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A twice-weekly electronic news-digest delivered to your inbox dedicated to keeping you informed of mental health recovery news and opportunities across the Commonwealth and the nation.
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New In the Digest This Week
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Workshop Offered: Mental Health Recovery IncludingWellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) in Henrico - Posted 6.24
A continuing, self-paced workshop for people who experience mental health challenges
Meets every second Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Next workshop is July 13th at The Lakeside Center Building, 5623 Lakeside Avenue (23228)
Topics include: hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy, developing support systems, daily maintenance planning, early warning signs, empowerment, develop a WRAP, mental health and wellness, peer counseling and support, developing a wellness toolbox, triggers, crisis and post-crisis planning
Facilitated by: Kevin M. Kelly at 804.727.8597, William Hart at 804.727.8555, and David Rockwell at 804.727.8540
Email: wrapnrecovery@gmail.com
Multiple Positions Available: Disability Rights Advocate, disAbility Law Center of Virginia, Henrico County - Posted 6.24
(telecommuting option available)
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) is seeking multiple experienced candidates for the positions of Disability Rights Advocate. The disAbility Law Center is a new nonprofit organization that advocates for the legal rights of people with disabilities. The dLCV will succeed the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy as Virginia's designated protection and advocacy system in the fall of 2013. These positions will be with the new organization beginning on or after August 1, 2013.
The position provides effective, efficient, and timely assistance to people with disabilities in an effort to combat abuse, neglect, and discrimination based on disability. Working in a fast-paced environment, the position is responsible for responding to complex legal inquiries and may have contact with individuals having challenging behaviors. The preferred candidate will have some experience with employment of individuals with disabilities, special education, or Medicaid or will have some experience in conducting investigations.
The qualified candidate must have a working knowledge of disability rights and resources; solid knowledge of the human service delivery system in Virginia; knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding benefits and services for people with disabilities; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated sensitivity for people with disabilities and respect for cultural differences; experience in promoting and advocating for independence, informed choice, and self-determination for people with disabilities; commitment to community integration; and demonstrated commitment to social justice.
Duties include using Microsoft Office applications and other office equipment; managing time and duties professionally and responsibly; and being a team-player. The preferred candidate will have a master's degree from an accredited college or university in a social science, disability-related, or legal field. Fluency in Spanish or sign language is a bonus. Occasional overnight travel throughout the state will be required. A telecommuting option from any location in Virginia may be considered for this position based upon an applicant's demonstrated ability to work successfully with limited supervision.
Salary will be based on education and experience. Benefits include health insurance, short and long term disability insurance, group life insurance, a retirement plan, compensated holidays and other paid time off.
To learn more about VOPA, visit www.disabilitylawvirginia.org
To apply, email jobs@vopa.virginia.gov or mail a resume and a detailed cover letter describing applicable qualifications skills to:
VOPA Human Resources
1910 Byrd Avenue, Suite 5
Richmond, Virginia 23230
PROVIDE COVER LETTER DESCRIBING QUALIFICATIONS.
Positions will be open until filled, however review of applications will begin July 15, 2013.
Persons with disabilities and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
AAEEO/TTY/Reasonable accommodations upon request.
SAMHSA/CMHS Community Support Program Branch Chief Job Announcement - Posted 6.24
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/345167000
NIMH Twitter Chat on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder - Posted 6.24
In recognition of National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, NIMH is hosting a Twitter chat on June 27th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. NIMH expert Dr. Farris Tuma will be on hand answering questions about PTSD. Please use the hash tag #NIMHchats in all of your tweets. You can find them on Twitter @NIMHgov.
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VOCAL News
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"Ask Will!"
Do you have questions about VOCAL? Is there something you want to know but just don't know how or who to ask? Now there is an easy way to make it happen: it's called "Ask Will"!
Please include your name and contact information for verification: anonymous submissions will not be accepted. Responses will be published in the VOCAL Network News newsletter which is currently published six times per year. An archive of responses will be made available through VOCAL's website at www.vocalvirginia.org, under the "Ask Will" column. In this column, members can ask questions of VOCAL's Executive Office. The intent of this column is to disseminate information to you - our membership - in a timely fashion. Inquiries can be sent to: askwill@vocalvirginia.org.
