Erie County Human Services Cohorts (HSC) Initiative

The Erie County Human Services Cohorts (HSC) Initiative is focused on growing and retaining Erie County, PA’s workforce within Health Choices agencies addressing mental health, substance use disorders, and social determinants of health.

As an HSC member, you’ll receive:

• Training related to your job
• Connections to Health Choices employers and career opportunities
• Financial incentives including a stipend and up to $45,000 in eligible student loan repayment

HSC Members are expected to:

• Attend monthly cohort training sessions for 2 years
• Complete 2 years of full-time work in a targeted role within a participating Health Choices provider. These targeted roles fall within three levels of care:
  • Intensive Behavioral Health Services
  • Family-Based Mental Health Services
  •  Assertive Community Treatment
    • Learn more about these levels of care and roles at www.erietogether.org/human-services-cohorts

Who is Involved?

Participating Health Choices Providers include:

• Achievement Center of LECOM Behavioral Health
• Barber National Institute
• Clarvida
• Edinboro Counseling and Psychological Services
• Family Services of NWPA
• Morris Behavior Coaching
• Stairways Behavioral Health

The HSC Initiative is administered through a partnership between the County of Erie Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities, Erie Together, and Donnelly-Boland and Associates.
 

Who can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Have (or be near completing) a bachelor’s degree in a human services field such as psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, or rehabilitation, OR
• Have less than a bachelor’s degree but commit to completing any needed education/experience to qualify for a targeted role.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Commit to working 2 years full-time with a participating Health Choices provider.
• Submit to background checks and secure Clearances per state and federal regulations upon acceptance into the program.

How to apply:

To apply for HSC participation, a prospective candidate must:

• Complete the HSC application
• Submit the following documents:
  • Cover letter and current resume
  • Letter of recommendation from one reference (preferably an employer or educational reference)
  • Personal statement on why you are interested in participating in the HSC Initiative and believe you are a good fit for employment in the human services field focusing on mental health, substance use disorders and/or social determinants of health
  •  A copy of transcripts from the school where highest level of education was attained (unofficial copy is acceptable)
  • A copy of applicant’s valid driver’s license