Frequently asked questions
How can I be in the Focus program?
The first step is to be nominated. Focus participants, Facility Directors, and Bureau Directors are able to make nominations for the next class for Focus. Talk to either a Focus participant or your Facility Director and share with them your interest in the program. Once nominated an application is sent. Once it is completed and returned, all identifying information is removed to maintain the blind selection process. Then the application is given to the committee. The selection committee narrows the group to 30 applicants.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment is the required four, three day retreats away from the work site. Additionally there are several one day trainings spread through out the 18 months of the program. With each retreat there are outside assignments including with workgroups assigned from the class. The extra work is additional to duties at work.
How is Focus different from CPM?
Focus centers on personal growth and development. Participants in Focus are currently employed by DMH or in the mental health field. All subjects and activities are made relevant to DMH and Community Mental Health. Time is spent networking with upper management in DMH at the retreats and trainings.
What is Knowledge Transfer?
The purpose of Knowledge Transfer is to provide technical skills for staff of DMH who want to develop their competencies in specific areas. Knowledge Transfer was developed in house by experts in each of the following areas with in DMH staff; Department administration, Fiscal Management, Human Resource Management, Physical Plant Management, Regulatory Oversight & Service Delivery: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Regulatory Oversight & Service Delivery: Mental Health. Each of these areas has a self assessment of the competency in each technical area. The manual provides self guided studies and assignments to help better understand each technical area.