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News Around the Commonwealth
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Mental Health America of Virginia Holds "Quest" Training - Posted 6.20
July 8-10 in Richmond
Quest is an educational training program designed for people who are new to recovery and are interested in exploring individual transformation.
Call 804.257.5591 for information.
Recovery Among Friends (RAF) Meets in Ashland - Posted 6.13
Fourth Tuesday of each month, Thomas Hale House, 203 S. Taylor Street (23005) from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
"Our goal is to have a core group of dedicated individuals in recovery who can commit to attending on a regular basis. We intend to create a community of support for those in recovery from a mental illness. We offer hope and a non-judgmental environment".
Call Patrick at 804.317.1255 or Kim at 804.266.6787 for more information and to get connected!
Wednesdays, from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
For further information, call 540.362.0061
Message from the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy - Posted 6.6.
The Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy is moving forward -- we will be a private nonprofit organization by the end of this year! The new organization will be called the disAbility Law Center of Virginia.
This is an exciting time for the disability community in Virginia, and you can be a part of it. You can help to shape the direction of legal advocacy for people with disabilities. The disAbility Law Center is looking for potential members of its Board of Directors. The Board needs people with a variety of skills and experiences who can help develop the direction of the new organization. We are looking for people from diverse ethnic, racial and geographic backgrounds and for people who have experience with the service systems for all kinds of disabilities. We need people who have experience on nonprofit boards, people who have experience in fiscal and legal oversight, and people who have experience in fundraising and resource development.
For more information and to fill out an application, please visit www.disabilitylawva.org/aboutus/dlcv-board-of-directors/
Hard copy (paper) applications are available on request. Please call 1-800-552-3962 to request an application.
Please apply soon if you are interested. We will begin to review applications in June. Final selection of Board members will be by September 1, 2013. The dLCV will then provide training to Board members so that the Board can be ready to go by October 1st!
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center MOVING July 1st - Posted 5.30
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center will be moving 7/1/13 to their new address at 7420 Whitepine Rd. North Chesterfield, VA. Please join them for their 4th anniversary and grand re-opening party on 7/27/13.
On Our Own of Roanoke Valley to Facilitate Peer Support Specialist Training - Posted 5.16
August 5th - 9th in Roanoke
Please contact OOORV at 540.362.0061 if you would like an application or more information. Applications must be received by July 1 in order to be included in this class.
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Conferences and Webinars
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Webinar: "Promoting Resiliency through Peer Support Whole Health" - Posted 6.20
Thursday, June 27th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
This online webinar will give clinicians, peer specialists, and other stakeholders new perspectives on how peer support can be used to promote resiliency in individuals with serious psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring medical conditions.
June 27 event details, registration and CE credit information
The presenter is Tom Lane, CRPS, national director of consumer and recovery services for Magellan Behavioral Health. Tom provides leadership and guidance in promoting the concepts of recovery, resilience, and wellness throughout Magellan's systems of care, in addition to providing technical assistance and training to Magellan staff, providers, advocates, and community stakeholders. Currently he leads Magellan's Peer Support Whole Health and Wellness initiative.
Provided at no cost to participants, the Magellan webinar series features timely topics and national speakers in the public sector behavioral health arena.
Webinar, "Ticket to Work: Choosing a Service Provider That's Right for You" - Posted 6.20
June 26th from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Some people with disabilities may be able to work and continue receiving disability benefits. On June 26, tune in to a free webinar from the Social Security Administration to learn about the Social Security administration's Ticket to Work program and support services for people who are ready to work. In this session, disability benefits experts will discuss:
- Tips and tools for choosing a service provider
- How the Ticket to Work Program Works
- Work Incentives and Eligibility
- Helpful Resources and Tools, and Answers to FAQs
Register here:
Webinar: "Building the Case to Support Tobacco Cessation" - Posted 6.20
Friday, June 28th from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Chad Morris, PhD, Director, Behavioral Health and Wellness Program, University of Colorado
Register for Free at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/924449386
Almost half of the 430,000 deaths in the U.S. annually are from tobacco-related disease, and nearly half of these deaths occur in persons with behavioral health disorders. Persons with mental illness consume over 34% of all cigarettes smoked and smoke 2-4 times the rate of the general population while receiving far less tobacco cessation support. With its focus on addictions prevention, National Council offers training in how to screen, assess, and treat tobacco dependence. This webinar shows behavioral health organizations how to build the case for integrating tobacco cessation into standard practice by obtaining buy-in from board members, staff, and persons served. Value-based and business development perspectives are discussed. Join us to learn why tobacco cessation is essential to health reform and other emerging standards of care and how to overcome common concerns like competing demands, staff apprehension, and potential loss of business.
