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QUESTION: For new DSPs, how long does new hire orientation last at other organizations, and what courses do they offer to cover the topics required by DDRS? For staff that have experience, our orientation is around 15-20 hours. We generally utilize the online I-Train DSP training (which takes 10-12hours) along with 6-8 hours of live training for this group. For staff that do not have experience, our orientation is around 40-50 hours. We utilize the online Relias training (which takes 25-30 hours) along with 12-16 hours of live training for this group. *** We recently started a new "onboarding" program that is high touch for new hires. They get their TB and on the day the return to have the TB read, they meet one-on-one with HR to complete their paperwork and other necessary HR items. HR works out the training schedule with them and they then meet with their direct supervisor to discuss their position in more detail and to schedule their shadow shifts. They can start shadowing the next day. Over the next 2 weeks, they attend training and also shadow. This has been a real boost to making the training more effective and understandable to the new hire. Classroom training consists of CPI, CPR/1st Aid, Protection and Advocacy, Core A & B, Teaching and Communication, and Respectful Supports. In the classes that are annual renewal subjects, the new hires are in class with seasoned employees leading to great discussions and example. *** We require our new employees to complete a 2 week agency orientation/training upon hiring. Specific topics are scheduled for certain days. Day 1 consists of Agency Orientation and Intro to Developmental Disabilities, Individual Human Rights, Abuse-Neglect-Exploitation, Person-Centered Programming/ISPs, Meaningful Days Programming; Day 2 consists of Effective Communication, Wellness-Nutrition-Personal Care, Safe Environments, Positive Behavior Supports, Cultural Diversity, Behavior Support Plans, Hoyer Lift, Agency-Specific Documentation; Day 3 consists of Individual and Site Specifics; Day 4 consists of Nov-violent Physical Crisis Intervention; Day 5 consists of American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA; Day 6 consists of Medcore A; Day 7 consists of Medcore B. These are all classroom based learning. This training period also includes 3 shadow shifts at their assigned site observing current staff. Annually all employees attend recertification for all trainings excluding CPR/AED/FA, which is every 2 years. *** Day orientation is 4 days and 28 hours; plus diabetes training for anyone working with a person who has a diagnosis of diabetes. Evening orientation is 2 weeks, M – Th and also 28 hours. Here are all of the topics: Core Values & Mission Person Centered Philosophy/Person First Language Prevention of Abuse & Neglect Corporate Responsibility, HIPAA, QA & Individual Rights HR Policies & Procedures Time Management & Payroll Introduction to Therap Documentation Program Nutrition – Healthy Eating Van Driving CPR & First Aid Housing Maintenance Wheelchairs, Transfers, Lifts & Positioning Medication Administration Core A & B PIA – Physical Intervention Alternatives Safety & Security Family Perspective After classroom orientation new associates complete the precepting process; “on the job” training up to 40 hours prior to working alone depending on the program; there is a thorough precepting packet with program and site specific information. *** Right now we are committing to a full week for new hire training. Here are the main topics covered that week: Person-centered Planning & ISPs Respect & dignity Communication Abuse & Neglect ID & Prevention Positive Behavior Supports Emergency Restrictive Measures Health Care Coordination Med Core A Med Pass Competency First Aid & AED Consumer Safety CPR Emergencies Seizure Management HIPPA/OSHA Cultural Diversity Driving Safely Incidents & Reporting Abuse, Neglect, & Incidents Reporting This information is a compilation of suggestions, ideas, and opinions shared by INARF Members in response to the featured question. This information should not be considered official interpretation or guidance of State or Federal Policy. Additionally, statements within this document do not necessarily reflect an official position or opinion of INARF.
For staff that have experience, our orientation is around 15-20 hours. We generally utilize the online I-Train DSP training (which takes 10-12hours) along with 6-8 hours of live training for this group. For staff that do not have experience, our orientation is around 40-50 hours. We utilize the online Relias training (which takes 25-30 hours) along with 12-16 hours of live training for this group.
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We recently started a new "onboarding" program that is high touch for new hires. They get their TB and on the day the return to have the TB read, they meet one-on-one with HR to complete their paperwork and other necessary HR items. HR works out the training schedule with them and they then meet with their direct supervisor to discuss their position in more detail and to schedule their shadow shifts. They can start shadowing the next day. Over the next 2 weeks, they attend training and also shadow. This has been a real boost to making the training more effective and understandable to the new hire. Classroom training consists of CPI, CPR/1st Aid, Protection and Advocacy, Core A & B, Teaching and Communication, and Respectful Supports. In the classes that are annual renewal subjects, the new hires are in class with seasoned employees leading to great discussions and example.
We require our new employees to complete a 2 week agency orientation/training upon hiring. Specific topics are scheduled for certain days. Day 1 consists of Agency Orientation and Intro to Developmental Disabilities, Individual Human Rights, Abuse-Neglect-Exploitation, Person-Centered Programming/ISPs, Meaningful Days Programming; Day 2 consists of Effective Communication, Wellness-Nutrition-Personal Care, Safe Environments, Positive Behavior Supports, Cultural Diversity, Behavior Support Plans, Hoyer Lift, Agency-Specific Documentation; Day 3 consists of Individual and Site Specifics; Day 4 consists of Nov-violent Physical Crisis Intervention; Day 5 consists of American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA; Day 6 consists of Medcore A; Day 7 consists of Medcore B. These are all classroom based learning. This training period also includes 3 shadow shifts at their assigned site observing current staff. Annually all employees attend recertification for all trainings excluding CPR/AED/FA, which is every 2 years.
Day orientation is 4 days and 28 hours; plus diabetes training for anyone working with a person who has a diagnosis of diabetes. Evening orientation is 2 weeks, M – Th and also 28 hours. Here are all of the topics: Core Values & Mission Person Centered Philosophy/Person First Language Prevention of Abuse & Neglect Corporate Responsibility, HIPAA, QA & Individual Rights HR Policies & Procedures Time Management & Payroll Introduction to Therap Documentation Program Nutrition – Healthy Eating Van Driving CPR & First Aid Housing Maintenance Wheelchairs, Transfers, Lifts & Positioning Medication Administration Core A & B PIA – Physical Intervention Alternatives Safety & Security Family Perspective After classroom orientation new associates complete the precepting process; “on the job” training up to 40 hours prior to working alone depending on the program; there is a thorough precepting packet with program and site specific information.
Right now we are committing to a full week for new hire training. Here are the main topics covered that week: Person-centered Planning & ISPs Respect & dignity Communication Abuse & Neglect ID & Prevention Positive Behavior Supports Emergency Restrictive Measures Health Care Coordination Med Core A Med Pass Competency First Aid & AED Consumer Safety CPR Emergencies Seizure Management HIPPA/OSHA Cultural Diversity Driving Safely Incidents & Reporting Abuse, Neglect, & Incidents Reporting