Episode 4_“Enhancing Behavioral Health Competencies for Senior Center Staff Through Workforce Development and Training” with Bronwyn Keefe MSW, MPH, PhD

“Enhancing Behavioral Health Competencies for Senior Center Staff Through Workforce Development and Training” with Bronwyn Keefe MSW, MPH, PhDMaking Sense of S.I.L.V.E.R.* Research is a webinar series, designed for everyone! It presents a recent, relevant research study in clear, understandable language, with time for you to ask questions. “Enhancing Behavioral Health Competencies for Senior Center Staff Through Workforce Development and Training” with Bronwyn Keefe PhD, MSW, MPH This webinar describes an online certificate program in Behavioral Health and Aging offered by the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research at Boston University School of Social Work in collaboration with the National Council on Aging to increase senior center staff knowledge and skills. A total of 228 staff at Senior Centers in Illinois, Florida, and Wisconsin completed the online certificate program. This presentation will cover: 1. The extent to which training participants mastered the competencies needed for effective practice 2. Knowledge and skills gained from the training program 3. Senior Centers’ capacity to identify and refer older adults to mental health services 4. Organizational changes related to behavioral health programming with older adults. Bronwyn Keefe, PhD, MSW, MPH is Boston University School of Social Work’s (BUSSW) Assistant Dean of Workforce and Professional Development, Research Associate Professor, and Director of BUSSW’s Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER). Keefe has been funded on many behavioral health projects, focusing on building the capacity of providers and communities in understanding the importance of mental health, substance use, and developing age-friendly initiatives to improve the lives of older adults.*Supporting Individuals to Live as Vibrant Elders in Recovery