Three Summer Conferences in 2013- Posted 6.6
Three conferences this summer offer knowledge and networking opportunities. The Seventh Annual National Peer Recovery Supporter Conference, organized by the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS), will be held August 27-28, 2013, at the Sheraton Garden Grove Anaheim South in Garden Grove, Calif. (near Disneyland). The 31st annual conference of the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services will take place Sept. 10-12, 2013, at the Hudson Valley Resort & Conference Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y., in the scenic Catskill Mountains. And the Copeland Center Summit will be held at the Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District, in Philadelphia's Old City, near Independence Hall, Sept. 11-13, 2013. For more information or to register, see the sources below, respectively:
Sources: http://na4ps.wordpress.com/7th-annual-national-conference/
http://www.nyaprs.org/conferences/annual-conference/2013.cfm
http://copelandcenter.com/our-services/copeland-center-summit
Link to Virginia Mental Health Conferences and Trainings Calendar for Opportunities to Attend Conferences and Trainings - Posted 4.11
Go to: http://tinyurl.com/VirginiaCalendar
Do you know of other things that could be posted on this calendar?? Email Yolande Long: yolande@vocalvirginia.org
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Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia
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Consumer Wellness Center (Annandale)
Recovery In Motion ( Fredericksburg)
kakallay@gmail.com
Blacksburg Computer Empowerment Services
http://computerempowerment.net/about.htm
Friends4Recovery Whole Health Center (Richmond)
http://www.friends4recovery.org/#!calendar
Center for Recovery and Wellness (Lynchburg)
http://centerforrecoveryandwellness.org/calendar/
Trillium Drop-In Center (Woodbridge)
http://pwdropincenter.org/calendar.php
On Our Own of Roanoke Valley
http://rvonourown.com/Events.aspx
WeCare, Inc (Martinsville)
http://wecaremhc.org/?page_id=42
On Our Own of Charlottesville
http://wwhttp://www.saara.org/events-calendar.phpw.onourowncville.org/structure.html
84 Main (Warsaw)
804.333.3581
Recovery Resources and Support
Other Program Information:
Virginia Peer Support Coalition (Virginia)
Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)
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Job Opportunities
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Career Opportunity: Prevention Services Manager (Program Administration Manager III) - Posted 6. 17
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services' Office of Mental Health is seeking an accomplished professional to direct the administrative and programmatic functions of the Prevention
Services Unit of the Office of Mental Health Serviceswithin the Division of Behavioral Health. This position provides leadership, administrative and management direction, and coordination of statewide initiatives to promote emotional health and reduce the likelihood of substance abuse (including tobacco use), mental illness and suicide in the Commonwealth. Responsibilities include strategic and operational planning; project management and oversight; developing partnerships and coordination of services with other state agencies, organizations, and prevention stakeholders; as well as guidance, consultation and support to Community Services Boards, other organizations and prevention providers in the development and maintenance of an effective system of behavioral health prevention services.
Qualifications:
Thorough knowledge of behavioral health prevention issues, services, systems and evaluation from interagency, federal, state and community perspectives. Thorough knowledge of evidence based prevention programs and practices and the Prevention Best Practices Registry. Knowledge of state policy development; planning, development and evaluation of innovative behavioral health service models; and cross- agency mandates and programs. Knowledge of and experience working with community coalitions and organizations focused on local services and issues. Experience with policy development; strategic and operational planning; project management; budget development and management; and contract development and management. Ability to work with diverse constituents, universities and other organizations. Ability to plan and write grant applications, proposals, and requests for proposals. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software. Staff management and supervision experience. Undergraduate degree in human service or public administration field or equivalent experience and training. Advanced degree in human services is preferred.
