Children's Behavioral Health OEC

About CBH

People who work with kids with challenging behaviors or mental health diagnoses have chosen one of the most demanding, yet most rewarding careers . They go by different titles: Foster parent, family or child advocate, care coordinator, behavioral health associate, residential staff, educators and classroom aides. They all share the commitment to help kids develop resiliency and skills necessary to face life's challenges.

  • Children's Behavioral Health Field

    Increasing professionalism of Alaska's direct service workforce has long been the focus of the UAA Center for Human Development. As part of that effort, the Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Children's Behavioral Health program (OEC-CBH) works with service providers to increase the level of expertise of those staff who work directly with children in care. A well-trained workforce leads to greater job satisfaction, better retention and better treatment outcomes.

    Students in the OEC-CBH program include traditional degree seeking students, as well as direct service providers working in the service system. All courses are delivered online. Students enrolled in classes may be from all over the state, working in a range of settings. Students who earn the OEC-CBH Endorsement may work in residential children's services, juvenile justice, early intervention and family preservation, foster care, behavioral health and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities, and programs for children and youth and in schools.

    Alaska has many disability service providers that support a wide range of people with disabilities. The need for an effective and proactive workforce in Alaska is very high. There are a variety of direct service job opportunities readily available that can lead to a meaningful career.

  • Information for Employers

    If your staff is enrolled in the CBH program they will need their employers support. Some ways that employers can support staff who are in this program are:

    • Encourage two or more staff to take the course together
    • Provide release time for classes
    • Allow access to agency resources such as use of computer for classes

    It is vital that supervisors participate in the learning experience in a supportive way.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

  • Use knowledge of therapeutic techniques, child development, and cultural responsiveness to interpret treatment plans in therapeutic settings for children and youth.
  • Apply an array of strategies to support and shape behavior of children and youth with challenging behaviors.
  • Abide by professional practices accepted in the field of children’s behavioral health.
  • Blend concepts and skills to develop trauma-informed practices in children’s behavioral health services.

Admissions

Registration

  • Who should enroll?
    • People who work with children who have a history of challenging behaviors
    • Parents/Foster parents of children with behavioral health and/or intellectual disabilities
    • Educators and paraprofessionals
    • New employees working in children's services or other provider organizations
    • Supervisors in the children's services system of care
    • Direct service professionals wanting to improve their abilities to contribute to treatment teams

    The Children's Behavioral Health OEC is offered through the UAA Center for Human Development, a member of the College of Health, University of Alaska Anchorage.

Occupational Endorsement Certificate, Children’s Behavioral Health

The Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Children's Behavioral Health (CBH) is dedicated to these adults. The CBH courses are specifically designed to help gain the skills necessary to be successful working with challenging children.

The Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Children’s Behavioral Health is a 12-credit occupational endorsement for Direct Service Professionals currently working or planning to work with children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or intellectual disabilities. By completing the endorsement certificate requirements, students gain skills essential to become effective members of therapeutic treatment teams.

  • Requirements

    Alignment with Other UAA Academic Programs

    All CBH courses have been cross-listed with UAA Human Services programs and count as selective credits towards HUMS undergraduate degree programs. The OEC-CBH courses are also aligned with an interdisciplinary minor in Children's Behavioral Health offered through the UAA Social Work, Psychology, and Human Services programs.

    Certificate Requirements

    Complete 12 credits in the following courses:
    (Department approval Required for all 4 required courses)

    • DLS or HUMS A200: Introduction to Children’s Behavioral Health
    • DLS or HUMS A205: Teaching Social Skills to Youth in Children's Behavioral Health
    • DLS or HUMS A206: Positive Behavioral Supports in Children's Behavioral Health
    • DLS or HUMS A385: Working with Traumatized Children 

Distance Education and Learning Resources

Disability Support Services (DSS)

UAA Disability Support Services is responsible for coordinating support services for UAA students who experience disabilities. Go to the DSS website to find the services they can provide for Students with Disabilities and shared resources for the community. 

UAA Consortium Library Online

You don't even have to set foot in the door anymore! The UAA Consortium Library site includes databases of journal articles and the ability to request books to be sent to you. Click here to access the UAA Consortium Library website. 

Blackboard

All the CBH courses use the UAA Blackboard and Blackboard Collaborate formats. The list of links below include set up and how to use instructions for these systems. Please review the information and if you have further questions please contact UAA IT Services at (907) 786-4646 or toll free at 1 (877) 633-3888.

UAA Username look-up and password information

UAA Blackboard Login

Blackboard Collaborate

To get ready to participate in a Live Online class using Blackboard Collaborate follow the links below to review the system and to make sure your computer is set up correctly.

On-Demand Learning: Web Conferencing for Collaborate Participants

Blackboard Collaborate Quick Start Guide

Blackboard Collaborate Video Tutorial