PROGRAMS

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

HelpServe houses a variety of initiatives designed to serve students and families. Please click on the available menu items to learn more about our initiatives, which include: Clinical Counseling Services, Crisis Intervention, Restorative Justice, Violence Prevention and a Mental Health Intern Program.

 HelpServe’s services have expanded in the past few years. Where our initial focus was on partnerships, we now focus on direct services to families. Our plan is to expand to programming across various wards where the resources we provide will be best serve by 2024. We will offer support to elementary through high school with on-site behavioral health providers, reflecting an unmet need in some homes where mental health is ignored due to economic reasons.

Goals
The goals of our Behavioral Health Center are to:

• Enhance the conditions for learning by providing easily accessible emotional and behavioral support.

• Provide mental health consultation and support to teachers and families.

• Reduce student distress that interferes with learning.

• Increase connections to supportive adults.

• Provide crisis intervention.

• Foster alternatives to suspension through restorative practices.

• Facilitate and acknowledge positive attendance, behavior, and achievement.

• Foster supportive, caring relationships among students and with adults.

Programs and Services
School-Based Behavioral Health services are available in a majority of DCPS schools. Behavioral Health services provide students and their families with access to a caring adult, to positive behavioral interventions and supports, to early intervention to prevent crises, and to consultation to resolve underlying family and environmental issues impacting learning.

Clinical counseling services include:

• Individual, group and family counseling

• Crisis intervention

• Collateral consultation

• Case management

Other services provided to school sites include:

• Outreach

• Coordination of school and counseling efforts

• Family advocacy

• Conflict mediation

• Crisis intervention

• Referral

Professional development is provided to staff on a variety of topics including Coordination of school administration relationships, crisis response, early identification, screening and referral, responding to trauma, decoding behavior, suicide prevention, CPS reporting, and restorative discipline practices. Services are aligned with DCPS’ initiatives to reduce violence and improve the health status of children and families in the District.

 JOB READINESS TRAINING

Greater Preparation. Greater Success. 

Job Readiness Training helps individuals find work and build pathways to self-sufficiency and financial independence.

Participants engage in 160 hours of comprehensive instruction in which they break down personal barriers to employment, develop new skills, create resumes and master interviewing techniques.

Classroom exercises are group based, supplemented by one-on-one sessions with staff who help connect each person with additional resources outside of HelpServe, identify potential employment opportunities and provide encouragement.

The 2023 schedule will be listed shortly.

PROGRAM Benefits

During your four-week training, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., participants build their self-confidence and acquire critical skills needed to gain and retain employment, such as time and resource management, a professional attitude and teamwork.

• Build a work ethic to be successful in employment and in life

• Personal job placement assistance

• Two years of follow-up services

• Case management

• Financial literacy

• Access to computer lab

• Access to professional clothing

• Support services available

frequently asked questions

How much does the training cost?
The program is offered at no cost to participants.

Is it only for individuals that have criminal backgrounds?
No. The program is open to anyone who needs assistance.

What is the age limit?
18+.

Do I need a high school diploma or GED?
No.

Do you offer evening classes?
No. Currently, classes run Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

What kinds of jobs do graduates of the program get?
We work with over 36 employers in the District.  After completion, our Business Services team will match your experience and expertise with potential employers and connect you with employment opportunities.  Our graduates have been placed with various local businesses in varying industries.

What kind of training do you offer?
We provide "soft skills" and attitudinal training, which means that we provide all the preparation needed to go on a successful interview and land the job. Our training works to change negative behaviors and empower individuals to not only get a job, but keep the job and develop a career.