Position: #00097 Hiring Range: $54,580-$85,000
Please apply online with the Recruitment Management System
at http://jobs.virginia.gov/. Only accepting online applications. This position is open until filled. DBHDS is a tobacco-free, smoke-free work environment.
www.dbhds.virginia.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity
Career Opportunity: Suicide Prevention and MHFA Program Coordinator (Program Administration Specialist II) - Posted 6.17
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services' Office of Mental Health is seeking an accomplished professional to provide leadership and management for the development, implementation and administration of the Department's comprehensive statewide suicide prevention program, and to implement, administer and coordinate the Department's Mental Health First Aid training initiative and the associated certification process.
Qualifications: Thorough knowledge of suicide prevention field, including the incidence and prevalence of suicide, policy and service delivery issues, best practices in suicide prevention and intervention from interagency, federal, state and community perspectives. Thorough knowledge of Mental Health First Aid.
Contract development and management skills. Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including other state and local agencies and organizations, service recipients, suicide survivors, universities, advocates, etc.
Facilitation and consultation skills. Experience with policy development and strategic planning. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software. Thorough knowledge of the Public Health approach to prevention and health promotion. Thorough knowledge of Evidence Based prevention programs and practices and the Prevention Best Practices Registry. Experience with policy and program development, policy impact on local government and budget management. Extensive professional experience in prevention services (with suicide prevention preferred), administrative experience, and experience with interagency issues at state and local levels. Advanced degree in human services is preferred.
Position: #00232 Hiring Range: $41,778-$65,000
Please apply online with the Recruitment Management System at http://jobs.virginia.gov/. Only accepting online applications. This position is open until filled. DBHDS is a tobacco-free, smoke-free work environment.
www.dbhds.virginia.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity
PT Peer Support Specialist in Arlington - Posted 6.20
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PRS Employment Services
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Seeking aPeer Support Specialistprofessional. Position is part-time (20 hours per week) in Arlington. This position will conduct pre-employment classes to client groups on the recovery process based on curriculum materials and related personal recovery experience; provides individual support to clients; completes orientation on new clients and completes clinical documentation in accordance with agency standards and timelines, coordinates with appropriate external care providers, provides outreach to clients in accordance with program goals and objectives.
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Must be a person with lived experience (consumer past or present) of mental health services. Bachelor's degree with at least 15 credit hours in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology or other related field. Work-related experience with adults with mental illness, substance use disorder, mild intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or any combination of these preferred. Strong organizational skills and familiarity with basic computer office software required; ability to quickly establish rapport with clients, comfortable in presenting to and leading groups; strong oral and written communication skills. Clean driving record with reliable transportation required.
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To apply:
https://prsinc.iapplicants.com/application.php?job_id=455293&app_id=2143
Richmond Behavioral Health - Part Time Homeless Outreach Peer Specialist - Posted 6.13
District 19 Community Services Board is seeking an individual to serve as a peer specialist in outreaching persons who are mentally ill and homeless. Duties include peer support, advocacy, family orientation/education and to provide significant mutual help to other consumers who may be in need of mental health services. The successful applicant must have: Knowledge of service provision to the homeless, some experience interacting with mental health service providers as a recipient of mental health services and some high school, including the ability to read and write on at least a 9th grade level. Position above requires pre-employment criminal background check and drug screening. This position is part-time with hourly salary commensurate with experience/training. Applicant must be available to work Tuesdays through Fridays between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Interested applicants should obtain a D19CSB application from Human Resources Dept., 20 W. Bank Street, Suite 7, Petersburg, VA 23803, or call (804)862-8062. Applications can also be downloaded (in MS Word) from our website, www.d19csb.com. Return completed applications and resumes to the street address above. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed D19 applications. Open until filled.
Job Opportunity: PT Peer Specialist at Virginia Supportive Housing - Posted 6.13
20 hours/week; $12-16.82/hour, commensurate with experience
General Statement of Duties: As a member of the Virginia Supportive Housing's (VSH) PSH Team, the Peer Specialist provides peer counseling and support to consumers who have experienced homelessness and who may have mental health, addiction, or physical health conditions. Responsibilities include: assisting consumers with identifying and achieving their current goals and desires; facilitating Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) sessions; assisting with identifying and accessing community support resources; and supporting individuals as they grow through their recovery process through the use of the Peer Specialist's own recovery experience. Services are provided in housing sites in Richmond that are owned by VSH.
