Coalition on Addictions is a monthly event that provides a forum for networking, learning, and advocacy regarding the use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs. Participation is open to anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the challenges and opportunities in addressing substance use.
This month’s topic is: Building the Behavioral Health Workforce: Opportunities at St. Louis Community College
Missouri’s behavioral health workforce issue is related to high staff turnover rates, low compensation, an aging workforce, unequal distribution of the workforce, and negative stigma associated with mental illness. Currently, the frontline CSS workforce is comprised of bachelor degree holders who lack the practical skills needed to do the job without extensive on-the-job training. To address the situation, St. Louis Community College (STLCC) launched an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Behavioral Health Support in spring of 2019. That same year, STLCC was awarded a grant from HRSA-OWEP to make funds available to students interested in paraprofessional roles to pursue Addictions Studies. Jenna Mueller, Associate Director HRSA-OWEP, will further describe their academic programs, and provide an update on the progress of the grant and future opportunities.
Jenna Mueller (Miller), MA, LPC, NCC, earned her BA in Secondary Education with a minor in Literature from Webster University in 1994 and her MA in Counseling from Saint Louis University in 2009. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Counselor. She is currently the Program Coordinator for the Behavioral Health Support (BHS) program at St. Louis Community College. Jenna brings a wealth of experience to the college in her ability to integrate customer service, human services, and health sciences. In August of 2019, she received a HRSA grant to support her efforts to develop the mental health workforce. As the Program Coordinator for BHS, Jenna eagerly accepts her responsibility to prepare students to do the very rewarding, very challenging, career of a CSS. Students are asked to analyze their personal values, get comfortable with discomfort, and expand their worldview of pain, problem solving, empathy and perception. The groundwork is being laid for this high demand profession.
One CEU contact hour certificate is available for $5.00. Individuals holding a CHES/MCHES certification can earn one CECH for $5.00.
This month’s COA will be a webinar hosted on Zoom. Attendees are welcome to join this virtual meeting at 11:45am for networking. The presentation will begin at 12pm. Click here to register.