Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending - Construction - The behavioral health workforce in New Hampshire is severely understaffed with numerous job postings in the area of mental health worker, behavior technician, license clinical mental health worker, and school psychologist. Doctorally prepared and licensed counseling and school psychology assessment, psychotherapy and educational testing services are in high demand. This demand has also led to a shortage of trained supervisors supporting the preparation of students who wish to enter the profession. Since 2002 Rivier University has consistently grown its academic programs in behavioral health to meet these workforce challenges. As a result of enrollment growth and advances in behavioral health simulation technology the University is committed to using Congressionally Directed Funding to renovate Benoit Hall, built in 1993, to meet the needs of students preparing for careers in psychology and counseling and accelerate the preparation of behavioral health professionals. The renovation of Benoit Hall will provide the physical facilities supporting the preparation of the next generation of the behavioral health workforce and provide extensive counseling simulation experiences to undergraduate and graduate students. The project will renovate approximately 27,860 SF of the existing Rivier University Benoit Hall Building at 29 Clement Street on the campus of Rivier University to support “Expanding the Behavioral Health Workforce through Training and Simulation.” The scope of work includes the improvement and reconfiguration of interior arrangements of an existing facility. In addition, HVAC modifications include climate control and duct work. The project also includes electrical, plumbing and life safety systems. The project includes the total renovation of the first floor of 7,125 square feet, second floor of 6,764 square feet and third floor 14,022 square feet. The project will be completed in a phased approach to allow for relocation of academic services related to counseling and psychology and the continued use of the 2nd and 3rd floors. Federal funding for this renovation will expand the pipeline of a prepared and competent behavioral health workforce for New Hampshire. The use of a technology-enriched environment in which simulation is an evidence-based strategy will develop counseling skills, techniques, and competency in performing complex assessment within a simulated clinical environment. Simulated counseling sessions will complement challenging coursework, reinforce standards of professional practice, and integrate counseling theory and practice. The proposed renovation will increase access and provide extended hours for training and supervision experiences.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).