Employers
What's in it for you?
Increasing the professionalism of Alaska's direct service workforce has long been a focus of the UAA Center for Human Development. As a part of that effort, the CRS Program works with employers to raise the level of expertise of those staff who work directly with children in care. Better trained staff leads to greater job satisfaction, better retention, and better treatment outcomes.
Direct line supervisors are invited and encouraged to participate in course seminars, free of charge. To gain the most benefit for your organization, it is important that supervisors understand the scope of the coursework and ways to make the most of the practicum experiences. Program faculty are available for technical assistance.
Your staff need you...
To be successful in this program, students need self-discipline, opportunities to apply what they've learned, and guidance. Learning doesn't happen in a vacuum, particularly in a competency-based program like the CRS Program. It is vital that supervisors participate in the learning experience in a supportive way. It doesn't necessarily mean that the employer foots the bill for the cost of this program. Some ways that employers can support staff who are participating in the CRS Program include:
- Encourage two or more staff to take the course together. By partnering or forming small cohorts you're increasing the benefits your program experiences as a result of the coursework. Students who have had the opportunity to take these courses with co-workers experience better learning outcomes than those working in isolation.
- Provide release time. In some situations, it may be a full day to participate in a blended section seminar. In others it may be time during the day to participate in web conference sessions.
- Allow access to "resources." Resources include practicum opportunities with clients not on the student's existing caseload; clinical supervision to problem solve and advise; or technology and computer resources.
Job Announcements
Employers are welcome to share job openings within their organization. Positions will be posted on the CRS website, as well as forward to the Alaska Association of Direct Support Professionals.
