Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
School
Psychology
Advisor
Richard Thompson
Abstract
To be effective, behavioral health organization leaders must recruit and retain behavioral health technicians (BHTs) to provide nonclinical services. The focus of this case study was on identifying strategies to promote the recruitment and retention of BHTs and to help these workers develop the knowledge and skills they need for effective job performance. The Baldrige Framework for Excellence was used to guide this case study of a behavioral health organization located in the southeastern United States. The organization had one residential substance use facility serving men and five serving women and experienced a constant shortage of BHTs. Data were collected by interviewing the organization’s chief of behavioral health care and reviewing the organization’s website, job descriptions, strategic plan, and an existing community needs assessment. Findings indicated that the direct care staff at the behavioral health organization were not appropriately trained to address the behaviors displayed by the populations served. Further, compensation was a main driver of BHT turnover and recruitment challenges. Employee recruitment, retention, and training strategies may be beneficial in addressing the organization’s practice problem. This study may contribute to positive social change by providing insight that the study organization’s leaders can use to develop strategies for training BHTs. This support may contribute to the retention of these workers and assist them in providing services that enhance the mental and emotional health of clients.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Shirley Ann, "Strategies for Recruiting, Retaining, and Developing the Knowledge and Skills of Behavioral Health Technicians" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12599.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12599
