisaconcernthatanadultmentalorbehavioralhealthissueisemerging.

C. Substance Use

Understandsthemajortheoriesofaddictionandhowsubstanceuseimpactschildandadolescentdevelopment.

8. Engagesandcommunicateswiththeyouthandfamilywhenthereisaconcernaboutsubstanceuse.

9. Incorporatestheyouthandfamily’sneedsandstrengthsrelatedtosubstanceuseandabuseintotreatmentplan.

10.Provideseducationandengagesyouthandfamilyindiscussionsabouttheadverseimpactofalcoholandsubstanceuseduringpregnancyorwhenparenting,includingthenegativeeffectsonchilddevelopment.



Understandsthatassessmentisanongoingprocesstoevaluatetheuniqueneedsandstrengthsofeachchild,youth,andfamily.

1. Continuouslyassesses,usingastrengths-based,family/childcenteredapproach,thechangingneedsofthechild,youth,andfamilyandmodifiestheindividualizedserviceplanasneeded.

2. Synthesizesinformationfromavarietyofsourcestodevelopanaccurateassessment.

3. Communicatesassessmentresultsandrecommendationseffectivelytochildren,families,membersoftheclinicalteamandothercaregivers,inbothoralandwrittenformats.

Knowshowtoadministertheformalassessmenttoolsthatareutilizedbythestateorlocalcommunitybehavioralhealthsystemfordeterminingeligibilityandoutcomes.

4. Utilizesandimplements,withfidelity,theapprovedformalandinformalassessmenttoolsforeligibility.

5. Usesformalassessmenttoolsanddataforclarifyingdiagnosticissues,foridentifying


casemanagementneeds,andtorefertoevidenceinformedtreatmentinterventionsorrefertotheappropriateexpert.

KnowshowtoutilizethecurrentDiagnosticandStatisticalManual(DSM)usedtodeterminemulti-axialdiagnoses.

6. UsestheDSMtodevelopanaccuratediagnosis.

7. UtilizestheDSMandeffectivelycommunicatesfindingswithfamilies,clinicalstaff,managedcareandgovernmentalagencies,asneeded.

Knowshowtosynthesizeassessmentinformationintoaconciseclinicalformulation.

8. Writesaneffective,usable,readable,clinicalformulationthatincludesfamilystrengths,needs,culturalfactors,andgoals.


Possessesathoroughunderstandingofdepression,includingwarningsigns,symptoms,prevalence,myths,risksandprotectivefactors.

9. Accuratelyidentifiesdepressionorotherconditionsthatmayputthechildoryouthatrisk.

10.Conductssuicideandotherassessmentsofhighriskscreeningsanddesignstimelyreferralsandinterventions.

Knowshowtoidentifyandrespondtorequestsforsafetyassessments.

11.Respondstoemergencysituations,accordingtothepoliciesandproceduresregardingdomesticviolence,trauma,substanceuseestablishedbytheorganization.Supportsfamiliesthroughouttheprocess.

12.Effectivelycoordinatescrisisresponsewithfamilies,clinicalteammembers,emergencyservices,hospitalemergencyroomsandinpatientfacilities.

UnderstandsandhashadexperiencewiththeInvoluntaryEmergencyAdmission(IEA)process.

13.SupportsfamiliesandthechildoryouththroughtheIEAprocess.

Possessesathoroughunderstandingofdomesticviolence,traumaandsubstanceuseandtheimpactonchildandfamilydevelopment.

14.Accuratelyidentifiessituationsthatincludepossibledomesticviolence,trauma,andsubstanceuse.

15.Developsandrevisestreatmentplansandmaintainseffectivetreatmentrelationshipswithfamilieswhoarereportedforsuspicionsofabuseorneglect.

UnderstandsthedetailsofmandatoryreportingofSentinelandHighProfileevents.

16.FollowsestablishedorganizationalpoliciesandproceduresforreportingSentinelandHighprofileeventstotheBureauofBehavioralHealth.

