CPR & FIRST AID:
This training teaches the skills necessary for appropriate medical emergency response. Participants practice first aid and lifesaving techniques. Staff attending this training should wear loose, comfortable clothing and sneakers due to the necessary physical activity. The class is one session, approximately 4 hours in length or can be taken in two separate parts. New employees must complete this training within the first 2 months of employment.

American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR and First Aid must be re-certified every 2 years. Red Cross CPR must be re-certified every year and First Aid every 2 years.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES:HEP- B/HIV/AIDS:
This training identifies infectious diseases that may be encountered in the workplace and informs employees of their risks concerning Hepatitis B, HIV and AIDS. It instructs on what safety precautions to take in a situation where there may be exposure.

The training consists of a 3 hour lecture in addition to information regarding the opportunity to receive the Hepatitis- B vaccination. If an employee should choose to receive the Hepatitis B vaccination, the series is offered by the Somerville Hospital Occupational Health Department at no cost to the employee. If an employee chooses not to receive the vaccination, they must sign a declination form that does not prohibit the employee from electing to receive the vaccination in the future.

To comply with the guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, this training must be completed within the first month of employment.

MEDICATION CERTIFICATION:
This is a standardized training required to become certified to dispense medications in the state of Massachusetts. The material includes a thorough discussion of the 5 Rights of medical dispensation, medications, how to administer them, storage and record keeping. Certification requires attendance at approximately 18 hours of training and receiving a passing score on the written and practical exam offered by the state. Certification testing will be done at a designated American Red Cross site. This class should be attended within the first 3 months of employment.

Staff cannot administer medications to any individual until this training and certification is completed.

Medication Certification must be renewed every two years.

The American Red Cross will send a notification of pending expiration dates approximately 3 months prior to expiration. The Walnut Street Center, Inc. will send notification of pending expiration 4 months prior to expiration of certification.
A Medication Re-certification class is offered for employees taking the mandatory Re-certification exam.

*It is mandatory for direct care employees to attend this course and attempt to pass the Certification test Candidates who fail three times may attend the certification class a second time and resubmit an application prior to attempting the test a fourth time. If the candidate does not pass the exam within the next three attempts, they are disqualified from becoming Medication Administration Certified for one year.

HUMAN RIGHTS:
This training explores the historical perspective of the rights of an individual with a developmental disability. It prepares managers and staff for understanding the legal and moral standards of rights, and their responsibilities in assuring each individual of his or her rights. This class should be taken within the first 3 months of employment.

FIRE SAFETY:
This training instructs on the causes and types of fires and teaches how to prevent fires from starting as well as how to respond to a fire once it has started. This training is most often held off site.

It is required that at least 1 staff member from each residence or work site have formal fire safety training.

The remaining site staff must complete at least a session of informal fire safety training on site within the first month of employment.

APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA):
This is a 12 -hour class designed to provide a foundation of applied behavior analysis theory. Behavior Intervention Training examines a range of techniques from teaching a person a new skill to data collection, planning and implementing interventions. Employees should complete this training within the first 6 months of employment.

NON- VIOLENT CRISIS INTERVENTION (NCI):
Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) is designed to promote the values of care, welfare, safety, and security for both individuals and employees. NCI teaches employees how to use their communication skills and abilities more effectively when intervening in potential crisis situations. NCI focuses on developing and building trusting, respectful relation ships between employees and individuals. NCI also teaches employees how to perform acceptable physical interventions, if needed. Employees should wear comfortable clothing and shoes to participate in physical activities. Employees must pass a written test in order to be certified. This course should be completed within the first six months of employment.

Employees must attend a six- hour refresher class annually towards the expiration date of their certification or they will have to complete the entire class to become re-certified.

MISSION & VALUES
This class provides an overview of the mission, philosophy and operations of the Walnut Street Center, Inc. Participants will learn about the agency's organizational structure and agency finance during the first section of the class. Next, the class focuses on exercises, case studies and discussions that explore the mission statements of the Walnut Street Center and the Department of Mental Retardation, the values each emphasizes, and the work we do to support people in living meaningful lives. Finally, the class introduces basic behavior modification techniques and human rights issues.

ISP PAPERWORK
This class introduces staff to the "nut & bolts" of documentation for Individual Service Planning (ISP). Participants are encouraged to bring current ISP notes so that the group can get hands-on experience in completing ISP forms, write individualized support strategies, and complete quarterly reports.

SOCIALIZATION & SEXUALITY IN PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
This class brings clarity to the role of staff in assisting individuals in their varying needs for guidance, education, and support in issues regarding sexuality. This class uses actual, practical examples of sensitive and common issues faced by staff in this realm and is presented within both a human rights and historical context.

SOCIAL INCLUSION
This training presents an overview of both why it is important for the individuals we serve to be integrated into their community and a practical guide on how to assist people to be more integrated into the community at large.

TIME & STRESS MANAGEMENT
Too much work, not enough time? Too much stress at work or home? Let us share with you proven techniques to help you better manage your time and reduce the negative stress that can affect your job…and your health. This training is both informative and a whole lot of fun.