In King County, treatment for people with mental health and substance use challenges, when and how it’s needed, is a top priority. We also know that it takes people to treat people. In behavioral health, these roles are filled by highly skilled and trained professionals.
As part of the Crisis Care Centers Initiative’s early investments this year, King County is ramping up investments to increase opportunities to join the behavioral health workforce by expanding our apprenticeship program with on-the-job training for up to 100 more people who can provide life-saving care for those experiencing opioid addiction or facing a mental health crisis.
Responding to Community Provider Survey
In October 2023, the King County DCHS Behavioral Health and Recovery Division surveyed community behavioral health providers to better understand workforce challenges. The survey respondents were members of the King County Integrated Care Network, a unique partnership between King County and community-based organizations that provide mental health and substance use services for Medicaid-eligible people. The survey identified both barriers and growing optimism.
The survey results reinforced a message we’d heard anecdotally from community members that there is a shortage of workers. Of 4,667 behavioral health staff positions in the county, 775 positions were vacant, a vacancy rate of 17 percent.
The survey identified a number of barriers to hiring, including low wages, lack of qualified applicants and competition with private practice.
On the positive side, a majority of respondents indicated optimism that hiring trends are improving and a majority of respondents had partnerships with at least one college or university to develop a pipeline of applicants.
Increasing pay
To address the challenges identified in the survey, King County is taking a multi-faceted approach.
On the issue of wages, King County is working with partners in government to ensure adequate funding for providers, which can help make it possible to raise wages. Through legislative efforts, the state of Washington increased Medicaid rates by 15 percent in 2024.
“In King County, treatment for those with mental health and substance use challenges is a top priority, and we know that it takes people – highly skilled and trained professionals – to treat people,” says Executive Dow Constantine. “We’re expanding our apprenticeship program with on-the-job training for up to 100 more people who can provide life-saving care for those battling opioid addiction or facing a mental health crisis. The inspiring success stories show that investing in our workforce is crucial for strengthening behavioral health care.”
Expanding apprenticeship pathways
To recruit more people, and more people from diverse backgrounds, into the workforce, King County is expanding the role of apprenticeships by launching a behavioral health apprenticeship program in partnership with SEIU 1199 Training Fund, Washington state and philanthropic partners. The program allows people to “learn while they earn” with on-the-job training and opportunities to earn college credit while keeping their full-time job.
The apprenticeships provide access to education and training for people who can’t afford college or significant classroom instruction time while working and have proven effective in building diversity into the existing workforce.
The Washington behavioral health apprenticeship program includes three tracks: behavioral health technician, peer counselor, and substance use disorder professional. The Washington Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Program provides comprehensive training and hands-on experience in three key areas of behavioral health:
- Behavioral Health Technician: Focuses on patient care and support within mental health settings.
- Peer Counselor: Leverages personal recovery experiences to mentor and support others.
- Substance Use Disorder Professional: Specializes in the treatment and counseling of individuals with addiction issues.
By offering these tracks, the program aims to build a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce capable of addressing the complex needs of individuals with behavioral health challenges.
“I don’t wake up wondering what I am doing with my life anymore. The apprenticeship program has given my life purpose, The Training Fund/HCAC has created an opportunity that has already been changing and saving lives.” Reinhardt Ryden, Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Apprentice at Lifeline Connections
Here are resources if you’re interested in jobs and opportunities to do this kind of work:
- Start Your Path (available in English and Spanish)
- Learn about available Behavioral Health jobs and ways to get them.
- Behavioral Health Apprenticeships (English only)
- If you’re interested in an apprenticeship for a mental health-related job, fill out this form linked above or email apprenticeship@healthcareerfund.org
- Washington Workforce Development Partners (English only)
- Twelve colleges in Washington offer programs that provide degrees in mental health work, with scholarship opportunities available through Ballmer Foundation.