Knowstheriskfactorsassociatedwiththepotentialfordangerousorviolentbehavior.

17.Followspoliciesandproceduresonhowtoevaluate,respondtoandreportpossibledangeroussituations,includingdutytowarn.



Understandstheimportanceofandhowtodevelopfamily-driven,youth-guided,strengths-basedtreatmentplans.

1. Engagesandcommunicateseffectivelywithchildren,youth,andfamiliesaspartnersinthetreatmentprocess.

Knowshowtoengageandpartnerwithyouthandfamiliesinatherapeuticcontract.

2. Developstreatmentplansinpartnershipwithfamiliesandyouththatfocusonthe


uniqueinterests,strengths,andneedsoftheyouthandfamily.

Knowshowtomatchyouthandfamilystrengthsandneedswithspecificinterventionsandtechniques.

3. Matchesobjectivesandinterventionstoyouthandfamilystrengthsandneeds.

4. Developstreatmentplanobjectivesthatprioritizethedevelopmentofpositiverelationshipswithpeers,familymembers,teachers,andothersocialsupports.

Understandshowclinicalassessmentguidesthedevelopmentofthetreatmentplan.

5. Developstreatmentgoalsandobjectivesthatareconsistentwithclinicalpresentationand generally accepted standards of care or evidencebasedprinciples.

6. Usesclinicalassessmentasaguideindevelopmentoftreatmentgoalsandobjectives.

Understandstheconnectionbetweenservicesandgoalsandobjectives.

7. Developstreatmentplanobjectivesthatoutlinestrategiesandinterventionsthatmatchthechild,youthandfamily’sgoals,strengths,andneeds.

Knowshowtodevelopandwriteobservable,measurableobjectives.

8. Writesmeasurablegoalsandobjectivesthatincludetimeframes,provider,andfrequencies.

9. Developscriteriaforreachingthegoalswiththechild,youthandfamilyandincorporatesthosecriteriaintothetreatmentplan.

10.Monitors,withinvolvementofchild,youth,family,andotherkeyteammembers,theprogresstowardstreatmentobjectivesquarterlyandmodifiesplanasneeded.

Understandstherelationshipbetweengoalsandobjectivesandcriteriafordischarge.

11.Usestreatmentplantoassessprogressandtodeterminereadinessfordischarge.

B. Interventions

Understandsfamilysystemsmodels,theoriesofchild/youth/familytherapyandhowtoapplytheoriesinpractice.

12.Providesclinicallyappropriateindividual,groupandfamilytherapy.

Understandsclinicaltheoriesandtheimportanceofusingstrategiesthatarebasedupontheoryandresearch.

13.Providesevidenceinformed,evidence-based,professionally-acceptedandeffectiveclinicalservicesandinterventions.

Understandstheimpactofandresourcesfortreatmentofsubstanceusedisordersonyouthandfamilies.

14.AccuratelyidentifiesandprovidesservicesandinterventionsincollaborationwithyouthandfamiliestoaddresssubstanceusedisordersORfacilitatesareferraltoanappropriateprovider.

Understandshowtraumaimpactsfamilies,childrenandyouthinthetreatmentrelationship.

15.Whenclinicallyindicated,providestreatmentmodelsthataddresstraumarelatedissues.

16.Developsandimplementspositivebehavioralstrategiesandinterventionsthataresensitivetohowtraumaimpactsbehaviorinchildren,youthsandfamilies.

Understandscognitivebehavioraltherapy,practice,andinterventions.

17.Effectivelyusescognitivebehaviorstrategieswithinatreatmentcontext.

UnderstandsTargetedCaseManagementservicesandsupports.

18.Identifiestheneedforcasemanagementandprovidesreferralandoutreachforcommunity-basedservicesandsupportssuch


aseconomic,housing,vocational,education,culturallyrelevant,andotherresources.

Hasknowledgeofparentingandbehavioralmanagementskillsandtheoriesandhowtousetheseeffectivelywithchildrenandyouthwithcomplexbehavioralandemotionalneeds.

