Competency-Based Training and Technical Assistance

Adoption-Informed Care: Building Competency for Mental Health Providers 

June 24, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM | Virtual Registration through Zoom

Presenters: LaShawnda Kilgore, Adoption Support 

Intended Audience: Mental health specialists, mental health providers, foster and adoption specialists, and anyone interested in building competency within mental health structures. 

Objectives: 

• Understand Common Behavioral Health Needs – Identify the typical behavioral and mental health challenges faced by foster, adoptive, and guardianship families.
• Define Adoption-Competent Therapist – Explain the role, skills, and qualifications of an adoption-competent therapist.

Explore Resources and Tools – Provide practical tools and resources to support adoption-competent professionals. (Including NTI Demo)

Woodward Resource Center - Center of Excellence 

June 27, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Virtual Registration through Zoom

Presenters: Lisa Olsen and Marsha Edgington, Woodward Resource Center 

Intended Audience: HCBS waiver providers, targeted case managers, MCO CBCMs, ICF/ID providers, NF providers, PMIC providers, inpatient hospitalization social workers/related personnel, transition specialists, and those who are interested in learning more. 

Objectives: 

• Describe the mission, services, and statewide role of the Woodward Resource Center, Center of Excellence in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Explain how to access and utilize the Center’s specialized expertise and resources, including the referral process and collaboration with community partners.
• Demonstrate an understanding of person-centered practices and how the Center of Excellence supports improved outcomes for individuals with complex needs.

Importance of Benefits Planning and New Method of Providing this Service 

July 8, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Virtual Registration through Zoom

Presenters: Diane Hernandez, Director of Support for Careers, Children & Families of Iowa

Intended Audience: HCBS Providers, case managers, transition specialists, care coordinators, and those who work in supporting people in employment. 

Objectives: 

• Define the purpose and scope of Benefits Planning/Work Incentive Counseling, including key components such as personalized guidance, work incentive education, and financial planning.
• Explain the process for authorizing Benefits Planning services under the T2018 waiver, including required documentation, initial and follow-up authorizations, and referral pathways.

• Describe the role and qualifications of a Certified Benefits Planner, including accepted training programs and required credentials (e.g., VCU, Cornell).

Understanding SSI and Work Incentives 

July 15, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Virtual Registration through Zoom

Presenters: Diane Hernandez, Director of Support for Careers, Children & Families of Iowa

Intended Audience: HCBS Providers, case managers, transition specialists, care coordinators, and those who work in supporting people in employment.

Objectives: 

• Describe the eligibility criteria and basic structure of the SSI program, including how income and resources affect eligibility.
• Explain how earned income affects SSI payments, using the general and earned income exclusions.
• Recognize the importance of timely wage reporting and the use of Benefits Planners to avoid overpayments.

Understanding SSDI and Work Incentives 

July 22, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Virtual Registration through Zoom

Presenters: Diane Hernandez, Director of Support for Careers, Children & Families of Iowa

Intended Audience: HCBS Providers, case managers, transition specialists, care coordinators, and those who work in supporting people in employment.

Objectives: 

• Summarize the eligibility and benefit structure of the SSDI program, including how work history and earnings determine benefits.
• Differentiate the SSDI work incentives from SSI, particularly:
• Analyze how earnings affect SSDI benefits and the implications of reaching Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels. 

1. Generating positive outcomes for members

2. Generating positive outcomes for providers

3. Providing a better understanding of, and compliance with, state and federal regulations concerning service provision

4. Increasing staff competencies in direct service

5. Increasing access to state-wide training for direct support professionals

1. Trainings are relevant to Iowa rules and regulations, CMS standards and HCBS philosophy

2. More opportunities for providers to acquire well-trained, competent direct support professionals with measured core competencies

3. Improved access to trainings and information pertinent to member care

4. Competency-based learning with objectives to ensure training topics are relevant to and useful to the agency’s needs

We are excited to have you as part of our CBT provider group. If you would like to enroll for emails providing updates on training, notifications of changes to the schedule, materials added to the website or other helpful information, please reach out to imeprovideroutreach@hhs.iowa.gov to learn how to sign-up to receive CBT Informational Letters.

If you have additional questions regarding this site, the training schedule, or a specific training content or topic question please Email the CBT Specialist, Barbra Brottman at the training and TA email address: HCBSTTA@hhs.iowa.gov