Competency-Based Training and Technical Assistance

Goal Writing and SMART Goals

May 1, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | Virtual Registration through Zoom 

Presenters: Laura Mankin

Intended Audience: HCBS providers and those who are interested in enhancing their goal-writing skills. 

Objectives: 

• Define and explain each component of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and recognize their importance in client-centered care planning.
• Apply the SMART goal framework to create clear, actionable, and individualized goals that align with the needs, preferences, and strengths of members receiving LTSS.
• Assess and adjust goals as necessary to ensure they remain relevant, measurable, and aligned with the evolving needs and progress of clients, supporting continuous quality improvement in service delivery.

Introduction to Quality Management: Understanding Key Concepts and Terminology

May 6, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM | Virtual Registration through Zoom

Presenters: Pamela Lester, Quality Manager, QIO

Intended Audience: Anyone interested in learning more about quality management to implement into practice. 

Objectives: 

• Develop a high-level understanding and purpose of Quality Management
• Understand the definitions of Quality Assurance, Internal Quality Control (IQC), Quality Planning, and Quality Improvement (QI) or Performance Improvement (PI)
• Articulate the differences between Quality Assurance, Internal Quality Control (IQC), Quality Planning, and Quality Improvement (QI) or Performance Improvement (PI)

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.

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