19.Providesinterventionsandsupportsforfamiliesandsignificantothersthatwillimprovetherelationshipofthechild/youthwithfamilymembers.

Understandstheimportanceofandhowtodevelop,facilitate,andworkeffectivelywithfamily/youthteams.

20.Workswithyouthandfamilytosupportanddevelopindividualizedteams,includingnaturalsupportssuchasextendedfamilymembersandotherswhoareimportanttothesuccessofthechild/youth.

21.Facilitatestheteamprocesssothatthestrengths,needsanddignityofthechild/youth/andfamilyarethefocusofthework.

Understandsimportanceofnaturalsupportsandcommunityactivities/interventionsthatareculturallyeffective.

22.Facilitatesandbuildssupportfortheuseofnaturalsupportsandresources.

23.Promotestheuseofcommunityresourcesandactivitiesandmatchessupportswithregardtoeachyouth’sandfamily’sculturalandsituationalneedsandstrengths.

Understandsbehavioralanalysisandtheory,includingfunction,triggers,antecedents,contexts,principles,practicesandevidence-informedinterventions.

24.Developsbehaviorplansdesignedtopreventproblembehaviorandpromotepositivebehaviors.

25.Includesbehaviorstrategiesand/orbehavioralinterventionsintreatmentplansbasedontheneedsandstrengthsofthechild,youth,andfamily.

26.Assessesandadjustsbehavioralinterventionsandpracticesfrequentlytoensurepositivesocialandemotionaloutcomesforthechild,youthandfamily.

27.Choosesstrength-based,pro-socialbehavioralapproacheswhenplanningandimplementingbehaviorinterventions.



Understandsthelaws,rules,mandates,andplanningprocessesforthespecialeducation,childprotection,juvenilejustice,developmentaldisabilitiessystemsamongotherchild-servingagencies.

Understandstheinterplaybetweenmandatesandresourcesofthevariouspublicchildservingsystems.

1. Educatesfamiliesaboutregulationsandtherolesandlimitationsofancillarypublicsystemsinwhichtheymaybeinvolved.

2. Facilitatesafamily-drivenplanthatdrawsonresourcesavailablethroughaccesstomultiplesystems.

3. Promotesplanningamongagenciesandcommunityresourcesthatiseffective,non-duplicative,andconsistentwiththegoalsandneedsofthefamilyandchild/youthwithinputfromtheteam.

Understandstherulesandregulationsgoverningbenefitsforchildrenandfamilies(i.e.Medicaid,Medicare,financialassistance,localassistance,housingbenefits,workincentives,post-secondaryeducationassistance,amongothers).

4. Assistsfamiliesandyouthtoapplyforand,ifeligible,complywitheligibilityredeterminationsforcriticalpublicbenefitprograms.

UnderstandsSystemofCarephilosophyandvalues.

5. IntegratesSystemofCarevaluesandprinciplesinallaspectsofworkandisabletoprovideconsultationtoothersinthisarea.


6. ProvidessupervisiontostaffinamannerthatenhancestheabilityandcommitmentofstafftoworkinconcertwiththeSystemofCareValuesandPrinciples.


Isfamiliarwiththeprinciplesofbestpracticesinpersonorfamilycenteredplanning.

7. Usesfamily-drivenoryouth-guidedplanningtodevelopgoalsandobjectiveswiththeyouthandfamily.

8. Incorporatessupportfromotherchildservingagencies,communityresourcesandnaturalsupportsintheplan.


Understandsresourcesbeyondthelocalcommunity,suchasstateandfederalresourcesandtheeligibilityandapplicationprocesses.

9. Seekssupervisiontoaccessresourcesbeyondthelocallevelwhenfacedwithsystembarriersthatchallengetheabilityoffamilyteamstoachieveoptimaloutcomes.

10.Providesaclinicalperspectivetotheteamprocessbalancedwithanunderstandingoftheyouthandfamilyperspective.



