Liberty Place partners with state to launch programs

Liberty Place has partnered with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (MTDLI) to launch the state's first Community Health Worker and Behavioral registered apprenticeship-training programs.

Officials from the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program visited Liberty Place headquarters in Whitehall last week to discuss the programs that will help Gem State residents seek new opportunities to earn higher wages and improve their job skills in the healthcare industry.

Liberty Place was founded in 1996 to provide a better, more independent life for people who have been severely impaired by a brain injury, and according to Executive Director Ann Geiger, the new program is something very exciting.

Geiger added it would also give Liberty Place employees a credential that can help them obtain greater employment opportunities.

Madeline Boehm of the MTDLI told Liberty Place employees joining the program that the work they do for Montana is critical, and thanked them for being trailblazers with the apprenticeship for the Community Health Workers and Behavioral Healthcare.

Terri Perrigo of HealthCARE Montana also told the employees how excited they were to start the two new programs, and said that because she has a friend who suffered a traumatic brain injury, the work they do at Liberty Place is very personal to her.

According to a release from the MTDLI, the new apprenticeships will formalize the training of staff to provide assisted living and transitional care for residents.

"Once the apprentices complete the curriculum, and one year of on-the-job training, they will be the first in Montana to receive a nationally recognized industry credential for these occupations. Currently, the only credentials for these occupations in Montana are available through apprenticeship programs," the release states.

The curriculum for the Behavioral Health program was developed with the Montana HealthCARE Montana Grant. The Montana Office of Rural Health developed the curriculum for the Community Health Worker program.

Liberty place employees will receive the free of cost education from the Montana Hospital Association, through a grant awarded to the Montana Office of Rural Health.

"Liberty Place has a desire to build a strong healthcare workforce," Geiger said. "Our motto 'Freedom to Try...Courage to Soar' applies to all aspects of our organization; those we serve who are regaining skills after brain injury, our employees and our volunteers. By investing in the future of those desiring to work in healthcare, we are playing a small part in bringing quality to those who rely on them."

Labor and Industry Commissioner Galen Hollenbaugh said apprenticeships are growing Montana's economy.

"We are excited to have partnered with Liberty Place to implement the new community health workers and behavioral healthcare apprenticeships that will benefit Montanans across the state.

To learn from about the programs call 406-444-4100 or visit apprenticeship.dli.mt.gov.