Behavioral health workforce education and training program for paraprofessionals - i. Abstract project title: north shore community college (nscc) behavioral health workforce education and training…

The Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Health Professionals awarded North Shore Community College $350,000 on September 1, 2026, under the Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants program (CFDA 93.732, Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Paraprofessionals).

North Shore Community College will enhance existing human services certificate programs and develop stackable credentials leading to an Associate degree through a common core care model addressing behavioral health workforce needs in Essex County, Massachusetts. The college will deliver one-year certificate programs in Community Health Worker, Developmental Disabilities Certificate, and Child Youth Advocate, as well as credit-bearing degrees that transfer to bachelor programs. The program prioritizes family involvement and consumer-paraprofessional partnerships, with a preference for achieving at least 50 percent program completer placement in practice settings serving medically underserved communities.

The funding addresses high-need demand for behavioral health workers trained in developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. By creating a diversified and better-trained paraprofessional workforce capable of addressing comorbidities and complex disorders, the project improves access to education and establishes career ladders through transfer articulation to more clinical degrees.

The award runs through August 31, 2029, with all work performed in Massachusetts. Project Director Lisa Barrett leads the initiative.

Behavioral health workforce education and training program for paraprofessionals - i. Abstract project title: north shore community college (nscc) behavioral health workforce education and training (bhwet) program for paraprofessionals applicant name, address, phone, email, website: north shore community college, one ferncroft road, danvers, MA 01923