Understandstheimportanceofprivacyrelativetotheculturalneedsofindividualchildren,youthandfamilies.

UnderstandthebasicrequirementsoftheHIPPA.

Understandsotheragencylawsandpoliciesgoverningclientprivacy,documentation,andconfidentiality(e.g.,FERPA,IDEA,federalsubstanceusepolicies).

1. Ensuresthatclientrights,includingtherighttoinformedconsent,have

beencommunicatedtoallfamiliesandindividuals.

2. Ensuresthatallconsent,application,andeligibilityformsareuptodate.

3. Explainstofamiliesthelawsandrulesthatgovernconfidentialityandmandatoryreportingsothatfamiliesmakeinformeddecisionsaboutdisclosure.

Understandstechniquesthathonorpersonalandprofessionalboundariesandtheirrelationshiptounconditionalcare.

4. Engagesfamilies,children,andyouthwhilemaintainingprofessionalboundaries.


Understandstheimportanceofcontinuousself-assessment,reflection,andprofessionalgrowth.

5. Continuouslyexaminesownpracticerelativetobestpracticeandculturalsensitivity.

6. Modelsreflectivepracticetechniques.

Understandstheimportanceofcontinuousgrowthandstudyinone’sareaofpractice,includingconnectingwiththecurrentresearchandliterature.

7. Identifiesareasofone’sownstrengthsandneedsinrelationtotheintermediatelevelcompetencies.

8. FollowstheCodeofEthicsinone’sdiscipline.

9. Pursuesandobtainsprofessionallicensesandcertificationsinconsultationwithsupervisor

10.Participatesinandactivelyseekstrainingsdesignedtoimproveone’spracticeonanongoingbasis.

11.Readscurrentresearchandliteratureandincorporatesintopractice.



RecognizestheimportanceofprogramandpracticeevaluationandContinuousQualityImprovement.

12.Participatesinandcontributestoagencyandcommunityeffortsdesignedtoimproveservicequality.

Understandsthedataandanalysisprocessesforthemostcommonpracticesprovidedbytheagency.

13.Collectsandreflectsondatathatshowsthatoneismeetingtheneedsofclientsinaneffectiveandtimelymanner.

Understandsthatassessmentisanongoing,dynamicprocessdesignedtoimproveservicestoeachchild,youth,andfamily.

14.Bringsexperienceswithandknowledgeofchildren,youthandfamiliestoinformtheimprovementofpoliciesandpracticesattheagencylevel.

D. WorkOrganization

Understandstheorganization’ssystems,policiesandtechniquesformanagingone’sworkloadwhileeffectivelysupportingchildren,youth,andfamilies.

15.Organizesone’sowntimeandtaskstoensurethatchildren,youth,andfamiliesareservedinatimelyandeffectivemanner.

Understandsorknowsbasicsupervisorytechniques.

16.Supervises,asdirectedbysupervisor,agencystaffmembersandcompletesstaffevaluationsasrequired.

17.Servesasarolemodelandmentorforstaff.

Advanced Level

ThecompetenciesattheAdvancedlevelreflectthedesiredknowledgeandskillsthatarenecessarytoworkwithchildren/youthwithcomplexbehavioralhealthneedsandtheirfamilies.IndividualswithAdvancedlevelcompetencieshavetheknowledgeandskillstosupport,supervise,andtrainstaff

inFoundationalandIntermediatelevelcompetencies,aswellasexpertiseinspecificservicesandresearch-basedinterventions.Theyalsoparticipateinsystemschangeinitiatives.Theseindividualspossessthespecializedskillsthatarerequiredtoprovidecomplexinterventionstoyouthandfamiliesandoftenserveasleadersandmentorstootherprofessionalsinthefieldofchildren’sbehavioralhealth.



Understandsthevalueofengagingandpartneringwithfamiliesandyouthatalllevelswithinthesystem.

