Overcoming Obstacles With SelfPride

"In 1997, I entered the SelfPride Community Living Assistant Training Program. The greatest benefit I received was learning about the needs and rights of people with developmental disabilities. I found the management training enlightening and inspiring. I highly recommend this training program to others seeking a career in the healthcare support industry.

I left to take a promotion with Family Service Foundation after eight years with SelfPride. Family Services Foundation, a non profit organization that provides adult day programs for people with developmental disabilities. In my new position as counselor/instructor, I incorporate many of the skills I gained at SelfPride. I assess client needs, set individual client goals, and plan outings. I would not be in my current position without the training program at SelfPride.

I was facing many life challenges before I arrived at SelfPride. I jumped over many hurdles in my personal life in order to get control over the direction of my life. With help from Mrs. Robinson and the SelfPride staff, I gained a new outlook to life. No longer did I focus on the mistakes of the past. Instead I focused on how to get up and go forward to shape the rest of my life. I thank SelfPride for everything they did for me."

~ Javanka Turner

 

 

 
 
 


SelfPride: Connecting People & Jobs

Community Living Assistant (CLA) Training Program

SelfPride’s Community Living Assistant (CLA) Training Program supports individuals who want to secure employment in the healthcare support industry. The program provides job readiness, job training, job placement, and marketable skill attainment to men and women who are welfare dependent. Through partnerships with the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Development (MOED) and America Works, SelfPride receives referral candidates for the CLA training program. The program gives an opportunity for people to provide quality care to others, while gaining work experience. SelfPride hires 95% of their employees through the CLA program.

  
 

Accessing the fundamentals for professional success
SelfPride provides all the building blocks to success for individuals to transition into the workforce. Come along with SelfPride as people transition from welfare dependence to the workforce. This program has three major components; job readiness, job training, and job placement.

Job Readiness places an emphasis on the development of positive work characteristics that are valued by employers.

  • The establishment of positive attendance and punctuality records;
  • The development of positive interpersonal work relationships;
  • Developing a professional appearance and maintaining quality standards in order to retain employment;
  • Participants also learn proper job search techniques, including resume development, completing applications, and interview techniques through classes, small groups and one-on-one instruction.

Job Training places an emphasis on developing the skills to work with the residents in the group home and alternative living units.

  • There are 13 customized training modules required for the Community Living Assistants (CLA) certification;
  • Participants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training;
  • The Nurse Administrator conducts monthly training modules based on the residents’ particular needs;
  • The Nurse Administrator observes the community living assistants during weekly house visits;
  • Participants maintain their certifications by renewing on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.

Job Placement occurs upon successful completion of the CLA training program.

  • An individual is hired as a community living assistant for SelfPride;
  • The individuals are placed in either the group home or one of the eight alternative living units;
  • Opportunities for promotion and career advancement.