The Alaska Training Cooperative

About The Alaska Training Cooperative

Mission

The Alaska Training Cooperative (AKTC) promotes career development opportunities for direct service workers1, supervisors, and professionals in the field engaged with Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority beneficiaries2, by ensuring that technical assistance and training is accessible and coordinated.

 
1Direct service worker is a position that requires a bachelor's degree or less and works at least 75% directly with consumers.
2Beneficiary groups include: mental illness, development disabilities, alcohol and drug addiction, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and traumatic brain injuries.

 

The Alaska Training Cooperative (AKTC) was established to provide non-academic trainings, professional development and continuing education programs for Alaska’s direct service professional and behavioral health workforce who serve Trust beneficiaries. The Center for Human Development (CHD) is recognized as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Education, Research, and Service as a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

There is increased need and opportunity to provide new and enhanced evidence-based and culturally attuned training to direct service professionals, supervisors, and other behavioral health professionals. This is especially relevant in light of recent changes in state policy regarding Medicaid expansion and criminal justice reform.

Our training and technical staff collaborate with communities and partners to offer trainings and training assistance to agencies, organizations, businesses, and associations providing services to Trust beneficiary populations. This enhances workforce development blending evidence-based practices with traditional wisdom to meet the needs of rural behavioral health providers.

  • Goal 1 – Facilitate and maintain coordination and collaboration of training entities. 
  • Goal 2 – Technical assistance support will continue to be implemented to address training opportunities, training needs and gaps identified by providers serving Trust beneficiaries.
  • Goal 3 –Document and report training data.
  • Goal 4 – Increase and enhance evidence-based training delivery.
  • Goal 5 – Increase availability of quality training that equips the home & community based and behavioral health workforce to provide culturally attuned services throughout Alaska and for our unique Alaska Native populations.

The AKTC Learning Management System (LMS) strives to be a clearinghouse for training that supports the workforce serving Trust beneficiaries. Trust Beneficiaries include those with mental illness, developmental disabilities, alcohol and drug addiction, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and traumatic brain injuries. The LMS allows for any entity to advertise their training at little or no cost. Contact AKTC Support for details.

Continuing Education Credits for Behavioral Health Professionals

Many of the trainings and/or conferences offer CE credits for licensing requirements. Many of these opportunities are “live” trainings offered online/web-based via Zoom. CE credits vary by training. These accrediting bodies include the National Association of Social Workers Alaska Chapter (NASW-AK), Alaska Board of Professional Counselors, Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC), National Board of Certified Counselors, Community Health Aide Program Certification Board, and Nursing Contact Hours.

Utilize the "Browse Catalog by CE Credit" option from the AKTC registration system home page to view a list of upcoming trainings that offer CEs.

Training Technical Assistance

Our training and technical staff are prepared to provide training technical assistance to agencies, organizations, business, and associations providing services to the beneficiary populations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.

Services we provide:

  • Assist in the delivery of training provided by agencies, organizations, businesses, and associations to a broader audience via distance delivery (audio conferencing, video conferencing, web-based).
  • Update current training materials utilized by agencies, organizations, businesses, and associations to assure that the training content and learning objectives meet competencies identified in the Alaska Core Competencies for Direct Care Workers in Health and Human Services.
  • Identify resources, existing trainings, and possible solutions to address a specific workforce development training need for your employees.
  • Set up training opportunities, process registration and payment, and provide marketing through the online catalog with the AKTC Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Offer support at large training events.

For additional information please contact AKTC Support – 907-264-6244 – support@aktclms.org 

Training Solutions

The Alaska Training Cooperative offers a variety of training options and delivery methods to meet training needs throughout the state: face-to-face, online/web-delivered, blended, and web-based (anytime) trainings available to complete at your convenience. Our Learning Management System provides a training catalog and allows for one-stop online registration and payment.

Continuing Educations credits, including nursing contact hours, are available in many of our trainings and conferences in order to meet the licensing needs of professional behavioral health providers.

The Alaska Training Cooperative Registration Catalog serves as an online training catalog/clearinghouse for those supporting Trust beneficiaries. (Beneficiaries include those with mental illness, developmental disabilities, alcohol and drug addiction, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and traumatic brain injuries.)

You can also:

  • Set up a personal profile
  • Browse and register for trainings
  • Search for training by interest area or delivery method
  • Join the mail list for upcoming training/conference announcements
  • Pay for registered training through several options

AKTC Support and Billing is available Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm. (Contact information is included at the bottom of every page in the LMS.)

