The need for qualified behavioral healthcare workers in Oregon’s communities is stronger than ever. The current workforce struggles to meet demand amidst a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this demand, Oregon House Bill 4071 (2022) and House Bill 2949 (2021) directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to increase the recruitment and retention of behavioral health providers. With this direction, OHA has awarded Portland State University (PSU) $1,870,222 to support students enrolled in two programs that train professionals in behavioral health: the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Master in Counselor Education.
These funds, which will be divided proportionally between each program, will cover tuition costs for an estimated 100 students. Each student may receive up to $15,000 in tuition assistance and up to $3,000 in stipends per academic year. Recipients must be in good academic standing and commit to working in Oregon upon their graduation.
“This training grant serves as an important means to provide financial support to Counselor Education and MSW students in their final internship year, alleviating the financial burden that often accompanies their final year of education,” said Rana Yaghmaian, department chair and associate professor of Counselor Education.
Because underserved communities are disproportionately affected by behavioral health impacts and are underrepresented within the behavioral healthcare workforce, each program will prioritize supporting students who are interested in serving underserved communities, and share the identities and lived experiences of these communities. PSU’s School of Social Work and its Counselor Education department in the College of Education share a deep commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion in their academic and research programs. Students in these programs are trained to provide culturally and linguistically inclusive and identity-safe environments for those receiving services.
“Our aim is to continue to diversify the behavioral workforce by improving recruitment, retention, and capacity of culturally responsive, culturally specific, linguistically specific, and rural behavioral health care workers into communities across the state of Oregon,” said Lisa Hawash, director of the Master of Social Work Program and associate professor of practice.
These programs already partner with culturally-specific providers to deliver professional development to students in these programs, and offer flexible options for graduate education. Instruction is provided in online, in-person and hybrid formats to provide easy access for students to enter and successfully complete their degree regardless of geographic location and pace of education.
Financial constraints and a shortage of paid internships are major obstacles to graduation, especially for the non-traditional student. Providing tuition support and stipends will improve students’ persistence (that is, their ability to stay in school) and degree completion. Further, reducing student debt is expected to increase the likelihood that graduates will choose careers with community agencies and nonprofits.
“By investing in our students’ training, this grant will help lay the groundwork for a workforce dedicated to serving communities with whom they may share lived experience,” said Yaghmaian.
For those who want to apply to this opportunity, please complete the application survey by Friday, June 21st, 2024. Application review will be finalized by mid-August and recipients will be notified by September 9th, 2024.