In an important effort to strengthen Nebraska's behavioral health workforce, the Grace Abbott Training and Supervision Academy at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is leveraging opportunities provided by the Nebraska Behavioral Health Education Center (BHECN) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). I made use of it. The school successfully implemented Project REST (Reflection and Exploration in Supervisory Training) to support clinicians who supervise provisionally licensed behavioral health providers across the state. This transformative initiative is made possible through a generous $150,000 grant and further strengthens the Academy's commitment to improving the quality of behavioral health services in Nebraska.
LICSW Principal Investigator Susan Reay, PhD, EdD, highlighted the goals and impact of the project. Project REST, funded under the Behavioral Health Worker COVID-19 project category, is a collaboration between BHECN and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Children, Families, and Law. It provides critical support to supervisors through training in the Reflective Practice Supervision Model, which is proven to reduce burnout, stress and trauma caused by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. is focused on.
Highlighting the practical and evidence-based nature of Reflective Practice Supervision, Dr. Ray said, “The BHECN-ARPA grant provides a unique opportunity to integrate this valuable approach that would not otherwise be possible.'' He gave it to me.”
The project includes a comprehensive training program for supervisors, including three days of training and eight months of individual coaching sessions. “Our overarching goal is to create a network of skilled supervisors across the state with the support and education necessary to develop the next generation of clinicians,” Dr. Ray explained.
The overarching goal is to build a network of skilled supervisors across the state with the support and education necessary to develop the next generation of clinicians. ”
One of the features of Project REST is that it indirectly impacts supervisees by educating them on healthy ways to manage work-related secondary stress and trauma. In addition, supervisor participants receive incentives for their involvement.
When asked about the motivation behind this project, Dr. Ray said, “The desire to provide reflective practice supervision has long existed, but capacity constraints have hindered its implementation.” said.
Dr. Ray finds particular joy in connecting practitioners across the state. She said, “This project fosters discussions about best practices, mutual support, and the exchange of tools among practitioners. A collaborative effort across the campuses of UNO, UNMC, and UNL provides additional funding for the grant.” It adds richness.”
Recognizing the challenges of coordinating participants across different time zones and work schedules, Dr. Ray said, “People make time for things that are important to them. Project REST represents a valuable opportunity in people's lives. “It has been proven that,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on what he learned from this project, Dr. Ray said, “We need more space for expert collaboration. There needs to be some provision so that support can continue even after the grant ends.'' It is clear,” he emphasized.
Project REST stands out as one of the more impactful initiatives supported by BHECN and is making a significant contribution to the advancement of Nebraska's behavioral health workforce. Dr. Ray recognized the project's role in advancing behavioral health workforce development goals and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate.
