| Staff Training |
Preservice TrainingNew employees are required to participate in 48 to 52 hours of training before they begin working with the students or adults we serve. The training topics are designed to explain the characteristics of family-centered services to promote sensitivity to the challenges that many clients face. The training also covers Grafton's specific treatment philosophy and treatment practices such a our behavior crisis intervention system and positive behavior support program. Employees also learn about the support required to protect the health and safety of clients and relevant policies and procedures.The curriculum was designed to cover a breadth of topics to provide a comprehensive overview of the needs facing our clients and includes input from employees, clients, parents and family members to ensure that their perspecitives and concerns are considered. Additional TrainingDuring their first six months at Grafton, employees are required to complete specific online or classroom training courses and assignments designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed in their jobs. They also receive on the job instruction from their supervisors. Employees who will administer medication must first complete a 32-hour Medication Aide training curriculum. Other employees must complete a course in basic psychopharmacology to promote their understanding of the medications that clients receive for treatment. Supervisors are expected to complete specific supervisor training courses.In addition, through the implementation of performance-based job descriptions, direct support employees and their supervisors can monitor the direct support employees' acquisition of skills and knowledge while on the job. Job Ladder SystemGrafton has developed a Job Ladder System for direct support professionals that provides the opportunity to expand skills and knowledge. When employees have met certain time-in-position requirements and demonstrate proficient performance, they may move up the Direct Support Employee Job Ladder and be compensated accordingly. Grafton employees also must fufill certain annual training requirements to refresh knowledge and skills such as first aid, CPR and behavior crisis intervention techniques, human rights, emergency preparedness and response procedures, fire safety, and prevention of bloodborne pathogens, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.Grafton's Electronic Learning Management SystemTraining offered during a particular year may also include the knowledge and skills needed to implement new initiatives within a particular program or across the organization. Instruction may be provided via online courses through Grafton's electronic learning management system (GLMS) or via classroom training. Additionally, employees attend regularly scheduled, program-specific in-service training to ensure they stay current with the latest industry knowledge so they can provide the best care to clients.All employee training is monitored through the electronic learning management system, and training content is reviewed annually and updated, as needed, to reflect improved practices. Supporting Our Mission to Maximize IndependenceGrafton is committed to delivering the best services possible for our clients. Our mission, vision and core values guide us in this effort, and accordingly, we retain employees who are committed to these core values. We support ongoing discussion and training for employees at all levels of the organization, with the goal of teaching students and adults to achieve maximum independence. |
