5 Ways AI Supports Public Sector Workforce Operations

Public sector organizations are facing a triple threat to their workforce—burnout, staffing shortages and increasing demand for care. These challenges are putting unprecedented strain on public sector agencies. Thankfully, there's relief on the horizon – artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool to help lighten the load.  

In fact, nearly 2 in 3 physicians now use some form of AI in their practice, according to a 2023 American Medical Association survey—a 78% increase in just one year (AMA). 

It’s not just for private health systems or high-tech startups. As highlighted in a recent Netsmart webinar, public sector leaders are tapping into AI to reduce administrative overhead, improve staff well-being and ultimately deliver better care. 

Here’s how they’re doing it. 

1. Automated paperwork = providers available for real work 

Let’s face it: documentation is one of the biggest drains on clinical staff.  

MHMR of Tarrant County, one of the largest community mental health centers in Texas, knew this pain all too well. 

Their leaders turned to Bells, an AI-powered documentation solution integrated with their electronic health record (EHR), to take the load off staff shoulders. By generating drafts of clinical notes during and after sessions, Bells empowers staff to focus more on the client and less on creating, filing and formatting notes. 

“It has an incredible ripple effect on morale,” said Grace White, Deputy Chief of Program Systems, MHMR of Tarrant County. 

Read the full story of how MHMR of Tarrant County used AI to revolutionize care delivery and operations. 

2. Use AI to scale training and onboarding 

Onboarding new staff is always time consuming—especially when existing team members are already stretched thin. 

MHMR of Tarrant County is exploring how AI tools can play a bigger role in accelerating onboarding. Whether it’s coaching staff through unfamiliar documentation types or flagging gaps in form completion, the smart assistant helps new hires feel supported without always needing a supervisor on standby. 

The result? More confident team members and increased productivity. 

3. Leverage AI for proactive workforce insights 

Workforce burnout doesn’t just show up overnight; it creeps in over time, building slowly—through missed breaks, late nights and inevitable emotional fatigue. 

That’s why MHMR of Tarrant County has started monitoring workforce capacity and performance trends with AI-powered analytics. These tools help leaders spot early signs of burnout, high caseloads or workflow breakdowns. 

“If I can identify a team that’s at risk, I can step in with support before they hit the wall,” said White. “That’s good for our staff and it’s good for the people we serve.” 

4. Align AI with real workflows—not imaginary ones 

Here’s the key: AI only works if it's adaptable to how staff already work. The goal is to adapt the tool to the team, not the other way around. 

MHMR of Tarrant County’s success with Bells wasn’t just about technology. It was about collaboration. Their IT, clinical and leadership teams worked closely with Netsmart to fine-tune how the tool shows up in real-life workflows. 

That meant testing features with frontline staff, customizing templates and ensuring AI suggestions actually made their jobs easier. 

5. Make space for meaningful work again 

At its core, AI in the public sector is about giving professionals more time to do what they trained for—connecting with people and making an impact in their communities. 

When teams feel energized and supported, retention improves. That means less turnover, more continuity of care and stronger outcomes across the board. 

When implemented thoughtfully, it has the power to lighten administrative burdens, prevent burnout and bring humanity back to healthcare. As organizations like MHMR of Tarrant County have shown, it’s not just about having the right tools. It’s about asking the right questions, partnering with the right people and staying focused on what really matters: supporting your workforce and delivering excellent care.