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Competency-Based Trainings |
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 Competency-Based Trainings (CBTs) provide learning opportunities for Iowa Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) providers across all provider types. These trainings help providers and direct support professionals develop practical skills that can be directly applied to member care.
Key Benefits
- Available at no cost to agencies or direct support professionals.
- Designed to build competencies that support quality care and service delivery.
- Offered through live and recorded training opportunities.
Training Resources
Competency-Based Training and Technical Assistance (TA) Website
- Provides the ongoing schedule of upcoming CBT events.
- Includes access to previously recorded trainings through the training archive.
- Features registration links for upcoming CBT sessions.
Trualta Learning Management System (LMS)
- Houses previously recorded trainings within course toolkits.
- Tracks attendance for live webinars through each user's Record of Learning.
- Provides registration links for upcoming CBT events.
Important Note
Registration links for upcoming CBT events are available on both the Competency-Based Training and Technical Assistance (TA) website and the Trualta Learning Management System (LMS).
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 Critical Incident Reporting 2026: Recognize, Report, Respond
Presenters: Michele Baughan and Lisa Roush, Iowa HHS
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 10:00 - 12:00 PM
Description: This webinar will help participants strengthen their skills in critical incident reporting, evidence collection, and creating corrective action plans that promote accountability and continuous improvement.
Objectives:
- Recognize critical incidents and distinguish between incident types.
- Report critical incidents accurately, completely, and within required timelines.
- Identify and document key reporting elements, including incident details, responsible parties, root causes, and resolutions.
- Respond appropriately through immediate resolutions and long-term remediation planning.
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to prevent future incidents and improve outcomes.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Presenters: Michele Baughan and Pam Lester, Iowa HHS
Thursday, November 12th | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Description: Join us for an overview of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and its role within the critical incident process.
Participants will learn practical tools for identifying underlying causes of incidents, developing effective corrective actions, and supporting continuous quality improvement efforts through case-based learning and hands-on activities.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the purpose and process of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) within incident review and quality improvement efforts.
- Use key RCA tools, including the Fishbone Diagram and 5 Whys, to identify contributing factors, analyze incidents and adverse outcomes, and support prevention efforts.
- Develop and evaluate corrective actions that are actionable, measurable, sustainable, and aligned with identified root causes.
- Apply RCA methods in practice through case studies, discussion, and hands-on exercises.
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Listening Beyond Words: Understanding and Supporting Diverse Communication Styles
Presenters: Sheila Sparling and Melanie Kinsley, Iowa HHS/Woodward Resource Center, Center of Excellence
Thursday, December 3rd | 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Description: Everyone communicates, and communication extends far beyond spoken language.
This training will help providers recognize diverse communication styles and use practical, person-centered approaches that support individual preferences and meaningful engagement.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the many ways individuals communicate beyond spoken language.
- Explore how diverse communication styles convey needs, preferences, and emotions.
- Apply person-centered strategies to support individual communication styles.
- Identify practical approaches for fostering communication, choice-making, and participation.
Foundations of Caring for Youth with Complex Behavioral Support Needs
Presenter: Dr. Janie Funk, Iowa HHS/Woodward Resource Center, Center of Excellence
Thursday, December 17th | 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Description: Staff working with IDD youth in SCL homes play an important role in promoting stability, well-being, and positive outcomes.
This training introduces practical strategies for supporting youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have complex behavioral needs.
Participants will learn to recognize common behavioral health symptoms, promote healthy routines and relationships, and document and communicate information that may guide medication management and other treatment decisions.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common behavioral health conditions and associated symptoms observed in youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Describe age-appropriate strategies that promote healthy sleep.
- Describe age-appropriate strategies that support personal health and well-being.
- Identify strategies for fostering positive relationships between youth, caregivers, and peers.
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Questions and Technical Assistance
If you need further assistance regarding LTSS CBTs, please direct them to the CBT specialist at hcbstta@hhs.iowa.gov or call 515-325-1557. Responses can take up to two business days.
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