Hiring Conundrums in Human Services Organizations: Hunting Unicorns or Chasing Cats

Human services organizations—particularly those providing behavioral health services and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)—are facing a workforce crisis. The demand for direct support professionals, counselors, and case managers keeps growing, and many organizations are struggling to find enough staff. Moreover, turnover for these positions is high, and the cost of replacing these professionals is significant.

Assessments are a versatile tool that can help organizations better select and develop their human capital. Assessment can be used to improve hiring, onboarding and professional development. However, without a thorough comprehension of the purpose, capability and function of assessments, organizations open themselves up to unintended risk or allow this powerful tool to fall flat.