1. Createsacollaborativecultureintheorganizationbetweenfamiliesandprofessionals.

2. Trainsandsupervisesstafftoensurethatfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedvaluesandprinciplesareintegratedintotheirpractice.

B. Leadership

Understandsandisversedincurrentpractices,research,andliteratureaboutfamilyandyouthpartnershipsandleadershippracticesandtrainingopportunities.

3. Teachespartneringskillsandprovidesongoingcoachingtostaffinfamilyandyouthleadership.

4. Engagesfamiliesindevelopingandimplementingqualityimprovementprocesseswithintheagency/programs.

5. Advocatesforfamiliesandyouthtohaveauthenticinfluenceasmembersofagency/programboardsandcommittees.

6. Createsopportunitiesforyouthtohaveavoiceinthedevelopmentandimplementation of policy and practice withintheagency/programs.

7. Connectsfamiliesandyouthwiththestatewidefamily/youthorganizationsto


engageinsystemchangeworkonthestateandfederallevel.

8. Providesopportunitiesforstaff,youth,andfamiliestoreceivetrainingtobuildfamily/youthandleadershipskillsandopportunities.



Understandsandcompilescurrentinformationaboutthevalues,traditions,androutinesofculturallydiversepopulations.

1. Developsandsharesinformationaboutculturally-specificresourceswithco-workers.

2. Refersco-workerstoappropriateinformationandresourceswhenrequested.

3. Trainsinternalandexternalstaffandpartnersonculturally-sensitiveandculturally-specificpracticesandinterventions.

B. Social Justice

Knowsandunderstandsallstateandfederallegislation,regulationsandmandatesthataddresshuman,civil,andclientrights.

4. Consultswithpeersandstaffaboutissuesrelatedtoinstitutionalizeddiscriminationanddisadvantage.

5. Promotesgreaterinclusion,supportiveservices,andaccesstoopportunitiesforculturallyandlinguisticallydiversechildren,youthandfamilieswithbehavioralhealthconcernsattheagency,community,andstatelevels.

C. Best Practices

Understandshowtoreflectonone’spersonalbehaviorsandactionsthataresensitiveto,andrespectfulof,culturallydiversepopulations.

6. Teachesotherseffectivetechniquesfortheassessmentandengagementofindividualsandfamiliesfromculturallyandlinguisticallydiversebackgrounds.

7. Appropriatelycorrectsothers’insensitivityordisrespecttoculturallydiversepopulationsand/orvalues.



Possessesadvancedandin-depthknowledgeofthemilestonesofhealthychildandadolescentcognitive/brainandsocial/emotionaldevelopment.

1. Supervisesandtrainsstafftousedevelopmentallyappropriatepracticesandinterventionstrategiestosupportandaddressthechild’sandyouth’sdevelopmentneedsandstrengths.

2. Supervisesandtrainsstaffintheimplementationoftreatmentplansthatsupporthealthydevelopmentbasedonanunderstandingofcognitive/braindevelopmentandthechild’s,youth’sandfamily’sneedsandstrengths.


Possessesadvancedandin-depthknowledgeofchildhoodandyouthdisorders.

3. Supervisesandtrainsstaffinthedevelopmentandimplementationoftreatmentplansbasedonthechild’sandyouth’sneeds,strengths,andthoseofthefamily.

4. Providesconsultationtostaffmembersregardingfindingsthatarecontrarytohealthychildandyouthdevelopmentandsupervisesstaffthataredevelopingstrategiestoaddressneeds.

5. Providesconsultationtostaffmembersandcommunityagencycolleaguesonusingknowledgeofchildandyouthdisorderstoeffectivelyengagechild,youth,andfamily.

C. Substance Use

Hasknowledgeoftheelementsandfeaturesofspecificevidence-informedsubstanceusedisordertreatments.


6. Providestrainingtostaffinsubstanceusedisordersandtheiradverseimpactsonchildandyouthdevelopment.

7. Providestrainingandsupervisiontostaffmembersoneffectivetreatmentsandresearch-supportedpracticesforsubstanceusepreventionandintervention.



