Orientation, Training & Professional Development

Agency Orientation
The Bridge offers a comprehensive orientation for each employee that includes both agency wide and program specific training modules.  Employees receive up to 40 hours of agency wide trainings that include:

• Workplace Safety
• Human Rights
• Diversity
• QPR (Question, Probe, Refer) Training
• Medication Administration Program - certification course
• S.O.L.V.E. (Strategies of Limiting Violent Episodes) - certification course
• First Aid/CPR - certification

Program Specific Orientation
This is a three part system that includes program specific models covering topics including:

• Safety
• Professional Conduct
• Diversity
• Administrative
• Cinical

After receiving training employees are expected to demonstrate knowledge of skills learned to their supervisor.  All employees complete a written material checklist - which reviews all written policies and procedures.

Competency Based Training
The agency provides a professional skill development training that includes training in Evidence Based Practices.  All of these trainings are competency based trainings in which employees are required to meet specific competency requirements.  Evidence Based Practices Trainings include:

• Recovery Based Treatment
• Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Trauma Informed Care
• Wraparound Services
• Supported Employment
• Group Leadership
• Medication Administrative Program Software (MAPS) Training

Professional Development
The agency offers a minimum of nine professional development trainings per year.  The topics include:

• Coaching/Validation
• Burnout Issues
• Motivational Interviewing
• Self-Injuries Behaviors
• Work/Life Balance