In March, the Franklin County Behavioral Health Leadership Academy launched its inaugural cohort, bringing together mid-level managers from across the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) provider network. Hosted and led by Mental Health America of Ohio, the Leadership Academy is designed to foster a community of practice and peer learning that supports both current and future leadership development.
Over the past five months — with one month remaining before graduation — participants have been building new skills and exploring effective strategies to better lead and support frontline staff at their organizations. There are currently 17 cohort members representing 12 agencies. Another cohort is launching in September.
The academy is a result of a collaboration with the ADAMH Behavioral Health Workforce Development Council and a $245,000 grant through Aspyr, formerly the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio. The leadership academy supports elements of ADAMH’s Workforce Development plan to develop and execute strategies to expand the behavioral health workforce.
Middle managers play a critical role in agency communication and change management, as well as frontline staff satisfaction and retention, which is a key reason why this six-month training was designed for them.
“Supervisors, especially those supervising direct service staff, which have some of the highest turnover rates, really have the biggest impact on if somebody stays at their agency,” said Bailey Fullwiler, Leadership Academy program manager. “They might not have control over something like insurance reimbursement rates, but they do have an impact on how well their staff is supervised and cared for.”
The leadership development experience includes formal and informal learning opportunities for participants. Cohort members delve into key areas of mid-level management, including developing their personal leadership style, building cohesive team culture and behaviors, facilitating crucial conversations and healthy conflict and more.
Program components are tailored to the needs of cohort members and offer ways to support a variety of learning styles. Terry Taylor, intake program manager at Southeast Healthcare for the past five years, joined the Leadership Academy seeking to strengthen his leadership by identifying any skills he may have been missing. He saw it as an opportunity for meaningful growth.
“I’ve learned a lot of hard lessons in the moment, so I figured there has to be a better way,” Terry said. “This cohort provided the space to learn hard lessons before an issue may arise.”
In addition to gaining practical skills, Bailey shared that cohort members have developed a strong sense of camaraderie that’s aided in their overall learning experience.
“People in middle management roles are often isolated, but what we’ve heard within the Leadership Academy is that people feel less alone in the challenges they’re navigating,” she said.
Tony Long, program manager for outpatient services at House of Hope for Recovery, is grateful to the cohort for introducing him to others who have shared experiences.
“When I visit other agencies, I don’t see how people feel about their role. Being in this cohort and being vulnerable with others in middle management has been an incredibly validating experience,” he said. “Hopefully, we will remain connected long after the cohort is completed.”
The deadline to apply for the September cohort is Friday, July 25. Interested in learning more about the Franklin County Behavioral Health Leadership Academy? Visit mhaohio.org/leadership-academy.