AKTC Support, 907-264-6244, support@aktclms.org

AKTC Billing, 907-264-6261, billing@aktclms.org

  • Ongoing AKTC Trainings

    Alaska Core Competencies for Direct Care Workers in Health and Human Services

    More info: Riki Chapman, 907-264-6257, racook@alaska.edu
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face and Web-delivered
     

    The Alaska Core Competencies are a set of essential skills for direct service professionals who deliver services to persons with mental health, substance use conditions, intellectual and physical disabilities, and older adults who need long-term services and support. The Core Competencies target staff work in all sectors of Human Services at the bachelor's level and below. 

    Basic Concepts of Care Coordination

    More info: Riki Chapman, 907-264-6257, racook@alaska.edu
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face and Web-delivered
     

    Basic Concepts in Care Coordination is designed for brand new care coordinators not yet certified. It serves as a prerequisite to the State of Alaska Senior and Disability Services SDS- Beginning Care Coordination Training. Though it is a requirement toward certification, this course does not certify participants to be a Care Coordinator.

    This is an interactive training and includes sections on Ethics, Skills of Interaction, How to Serve Someone with a Disability, Advocacy, and Person Centered Planning.

    Behavioral Health Continuing Education BHCE

    More Info: Tom McRoberts, 907-264-6251, tpmcroberts@alaska.edu
    Delivery Method: Blended (face-to-face and web-delivered) 
    Continuing Education Units: Available - see registration page for details

    This non-academic training program supports behavioral health providers serving throughout Alaska. A broad range of training opportunities are offered to meet continuing education requirements for providers working toward or maintaining certification or licensure in Alaska. The AKTC is dedicated to collaborating with communities throughout Alaska to train behavioral health care providers by blending best practices with traditional wisdom. 

    Conflict Resolution Skills, Basic and Advanced Workshops

    More info: Lisa Cauble, 907-264-6276, llcauble@alaska.edu 
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face

    In partnership with Hands of Peace, Inc. Alternatives to Violence Project AVP-, the Alaska Training Cooperative offers training opportunities for both the Basic and Advanced experiential workshops. The AVP model, with a focus on affirmation, communication, cooperation, community building and conflict resolution skills, teaches through experiential learning with a minimum of lecture. The workshops consist of a series of structured experiences or "learning activities" with the intent of practicing nonviolent solutions to conflicts. 

    CPI – Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6228, jdramsey2@alaska.edu
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face
     

    With a core philosophy of providing for the care, welfare, safety, and security of everyone involved in a crisis situation the program's proven strategies give human service providers and educators the skills to safely respond to various levels of risk behavior while balancing the responsibilities of care. This is a two-day training and completes a one-year certificate for new staff in crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques.

    Customized Employment

    More Info: info@alaskachd.org
    Delivery Method: Web-delivered

    Customized Employment is based on identifying the strengths, conditions, and interests of a job candidate or employee through a process of discovery in order to personalize the employment relationship between a job candidate or employee and an employer in a way that meets the needs of both. This training includes four essential components: Discovery, Job Search Planning, Job Development and Negotiation, and Post-Employment Support. 

    Hearing Voices that are Distressing

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6228, jdramsey2@alaska.edu
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face
     

    This training provides a simulated experience of what it may be like to "hear voices." Designed to assist people with understanding the challenges of people who experience a mental illness and hear voices through a four-hour experiential training. This includes a one-hour video, one-hour simulated "hearing voices" experience through use of an MP3 player and headphones with simulated scenarios/environments, and finishing with a group discussion. 

    Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6228, jdramsey2@alaska.edu 
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face

    Mental Health First Aid USA is an eight-hour training for adults 18 and older that presents an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders in the U.S., and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds an understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Participants learn a 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources, and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, and self-help care. Participants learn the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and, most importantly, teaches individuals how to help someone in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.

    Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6228, jdramsey2@alaska.edu
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face
     

    Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Older Adults is a five-hour training designed to address the specific mental health and substance disorders common in the aging population. As a direct service provider or caregiver the training can help in the recognition of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or gestures, as well as the role that substance abuse plays in the mental health of a loved one.

    Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6228, jdramsey2@alaska.edu 
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face
     

    Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety is training specifically designed for police, first responders, corrections officers, and other public safety audiences. Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety provides participants with more response options to help them deescalate incidents and better understand mental illnesses so they can respond to mental health related calls appropriately without compromising safety.

    PASS Plans as an Employment Funding Source for Students and Young Adults

    More Info: info@alaskachd.org
    Delivery Method: Web-delivered

    This two-hour training will cover the basics of who can have a Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS), what the PASS may be used for, and how to write a PASS that can be authorized by SSA. 

    Positive Approach to Care® Skills Workshop

    More info: Riki Chapman, 907-264-6257, racook@alaska.edu
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face and Web-delivered
     

    This workshop will help participants understand and recognize the differences in “normal” and “not normal” aging. Participants will also develop new skills related to approach, cueing, and ability to connect with people affected by dementia. The workshop emphasizes the value of matching helping behaviors to the person’s needs and retained abilities to promote a sense of control and self-direction.

