The Workforce Education and Training (WET) component of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) is an essential part of the MHSA Transformation. WET has five separate funding categories, which include:

1. Workforce Staffing Support
2. Training and Technical Assistance
3. Mental Health Career Pathway Programs
4. Residency and Internship Programs
5. Financial Incentive Programs

The WET mission is to develop and support a workforce capable of providing client and family driven, culturally competent services, that promote wellness, recovery and resiliency, and lead to evidenced-based, value-driven outcomes.
Source: www.cmhda.org

Placer County's Workforce Education and Training plan was approved in January 2009 and proposes 9 new actions to be implemented within 5 years.

These actions include additional training for existing staff and consumers, leadership development, e-learning, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, outreach and career academics in the High Schools, increased retention efforts for mental health employees, expanded mental health internships, and stipends/scholarships/grants to help implement the programs and achieve desired outcomes.

The plan elements were developed out of a strategic needs assessment that included county and community partners and is overseen by the Campaign Steering Committee. Placer feels that this plan will meet the stated needs of our community and make a significant impact on the development of our mental health workforce.

Placer County WET contact: Cyndy Bigbee (530) 889-7229