HRSA BHWET - Hawaii Paraprofessional Training Institute

HI-Hawaii Center on Disability Studies UCEDD/JABSOM LEND Program
Program Type	UCEDD	Fiscal Year	2020
Contact	Tammy Tom, MA, MS
Email	[email protected]
Phone	808-956-9039
Project Description
The purpose of the Hawaii Paraprofessional Training Institute (PTI) is to build statewide capacity to train and employ skilled behavioral health paraprofessionals, especially in rural and underserved areas of the State of Hawaii. Under a 2017-2021 HRSA BHWET training grant, the main PTI objective during this time period is to provide HRSA BHWET training scholarships and PTI training, leading to certification or credential, to 120 behavioral health paraprofessionals annually. Hawaii became the 42nd state to pass autism insurance reform under Lukes Law in the 2015 legislative session. Effective 1/1/2016, children with ASD have better options for receiving quality services and treatment to help them thrive and lead healthier lives. The law now requires most medical insurance in Hawaii to pay for necessary ASD healthcare services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Here is what is happening locally to support Lukes Law. Passing the law is just the first step. The Hawaii Licensure for Behavior Analysts was also written and signed into law in 2015, ensuring that children with ASD receive ABA designed by a Licensed Behavior Analyst and implemented by Registered Behavior Technicians. Employment opportunities are being created In the case of direct service workers, qualified personnel must have a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential. This means that individuals with an RBT credential are in high demand! Organizations and agencies serving the ASD population are hiring individuals already credentialed or individuals who make a commitment to the credentialing process. BAYADA Behavioral Health (BAYADA) is one of the organizations looking to hire, train, and credential interested individuals across the state. Local RBT training is now available Through Leeward Community College (Leeward CC) and BAYADA training programs, individuals across the state have an opportunity to pursue an RBT credential and/or the Special and Inclusive Education Certificate of Competence (SpEd Cert). These local trainings are primarily online so that individuals across the state who are interested in these trainings will have access and those with busy schedules may participate. Scholarships are available statewide The UHM Center on Disability Studies is collaborating with Leeward CC and BAYADA to provide scholarships to eligible individuals who have not attained a Bachelors degree. Direct service workers statewide have a chance to increase their qualifications and skills to service individuals with ASD. These scholarships will provide tuition waivers for Leeward CC and BAYADA programs. Two pathways to the credential are available.