The next Train the Trainers Institute is September 24-30, 2006 in Chicago.
The Institute is the first step in a two-part process that leads to certification as an HFA Trainer. The Institute process consists of two activities: The Train the Trainers Institute, and evaluation co-trainings with an experienced evaluation trainer. All individuals interested in becoming a state trainer must be making progress to complete the process within one year of participating in the Institute. Upon completion of the Institute process, you may be eligible for certification as a trainer in one of two categories -- Trainer of Family Support Workers or Trainer of Family Assessment Workers. The applicant should be aware that to maintain ongoing certification as an HFA Trainer, criteria must be met annually, such as attendance at a minimum of one Advanced Training each year, as well as completing two HFA trainings each year.
Trainer Categories
- Family Assessment Worker (FAW) Trainer
- Family Support Worker (FSW) Trainer
As a Family Assessment or Family Support Worker Trainer you will be expected to conduct a 5-day training for Family Assessment (FAW) or Family Support Workers (FSW) and the Supervisors of both at a home visitor program. The purposes of this training include: developing a complete understanding of the HFA critical elements; providing an understanding of the roles of the Family Assessment Workers (FAW) and Family Support Workers (FSW); training FSWs and FAWs in the technical aspects of their positions; orienting supervisors and managers to their responsibilities; and reinforcing commitment to the HFA vision.
Institute Objectives
Participants who complete the Train the Trainers Institute will be able to:
- Understand and articulate the HFA vision and all of its components
- Understand and articulate the HFA critical elements
- Understand and demonstrate the concepts of adult learning
- Demonstrate and increase their knowledge of family centered care, prevention and community-based services
- Incorporate a variety of teaching techniques in meeting learning objectives
- Utilize the concepts of HFA to successfully equip Family Assessment and Family Support Workers for their roles in a HFA program.
Institute Activities
Participate in 6 days of intensive training sessions, including extensive practice training and expert instruction in Chicago.
Conduct evaluation co-trainings with an experienced HFA evaluation trainer who will observe, and recommend trainer certification to PCA America.
Criteria for Selection
To be considered as a participant in the Institute, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Experience as a trainer (particularly of program staff)
- Working knowledge of the field of child abuse and primary prevention
- Understanding of, and experience in, working with overburdened and culturally diverse families within a community-based setting
- Prior observation or participation in a HFA Training (observing for both content and training style)
- If you have not been able to participate in a HFA training prior to submitting an application, you will be required to observe one before the Train the Trainers Institute
- At least one year experience working as a home visitor, assessment specialist, supervisor or program manager in an HFA or similar home visitation program.
For a FSW Trainer, experience should include:
- Shadowing a home visitor on at least 10 home visits
- Observing 4 supervisory sessions
- Attending 2 Team meetings
- Reviewing 10 HFA participant files
- Shadowing a FAW on 2 assessments
For a FAW Trainer, experience should include:
- Observing 2 Team meetings
- Reviewing 20 assessments (intake summaries)
- Reviewing 10 HFA participants files
- Shadowing a FSW on 2 Home Visits
- Observing 2-4 FAW Supervisory sessions
- Conduct and submit 5 completed assessments to PCA AMERICA for review. Include typed summaries for both types of assessments (positive and negative) and score. These must be submitted with the application.
Included, as well should be time with the Program Manager to discuss administrative issues, including hiring of staff, quality management, personnel issues, etc.
Consideration will be given to those candidates with extensive knowledge and experience in child abuse prevention or family support home visitor programs that have a strong focus on parent-child interaction.
Please document the required FSW or FAW experience as stated above in your personal statement.
Train the Trainers Institute Application
