Assessing the training and staff development needs of mental health/mental retardation professionals: a multi-method framework

This research addressed the need for the development of a multi-method needs assessment framework that could be used by Training Directors within the 40 Community Service Boards in Virginia to identify the training and staff development needs of professional staff. The study was carried out over a one year time period. First a multi-method needs assessment framework was developed. This framework consisted of three different needs assessment methods designed to produce a list of the top ranked needs in relation to (a) clinical, (b) prevention and consultation and (c) administration training and staff development needs. These methods were: (a) the review of performance evaluations by a three person committee, (b) the use of a nominal group technique by a five person Training Assessment Committee and (c) the completion of a Self-assessment Questionnaire by the professional staff on the rate of hindrance on each of 150 competencies that pertain to community mental health and mental retardation professional practice.

Following review and verification by a panel of experts, this multi-method framework was field tested in the Rockbridge Mental Health Center, Lexington, Virginia. Those needs that were identified by all three methods of the multi-method framework for this CSB were listed as the primary training and staff development needs.

The research concluded that the multi-method needs assessment framework had sufficient utility for it to be used throughout Virginia in the 40 CSBs to assess training and staff development needs. The triangularization of data allowed the needs identified by one method to validate the needs identified by the other methods.