As the behavioral healthcare workforce crisis is significantly impacting the entire nation, the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI) Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals is available to individuals in the field from throughout the country.
"The workforce crisis impacts not only service delivery, but also relationships, staff morale and the ability to recruit new staff. It stifles culture," said Kendria McWilliams, MBA, a Leadership Academy Mentor, Chair of the NJMHI Board of Trustees, and CEO of Maryville Addiction Treatment Center.
The Academy presents opportunities for emerging leaders not only in clinical roles, but also in all positions - administrative, information technology, legal, finance, human resources, etc. - in mental health, substance use disorder, intellectual/disabilities and other social services organizations.
"While building their skills for future leadership roles, mentees will also contribute to their organizations' long-term sustainability and improve the quality and consistency of care to the individuals served," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, Executive Director of NJMHI and President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), which established NJMHI in 2000.
"Behavioral health care will never be the same. There are greater demands and higher expectations, as well as fewer staff. Mentors and coaches provide unique insight into this new normal, allowing mentees to manage their own expectations," said Valerie Ortense, BS, MBA, Leadership Academy Mentor and Director of Grants and Development, Preferred Behavioral Health Group. "Through this academy, mentees also embark on a journey of self-discovery. They uncover beliefs, values and experiences that shape them as leaders. Discovering their best selves as leaders builds the capacity to support and value each individual, lending to much-needed retention," she added.
Mentees Share Positive Experiences with the Leadership Academy
"I have greatly benefited from the Leadership Academy! As a new leader, there is so much to learn. Having the knowledge and support from my coach and mentor has helped me be successful in my new leadership role," said Adiba Saleem, LCSW, Manager, Acute Partial Hospitalization, AtlantiCare Behavioral Health. "We brainstorm strategies for my team and me to improve how we care for patients and each other, and insightful suggestions enable me to navigate challenges and opportunities. I definitely recommend the Leadership Academy!"
Marinell Brzostowski, Integrated Case Services Manager, Easterseals New Jersey, shared that when she started this program, she "was struggling as a leader, especially being a supervisor of people who were my peers." She added, "My mentor and coach pushed me to improve my staff, and they helped me in both my personal and professional life."
More Mentors and Coaches Are Also Needed for this Valuable Program
NJMHI is also seeking mentors (in the behavioral healthcare field) and coaches (in other industries), as well as mentees.
Applications Are Due August 13, 2024
Applications for the third cohort that will begin in September 2024 are due August 13, 2024.
Click here for all program details and applications.
