In 2023, DHS responded to the workforce crisis by launching the Behavioral Health (BH) Fellows program. The program, sponsored by DHS in partnership with Community Care Behavioral Health and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, aims to strengthen the county’s publicly funded behavioral health system by offering educational loan repayments, competitive salaries, and career development experiences for behavioral healthcare staff. With over $15 million in funding, this program is designed to attract and retain individuals dedicated to improving the lives of the county’s most vulnerable. After being accepted into the program, BH Fellows will be eligible to receive: • Competitive pay • Educational loan repayment (up to $25,000 for a bachelor’s degree and up to $45,000 for a master’s degree) OR free access to an approved professional certificate program • Paid training, leadership development, and networking experiences through a cohort model In return, Fellows agree to complete two years of employment in a specific behavioral health role with a program-eligible provider. BH Fellows will be hired into key positions in the following areas:
• Blended Service Coordination • Family-Based Mental Health • Crisis Services
• Child Diversion and Acute Stabilization • Case Management for Substance Use Disorder • Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment
There continues to be a critical need for staff in high-need BH service areas to enhance access and ease wait-times for behavioral health services to Allegheny County residents and families. BH Fellows helps to address these issues.
Community Violence Reduction Initiative DHS, in partnership with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), issued two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) designed to address gun violence in local communities experiencing the highest rates of violence. With a budget of at least $50 million over the next five years, these proposals aim to implement evidence-based,
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