The human services workforce performs heroic feats each day across the state of California despite many challenges and constraints. The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) conducted a member’s survey in 2017 that identified staff health and well-being as a priority area of concern. These areas included impacts of work stress, workload, and difficulties in recruitment, retention and talent development.
As a result, APHSA launched the Igniting the Potential initiative designed to specifically address these workforce concerns. To date, APHSA has partnered with state and local human services professionals to facilitate a discussion on how to support the health and well-being of the workforce. UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education - Human Services Programs has been invited as a partner to this dialogue and development of assessment tools and technical assistance strategies. The initiative developed a set of indicators agencies can use to assess the health and well-being of the workforce and engage in efforts to support the workforce in areas of concern.
During this session, Dr. Beth Cohen will share information on her research on the impact of trauma on the human services workforce. Participants will spend time in facilitated discussion on wellness in the workplace using the newly developed indicators. Participants will identify strengths and areas of opportunity for their agencies and identify an action plan for building a culture that supports health and well-being for all employees. Participants will have the opportunity to share plans and seek feedback from Dr. Cohen and other participants.