Organizations serving individuals with complex risks and needs can’t simply “slow down” when they’re short-staffed. The challenge many teams face is how to maintain quality care when there are fewer hands on deck.
Using validated assessments and scalable digital interventions are great ways to collect actionable data and provide quality support. When used intentionally, these tools can help teams intervene efficiently and maintain a high standard of care, even in the face of workforce fluctuations.
Clinical assessments such as the Substance Use Disorder Diagnostic Schedule-5 (SUDDS-5) and pre/post assessments like the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Skills Questionnaire (CBTSQ) can offer valuable insights into individual experience, skill level, risk factors and strengths.
Many of these assessments can be administered to large groups of people in a very short period of time. Facilitators can trust that validated instruments accurately and consistently measure what they claim to measure. Assessment results can be used to inform treatment or intervention decisions, matching individuals with programs they can benefit from the most, and measure skill acquisition to assess program effectiveness.
They reduce subjective decision-making.
They ensure fairness and consistency across clients.
They help staff quickly identify the right intensity of intervention.
They highlight skill and knowledge gaps and risk factors, which can guide decisions around intervention type.
They can be used to collect pre/post program data.
Initial screening using brief, validated assessments.
Flagging risk levels (high, moderate, low) and risk factors (substance use history, mental health concerns, coping abilities).
Routing clients to the appropriate interventions and programs.
Some assessments can be utilized as checkpoints at various stages of intervention or as post-measures to assess individual learning or change.
Check out a recent webinar, presented by Dr. Norm Hoffmann, on the importance of identifying and managing behavioral health conditions in jails and specialty courts.
Digital tools can be one of your strongest allies during short-staffed periods. When thoughtfully selected and tailored, they allow large groups of clients to receive structured support with minimal staff oversight.
Self-paced cognitive-behavioral modules
Coping skills-building programs
Automated check-ins
Self-monitoring tools and mood trackers
Secure messaging systems
Resource libraries tailored to client needs
Virtual coaching
These tools provide consistent, timely support and reach, even when there aren’t enough staff to offer the same level of individualized attention.
They standardize delivery of evidence-informed practices.
They free staff time for crisis response and high-need cases.
They allow clients to engage at flexible times.
They reduce no-shows and waitlist backups.
They can be launched for dozens or hundreds of clients simultaneously.
Because staff shortages are an ongoing reality in social services and criminal justice settings across the U.S., it is essential to focus on practical solutions rather than simply surviving or overextending staff by asking them to take on more responsibility.
By strategically leveraging assessments and digital tools, staff can prioritize the highest-need clients, ensure effective programming is provided across client populations and continue delivering meaningful, data-informed support — even when capacity is stretched thin.