Section 5230.56. Staff training requirements

A PRS agency shall implement a staff training plan that ensures initial and ongoing training in PRS practices as specified under § 5230.4 (relating to psychiatric rehabilitation processes and practices).

(1) Staff providing services in a PRS agency shall complete a Department-approved 12-hour psychiatric rehabilitation orientation course no later than 1 year after hire. This course shall be credited to the annual training requirement listed under paragraph (2) for the calendar year in which it is completed.

(2) Staff providing services in a PRS agency shall complete 18 hours of training per calendar year with 12 hours specifically focused on psychiatric rehabilitation or recovery practices, or both.

(3) A PRS agency shall assure competency of new staff by providing an additional PRS service-specific orientation that includes the following:

(i) Six hours of training in the specific PRS model or approach outlined in the agency service description prior to new staff working independently. This training is required within the first year of employment.

(ii) Six hours of face-to-face mentoring for new staff prior to new staff delivering services independently. Mentoring shall be provided by a PRS director or psychiatric rehabilitation specialist designated as a supervisor and is required within the first year of employment.

(4) A PRS agency shall assure that training has learning objectives.

(5) A PRS agency shall maintain documentation of training hours in the PRS agency records under § 5230.13(6)(v) (relating to agency records).