Hasextensiveknowledgeandexpertiseinprovidingcomprehensivebehavioralhealthassessmentstochildrenandfamilieswiththemost complex needs across a broad range of behavioral,developmental,anddiagnosticcategories.

1. Trainsandsupervisesstaffonhowtoprovidecomprehensivebehavioralhealthscreenings.

2. Providesconsultationtohelpidentifyandresolvedifferentpointsofviewabouthowbesttounderstandandassistchildrenandfamilieswiththemostcomplexneeds.

HasextensiveknowledgeandexperiencewiththeDiagnosticandStatisticalManual(DSM)utilizedtodeterminemulti-axialdiagnoses.

3. TrainsandsupervisesstaffonhowtousetheDSM.

4. Engagesandcommunicateswithfamilies,staffmembersandotherstakeholdersaboutdiagnosticfactors.

Hasthoroughknowledgeaboutstateandfederalrulesandregulationswhichimpacttheassessmentprocess,includingmasteryofanytoolsthataremandatedfordeterminingeligibilityandoutcomesandfidelityofimplementation.

5. Providessupervision,training,andconsultationtostaffusingrequiredassessmenttools.


Hasextensiveknowledgeandexperiencewithyouthdepression,domesticviolence,traumaandsubstanceuse.

6. Providessupervision,training,andconsultationtostaffinsymptomsandassessmentsforyouthdepression,domesticviolence,trauma,andsubstanceuse.

7. Providessupervision,trainingandconsultationtostaffmembersandotherstakeholdersinriskassessmentandmanagement.

Possessesextensiveknowledgeandexperienceinprovidingsafetyassessments,includingmasteryofrulesandregulationsregardingcriteriaforadmissiontoNewHampshireHospital.

8. Servesasaresourcetostaffregardingtheneedforhigherlevelsofcaretoaddresssafetyneeds(suchashospitalization)andmayfacilitatetheprocess.

9. Trainsandsupervisesstafftorecognizetheneedforhigherlevelsofcareandhowtofacilitatetheadmissions/applicationprocess.

HasthoroughknowledgeandexperienceregardingthemandatoryreportingofsuspicionsofchildabuseandneglectandSentinelandHighProfileevents,includingessentialknowledgeofstatelawsandadministrativerules.

10.Followsandservesasaresourceforstaffregardingtheagencyprotocolformandatoryreportingandothertypesofhighprofileevents.

Hasextensiveknowledgeandexperienceinassessingthepotentialfordangerousorviolentbehavior,aswellashowthesefactorsmayimpactthelocationwhereservicesareprovided.

11.Providesconsultationandsupervisiontostaffinhighrisksituations.



Knowstherulesandregulationsgoverningthetreatmentplanningprocess.


1. Supervisesandtrainsstaffinthedevelopmentandwritingoftreatmentplans.

Hasknowledgeandextensiveexperienceinthedevelopmentandassessmentofeffectivetreatmentplandevelopment,implementation,andreviewprocesses.

2. Monitorstreatmentplansandmakesrecommendationstoensurepositiveoutcomes.

3. Oversees,designs,anddirectssystemsandprocesseswithintheagencyfortreatmentplanningdevelopmentandreview.

4. Assessesthequalityoftreatmentplanningandimplementation,andassessestreatmentoutcomesinordertorecommendand implement system and practice improvements.

B. Interventions

Hasknowledge,trainingandexpertiseinthemodels,theories,andeffectivepracticesofclinicalsupervision.

5. Provideshigh-qualityclinicalsupervisionandconsultationbothinternallywithinthebehavioralhealthsystemandexternallywithinthechildservingcommunity.

Knowseffectiveconsultationmodelsandpractices.

6. Providesconsultationtooutsideagenciesinspecificbehavioralhealthpracticesandinterventionsincludingcognitivebehavioraltherapy.

Hasexpertise,training,andknowscurrentliteratureandresearchontheimportanceoffamily-drivenandyouth-guidedprinciplesandpracticesandhowtheycanbeintegratedwithclinicaltheoriesandinterventions.

