Challenge Awards Spotlight: Solano County’s Builds a Diverse, Homegrown Behavioral Health Workforce

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is pleased to spotlight Solano County Behavioral Health’s Internship Program, a 2024 Challenge Award recipient recognized for its innovative approach to addressing workforce shortages and enhancing diversity in mental health services.

In response to a critical shortage of qualified mental health professionals—exacerbated by the pandemic and resulting in vacancy rates exceeding 69% in direct service positions—Solano County launched a multifaceted internship initiative aimed at cultivating a culturally competent workforce reflective of its diverse community.

Leveraging funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), the program offers paid internships, practicum placements, and licensure support for Master’s and Doctoral-level students. These opportunities provide hands-on experience in county-operated programs, focusing on serving underserved populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, those exiting the justice system, and others with complex mental health needs.

A cornerstone of the program is its emphasis on inclusive hiring practices. By incorporating a Behavioral Health Inclusion Statement into all job postings and actively recruiting bilingual and bicultural candidates, the county has made significant strides in building a workforce that mirrors the community it serves.

The results have been noteworthy: vacancy rates have decreased from 25% to 10%, and the program has established partnerships with 19 educational institutions to sustain a pipeline of qualified candidates. Of the initial cohort of 12 interns, four have been hired, with additional candidates in the hiring process.

Solano County’s Behavioral Health Internship Program exemplifies how strategic investment in workforce development and a commitment to equity can yield tangible improvements in service delivery. Its replicable model offers a roadmap for other counties aiming to strengthen their mental health services through homegrown talent.To learn more about the CSAC Challenge Awards and other innovative county programs, visit https://www.counties.org/news-and-media-article/2024-challenge-awards/