MSU awarded $2 million grant for DCBS staff training
Morehead State University has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, to expand employee professional training.
The initiative aims to strengthen the region by equipping DCBS staff with the skills and knowledge to deliver vital public assistance and protection services, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children, families and adults in Eastern Kentucky.
The funding will support 16 staff positions at MSU, including one director, three regional learning specialists, seven family support trainers, and five protection and permanency trainers, along with travel costs associated with these roles.
“These staff will provide professional learning to DCBS employees,” said Matthew Hyden (Class of 2002, 2004), Adult & Regional Education executive director. “This includes training for new hires, trainings that are mandated by state or federal law and advanced training to practitioners in Family Support and Protection & Permanency.”
The initiative is part of a statewide training consortium led by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), including Northern Kentucky University and Brescia University. Each institution will oversee training in specific DCBS service regions. MSU will provide training for the Northeastern, Eastern Mountain and Cumberland regions.
The training program will help DCBS employees build many essential skills. Family Support staff will train for programs like SNAP, Medicaid and KTAP. They will also be trained in civil rights, preventing elder abuse, and detecting fraud. Protection & Permanency staff will train in child and adult protective services, foster care, crisis intervention, and working with people in vulnerable situations. Both groups will also participate in professional development using technology, responding to crises, and other key job skills.
“Training for DCBS employees is critical to ensuring that citizens across Kentucky receive the benefits and protections to which they are entitled,” said Hyden. “High-quality training enables staff to accurately determine eligibility for essential programs.”
The partnership between MSU, NKU and Brescia will ensure that DCBS staff across the state receive consistent, high-quality training. Institutions will share resources, develop curriculum, and maintain statewide standards while tailoring content to regional needs.
“This initiative also reinforces MSU’s mission as a regional public institution by promoting workforce development, public service, and community well-being throughout MSU’s 22-county service region in Eastern Kentucky,” Hyden said.
To learn more about the DCBS program or the Office of Adult & Regional Education, contact Hyden at m.hyden@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2612.