7. Providestraining,supervision,andconsultationtostaffonfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedprinciplesandpractice.

8. Developsnewpracticemodels,processesandsystemswithintheagencyandwithotherprovidersinordertoimprovepractice

thatreflectsfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedprinciplesandpractice.

Understandsthecomplexcultural,behavioral,psychological,andenvironmentalfactorsthatcaninfluencebehaviorinchildren,youth,andfamilies.

9. Teachesandsupervisesstaffandclinicalsupervisorsinthedevelopmentanddeliveryofbehaviorally-basedinterventions.

Hasbeentrainedinoneormorespecificresearch-basedbehaviorinterventions.

Hasexpertiseandtraininginseveralevidenceinformed/evidence-basedpractices.

10.Implementsevidenceinformed/evidence-basedinterventionswithfidelity.

11.Continuouslyassesses/monitorstheimplementationofsystemsthatsupportthedeliveryofevidence-informed/evidence-basedpracticeswithintheagencyandtrainsandsupervisesstaffinthosesystems.

12.Workseffectivelywithchildrenandfamilieswiththemostsignificantandcomplexsupportneeds.

13.Continuouslyassessestheimplementationofsystemsthatsupporthowspecializedinterventionsarematchedandprovidedtospecificpopulations.

14.Providesconsultationoncomplexchildandfamilysituationstostaffwithinandoutsidetheagency.


A. Community Resources

Knowsatleastonebestpracticeinpersonorfamilycenteredplanning.

1. Educatesfamilyoryouthaboutfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedplanningandworkstomaximizecontributionsandresourcesofallteammemberstobuildaplanthatiseffective.


2. Maintainsfidelitywhenimplementinganevidence-basedplanningmodelsuchasWraparound.

3. Exhibitshighlevelskillsintheartoffacilitationoftheplanningandteamprocess.

4. Mediatesandresolvessystemicdifferencesordifferencesofopinionandapproachesamongteammembersincomplexsituations(includingmultiplepublicandprivatemembers).

Understandsskillsandtoolsnecessarytoorientandtrainothersinfamily-drivenandyouth-guidedplanningprocesses.

5. Teachesandmodelsthecollaborativeteamprocess,conflictresolution,negotiation,andproblem-solving.

6. Trains,orients,supportsandmentorsothersastheyimplementbestpracticesinthefamily-drivenandyouth-guidedplanningprocesses.

UnderstandstheSystemsofCareValuesandPrinciplesinthecontextofmulti-stakeholderplanningandpolicyinitiatives.

7. Effectivelyengagesandleadsstakeholdersinmulti-systeminitiativesrelatedtosystemschange,policygroups,andimprovementinitiativesattheregionalorlocallevel.

8. Participatesinmulti-stakeholderinitiativesrelatedtosystemschangeandimprovementatthestateornationallevel.

9. Representslocalstrengthsandconcernsregardingsystemschangeinsuchawayastoensureneedsofthefieldaretakenintoaccountinsuchinitiatives.



Researchesandfullyunderstandscompliancewithalllawsandpoliciesthatgovernethicsandconfidentiality.

1. Supervisesandtrainsstaffinallaspectsofconfidentialityandethics.

2. Providesconsultationinternallyandexternallyregardingfamilyrightsandconfidentiality.

3. Identifiesethicaldilemmasandmanagesthemappropriately.


Hasknowledgeoftheoreticalandconceptualmodelsforself-reflectionandprofessionalbehavior.

4. Providesleadership,modeling,andguidancetopromoteacultureofself-reflectionamongstaffandteams.

5. Offersopportunitiesforstafftolearn,reflect,andanalyzecomplexissuesrelatedtopractice,ethics,andsupportsgiventochildren,youth,andfamilies.