    This workshop will focus on Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® Positive Physical Approach™ technique, Hand-Under-Hand™ technique and we will cover Teepa's GEMS™ dementia classification model (developed from the basic structure of Allen Cognitive Disability Levels).

    Question, Persuade, and Refer Suicide Prevention (QPR)

    More info: Wendi Shackelford, 907-264-6224, wblackwe@alaska.edu 
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face

    Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) is an emergency mental health intervention for suicidal persons created by Paul Quinnett. QPR is a simple educational program that teaches ordinary citizens how to recognize a mental health emergency and how to get a person at risk the help they need. It is an action plan that can result in lives saved.

    Self-Employment

    More Info: info@alaskachd.org
    Delivery Method: Web-delivered

    Self-Employment as an acceptable work goal for people with disabilities who want to work but want to define their own jobs as opposed to working for someone else. This two-hour training will cover the basic elements and requirements for Self-Employment including why people choose Self-Employment, basic elements of business plans, business proposals and examples of proposals, types of businesses, products and markets, and some business funding sources available in Alaska.

    Traditional Health Based Practices

    More Info: Tom McRoberts, 907-264-6251, tpmcroberts@alaska.edu 
    Delivery Method: Blended (face-to-face and web-delivered) 
    Continuing Education Units: Available - see registration page for details

    This eight-hour continuing education training examines beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of health promotion and maintenance that have been practiced over time, and examines major changes leading to the current health status of the Alaska Native community. Special emphasis is placed on strategies for improving health. Participants are provided with foundational information on traditional lifestyles and health practices of people living in Alaska prior to western contact.

    Youth Mental Health First Aid

    More Info: Wendi Shackelford, 907-264-6224, wblackwe@alaska.edu 
    Delivery Method: Face-to-face 

    Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent age 12-18- who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The training introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

  • Online Web-based Trainings

    Assistance with Self Administration of Medication

    More Info: Betsy Chivers, 907-264-6233, egerken@alaska.edu  

    Designed for providers living in non-licensed facilities or providing services in a non-licensed setting. This includes services in the following areas:

    • Adult day
    • Supported employment
    • Hourly respite
    • Daily respite done in the person's own home only
    • During IAT (Intensive Active Treatment)
    • Day habilitation
    • Supported living (18+ in OWN HOME)
    • In home supports (child in OWN HOME) 

    This training will meet the Senior and Disability Services Home and Community Based waiver regulations for staff training on Assistance with Self Administration of Medication. It is in compliance with state regulation 7 AAC 130.227 and 7 AAC 125.090 (d)(3).

    This training does NOT meet requirements for Medication Administration Training, which must be provided by a licensed professional (RN).

    Interested participants must work through their agency for registration.

    Dementia Care Provision: Reducing Risk By Changing Care Strategies

    More info: Riki Chapman, 907-264-6257, racook@alaska.edu

    Dementia changes everything! Including the effectiveness of many standard health care practices, procedures, and protocols. This poignant training video will teach providers and practitioners how to reduce risk in professional settings and medical models of care when working with dementia.

    Ethics and Boundaries

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6288, jdramsey2@alaska.edu 

    Designed for the residential direct service provider, this training addresses professional ethical behavior relative to conflicts of interest, personal and client property, solving ethical dilemmas, and recognizing issues of ethics and boundaries in the workplace.

    Fall Prevention Training for Direct Service Providers

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6288, jdramsey2@alaska.edu 

    Falls are a common and serious health threat to individuals with disabilities including adults 65 and older. Every year more than 1 in 4 older adults falls, but more than half of those who fall don’t tell their healthcare provider leading to high healthcare costs and hospitalization. This training and the resources shared will help direct service providers self-assess the environment of the assisted living home (ALH) or client's environment to put fall prevention strategies into practice.

    Introduction to Disabilities

    More Info: Betsy Chivers, 907-264-6233, egerken@alaska.edu  

    This training is for individuals new to the field of disability services. It provides a wide perspective about several common types of disabilities. Included are descriptions of some of the challenges individuals experience that are diagnosed with these disabilities remembering that each individual’s experience is unique. This training has a special focus on direct care service providers and professionals (DSPs) and services for individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

    Mental Health Basics

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6288, jdramsey2@alaska.edu 

    Designed for direct care workers providing services to people with mental illness diagnoses, this two-hour course provides an overview of major mental health diagnoses (Axis I), symptoms, and associated pharmacology.

