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Behavioral Health Workforce

Retention Toolkit

Resources to support your team at every stage so 
they can provide consistent, high-quality care.

Upcoming Events

Retention Toolkit Preview

December 11, 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Virtual

A virtual preview briefly highlighting what the BHWC’s Employee Retention Toolkit has to offer.

Register

Retention in Action

February 10, 2026
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Chicago, IL

A one-day in-person event for thoroughly exploring the Toolkit, discussing how to leverage the organizational assessment, and spotlighting providers already putting these practices into action. This event will also feature a networking lunch to connect with peers and share ideas for improving staff satisfaction and retention.

Register

Effective staff retention is essential for delivering quality care and reducing the challenges of turnover. The need is pressing, yet the time and energy it takes to recruit, train, and support staff can be overwhelming. This toolkit is here to help.

What’s Inside

  • Practical strategies that work across behavioral health settings.  
  • Tools you can adapt to your organization’s needs.  
  • Guidance for leaders, HR teams, and supervisors.
  • Spotlights from Illinois organizations improving retention.  
Group of business people standing next to each other.

This Toolkit is for

  • Organizational leaders looking to improve workforce stability  
  • HR staff seeking smarter hiring and onboarding approaches  
  • Supervisors aiming to support and retain their teams  
  • Funders and policymakers focused on workforce investment 

Stay Connected

The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC), established in 2022, is funded by the Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery at the Illinois Department of Human Services and administered by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The BHWC leads the charge by supporting recruitment, education and retention of the behavioral health workforce.