Qualifications: Ability to provide peer counseling from the perspective of a person who has received mental health or other recovery services is required; Associates degree in human services and at least one year of experience providing direct client services is preferred. Personal experience with homelessness is strongly preferred, but not required;Strongly prefer certification in WRAP;Must have good verbal and written communication skills;Must have a valid Virginia driver's license and the ability to meet VSH's driving and criminal background requirements; Good written and verbal communication skills.
Interested applicants please e-mail cover letter and resume to jobs@virginiasupportivehousing.org with the subject line Peer Specialist (Richmond PSH)
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Other News
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Read the Copeland Center Summer Newsletter - Posted 6.20
http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102645420151-650/Copeland+Center+Summer+Newlsetter+2013.pdf
Challenge.gov: Develop a Suicide Prevention App - Posted 6.13
The "Continuity of Care and Follow-Up App Challenge" challenges individuals and organizations with the development of an application (app) for a mobile handheld device. The app will provide linkages to continuity of care and follow-up care for a person at risk for suicide who was discharged from an inpatient unit or emergency department. Proposed activities can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Live chatting via the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website
- Safety planning
- SMS (short message service) functionality
- Scheduling functionality and appointment reminders
- Mapping/transportation functionality that shows locations of health care resources.
Innovation is highly encouraged. At a minimum, entrants must include safety planning and utilize two resources to provide users with access to services through the crisis centers within the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the SAMHSA Treatment Locator. The top three entrants will be eligible for a total of $100,000. Please be aware there is a 2-month deadline.
Note: SAMHSA is not looking for an application that simply connects a user to a crisis line via a single button; that functionality is found in a number of other suicide prevention applications.
Learn More About the Suicide Prevention App Challenge
Alternatives 2013 Update: Scholarships now Available! - Posted 6.13
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hopes to provide financial support to current and past consumers of mental health services to attend the Alternatives Conference.
The application deadline is July 22, 2013. Answers to most scholarship questions and the application are available at: http://power2u.org/alternatives2013/scholarships
Hotel Registration Begins Now
Reservations may now be made for hotel rooms at the Hyatt Regency, Austin, Texas.
Future Announcements
Please stay tuned for future announcements about Alternatives 2013 including keynote speakers and registration. Our official Alternatives website is: http://www.power2u.org/alternatives2013
Request for Comment on the Following State Board Policy by July 12th - Posted 6.6
Scheduled Field Review of One Current Policy
The Policy Development and Evaluation Committee of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is initiating a scheduled field review of:
Policy 1041(SYS) 07-1 Services for Individuals with Mental Illnesses, Mental Retardation, or Substance Use Disorders Who Are or Are at Imminent Risk of Becoming Involved with the Criminal Justice System
To assist the Board with this review, stakeholders are asked to consider this current policy, forward your comments about the continued need for it, and any suggestions for updates, revisions or rescission.
Please provide your comments by July 12th to: ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov
or by mailing: State Board of BHDS, 1220 Bank Street, Room 1323, Richmond, VA 23219.
Comments received will be considered at the next meeting of the committee on July 23, 2013, at DBHDS Central State Hospital, 26317 West Washington Street
Petersburg ,VA 23803-0030. This policy and any recommendations for edits are expected to be taken up at that meeting. Any proposed revisions to the policy will be circulated for comment following the July meeting before a final recommendation is made to the full Board. Please contact me if you have any questions via this email address or the phone number listed below.
All Board policies can be viewed at: http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/adm-StateBoardDefault.htm
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I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Yolande Long
Communications and Events Coordinator
804.343.1777
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Dear Reader,
You are receiving the VOCAL Network Digest because you are on our email list. The Network Digest is a twice-weekly update of mental health announcements throughout Virginia and the nation. If you prefer not to receive these updates, please click the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of this email. Thank you!
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This page is offered strictly for informational and support purposes. We assume no liability whatsoever for any consequences arising out your use of information or connections provided through any of the above organizations. VOCAL does not necessarily agree with information provided by these organizations, their websites, members or other affiliations.
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