    Prevention of Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable Adults

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6288, jdramsey2@alaska.edu  

    This training will educate direct service workers regarding the dynamics of adult abuse and neglect, the laws intended to protect this population and reporting obligations under these laws. It will also provide caregivers with tools to respond more effectively to adults in their care.

    Psychiatric Advance Directives

    More Info: Jill Ramsey, 907-264-6288, jdramsey2@alaska.edu 

    This training describes the various uses and legal implications of a Psychiatric Advance Directive. A Psychiatric Advance Directive, also known as a mental health advance directive, is a written document that describes what a person wants to happen if at some time in the future they are experiencing a mental disorder in such a way that they are deemed unable to decide for themselves or to communicate effectively. It informs others about what treatment is wanted or not wanted from psychiatrists or other mental health professionals, and it can identify a person who has the authority to make decisions on your/their behalf.

 

Partners & Resources

The Alaska Training Cooperative is proud to collaborate with a variety of government entities, state organizations and associations, national organizations, universities in the Pacific Northwest and across the country, and private companies.

This collaborative work allows us to bring training opportunities to behavioral health providers in Alaska that would not otherwise be possible.

  • Resources

    Alaska 2-1-1, dialing 211 will connect callers to free information about critical health and human services available in the community. Alaska 211 website

    Alaska Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce – Alaska’s AHEC, The mission of ACRHHW/AHEC is to strengthen Alaska’s primary care workforce. With six regional centers providing an industry-university partnership they improve the distribution, supply and quality of healthcare personnel in Alaska. Activities span the workforce spectrum and focus on engaging high school students into health career pathways, broadening the experience of existing health care students, and helping to retain a quality health care workforce with continuing education and professional development that addresses Alaska’s health needs. Alaska Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce Website

    Alaska Commission on Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC), an entity that certifies counselors within the state of Alaska in the fields of behavioral health and addiction. ACBHC Website

    Alaska Department of Health and Social Services DHSS Website

    Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, a state corporation that administers the Alaska Mental Health Trust through a perpetual trust, to improve the lives of beneficiaries. The Trust operates much like a private foundation, using its resources to ensure that Alaska has a comprehensive integrated mental health program. Mental Health Trust Website

    Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), a non-profit Tribal health organization designed to meet the unique health needs of Alaska Native and American Indian people living in Alaska. ANTHC Website

    ANTHC’s Behavioral Health Department works with tribal health organizations throughout the state to help build stronger Alaskans and healthier communities. ANTHC Behavioral Health Website

    Careline Alaska, a statewide 24/7 crisis line. Now available on iPhone and Android devices. Careline Alaska Website

    DHSS Behavioral Health - provides information regarding inclusive community choices pertaining to medicaid redesign known as 1915(i) and 1915(k), and behavioral health continuum of care. DHSS Behavioral Health Website

    Mental Health First Aid, a training course that gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experience a crisis. For more information: Mental Health First Aid Website

    • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help an adult person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include first aid around anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions.
    • MHFA for Older Adults offers training for a spouse, partner or family member caregiver for an older adult. This training can help in the recognition of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or gestures, as well as the role that substance abuse plays in the mental health of a loved one.
    • Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety is a course specially designed for police officers, first responders, corrections officers and other public safety professionals, helping them better understand mental illnesses and providing them with effective response options to deescalate incidents without compromising safety.
    • Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

    For more information about local MHFA training please contact The Alaska Training Cooperative, support@aktclms.org, 907-264-6244

    NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI Website

    PublicHealth.org is dedicated to connecting patients, students and professionals to the latest and most useful healthcare information and resources available. Information specific to Alaska is available covering topics including Scholarships, Fellowships, Internships and Alaska Public Health Organizations. PublicHealth Website

    Senior and Disabilities Services - for information pertaining to home and community-based wavered services, regulation changes, and the latest information on the move to the new waivers – 1915(i) and 1915(c). DHSS SDS Website

    Suicide Prevention Resources in Alaska includes information and links to help you be part of the solution. Suicide Prevention Resources Center Website

    Training Schedules and Registration for service providers. DHSS Senior & Disabilities Services Training Website

    YOU ARE NOT ALONE, a youth led suicide prevention training and outreach program whose goal is to empower youth to appropriately care for and educate each other about suicide prevention with a focus on early intervention and creating hope through positive action. YOU ARE NOT ALONE Website

    DSPHire Direct Support Professionals change lives everyday. No two DSP roles are the same, there is something for everyone. DSPHire Website

    ConnectToCareJobs The United States is facing healthcare and LTSS workforce shortages year-round, but especially now. We are providing employers with a way to fill critical staffing gaps quickly. We are providing individuals looking for jobs an easy way to connect with employers nationwide. We are providing states with actionable data about the workforce needs at their locations. ConnectToCareJobs Website