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. (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. (2) Staff providing services in a PRS agency shall complete 18 hours of training per calendar year as follows:

   1. (i) A minimum of 12 hours of the required annual training shall be focused on psychiatric rehabilitation, recovery practices or resiliency, or a combination of the three.

   2. (ii) If the PRS agency serves individuals 14 years of age or older but under 18 years of age, 6 hours of the required annual training shall be focused on youth services.

      (2.1) If the PRS agency serves individuals 14 years of age or older but under 18 years of age, training in the child abuse mandated reporter requirements of 23 Pa.C.S. § § 6301—6388 (relating to Child Protective Services Law) and Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services) shall be completed.

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

   1. (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.
   2. (ii) Six hours of 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 must be completed in person within the first year of employment.
4. (4) A PRS agency shall assure that training has learning objectives.
5. (5) A PRS agency shall maintain documentation of training hours in the PRS agency records under § 5230.13(6)(v) (relating to agency records).

Authority

The provisions of this § 5230.56 amended under sections 911 and 1021 of the Human Services Code (62 P.S. § § 911 and 1021).

Source

The provisions of this § 5230.56 amended January 17, 2025, effective January 18, 2025, 55 Pa.B. 463. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (413377) to (413378).