6. Trainsandsupportsstafftoadheretocodesofethics.

Understandsthecurrentliteratureonandopportunitiesfortraininginthetrends,practiceandresearch-supportedpracticemodelsthatreflectSystemsofCarevaluesinbehavioralhealthcareforchildrenandyouth.

7. Bringsinformationfromthecurrentliterature,research,andpoliciestoagencystaff.

8. Providesandfacilitatesopportunitiesforstaffmemberstoself-assessanddeveloprelevantprofessionaldevelopmentgoals.

9. Seeksout,supports,andfacilitatesstaffparticipationinrelevantprofessionaldevelopmentactivities.

10.Modelspositiveconstructivefeedbackandcommunicationtechniquesinsupervision.

11.Constructsanindividualizedprofessionaldevelopmentplanwithsupervisees,focusedontheindividual’sprofessionalgrowthneeds.



Understandstheagency’sQualityImprovementsystem.

12.Identifieswhentreatmentandservicegoalsandobjectivesareorarenotbeingmetandintervenesappropriately.

Understandshowtoevaluateservicequality.

13.Collectsandanalyzesdatatoassessthequalityofservicedeliverytochildrenandfamiliesandusesthosedatatocommunicatewithsuperviseesinordertoimproveoutcomesforchildren,youth,andfamilies.

14.Designsandanalyzestheeffectivenessofteamprocesses.


Understandstheformalandinformalhierarchiesandstructureswithintheagency.

15.Providesdirectsupervision,consultationandeducationtostaffaroundtimemanagement,workorganizationandadministrativefunctions.

16.Developsstructurestosupportdirectservicestafftoprovideoneormoreresearch-supportedpractices.

17.Analyzesdataandprovidesreportsthataddressissuesofserviceefficiencyandeffectiveness.

18.Communicatesexpectationsinaclearanddirectmannerwithallstaff.


NH Children’s Behavioral Health Competency Self-Assessment*Thistoolcanbeusedtoself-assessone’slevelofcompetencyinthedomainsandsub-domains,andtotargetareasforprofessionaldevelopment.Thestepsinclude:

1.StudytheNew Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core Competencies.

2.Identifythespecificcompetenciesthatyouhave.

3.Identifyyourcompetencylevelforeachofthesub-domains.Youcanconsideryourselfcompetentatalevelifyoupossess90%ofthecompetencieslistedunderthatsub-domain.

4.Thereare3ratings:1)AreasofNeedwhichidentifiescompetenciesthatyoudonothave,2)AreasforImprovementthatidentifycompetencieswhichyouhavesomeknowledgebutdonotfeelyouhavefullyattained,and3)AreasofStrengthwhicharecompetenciesyoupossess.

*(AdaptedfromtheAssessmenttooldevelopedbytheNewHampshireAssociationforInfantMentalHealth,theNewHampshireEarlyChildhoodandFamilyMentalHealthCompetencyWorkgroupwithsupportfromFamilyCenteredEarlySupportsandServicesandFederalARRAFunds,2010).

Domain Sub-Domain Rating Areas of Need Areas for Improvement Areas of Strength

Family Driven and Youth Guided Practice

Engagement & Partnering

Foundational Intermediate Advanced

LeadershipFoundational Intermediate Advanced


Engagement and Communication


English as a second Language and Low Literacy


Social JusticeFoundational Intermediate Advanced

Best Practices Foundational Intermediate Advanced


Child and Youth Development


Childhood Disorders



Domain Sub-Domain Rating Areas of Need Areas for Improvement Areas of Strength

Substance Use Foundational Intermediate Advanced


Behavioral Health Assessment and Access


Safety and Risk Assessment/Screening and Management



Treatment Planning


InterventionsFoundational Intermediate Advanced


Public Child-serving Systems


Community Resources


Development of Relationships with Other Systems and Resources



Ethics and Confidentiality


Self-Assessment and Professional Development


Outcomes and Quality Improvement


Health and SafetyFoundational

Work OrganizationFoundational Intermediate Advanced

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New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Core Competencies · 2016-09-14 · Hampshire...

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