Southern Maryland Training Institute
Posted by: CQL on 12/29/2006
Filed under: Maryland
St. Mary’s and Charles Counties
The Situation
Two counties in Southern Maryland: Charles and St. Mary’s Counties joined forces to issue a Request for Proposal. The Local Management Boards (LMBs) stated a need in Southern Maryland for high quality training to be delivered locally at low or no cost. Historically, human service workers were often unable to attend training because of the high cost of registration fees and the time and expense required to drive considerable distances to attend professional development workshops. In addition, Southern Maryland had a hard time attracting seasoned professionals because of the reduced pay scale offered. With their current level of funding, they were unable to compete with the higher salaries offered in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and other Maryland counties. The concern and commitment expressed in this RFP was to provide excellent, high quality training to human service workers to enhance their skills to serve children and families in the Southern Maryland region.
What CQL Did
Through a 2½ year contract, CQL established the Southern Maryland Training Institute, to build capacity and to create a self-perpetuating training system in Southern Maryland.
Based on a needs assessment with members of the Local Management Boards of both St. Mary’s and Charles Counties, CQL produced and conducted over 20 training events and activities. Over 70 organizations participated. Participants included staff of human service organizations, to children, family members and to consumers. We provided training in organizational development, human service skills, and personal development skills. We were able to provide practical and technical training, interpersonal skills development training, and training and experiences in creativity and spiritual renewal. CQL provided a wide range of workshops that addressed the needs of the whole person. Topics included:
- Empathic Crisis Training
- Family Dynamics: The Child as Part of the Family Unit
- Training of Trainers Certification
- Recruitment and Retention: Attracting and Keeping Talent
- Leadership as Improv
- Supporting a Person with Challenging Behaviors and Supporting the People who Care
- Introduction to Personal Outcome Measures for Children and Youth
- Dealing with Difficult People
- The Power of Life Stories
- Making Learning (Training) Fun
A major accomplishment of this grant was the certification of five local (5) trainers to perpetuate the provision of quality training in Southern Maryland. This training team was designated the “Council for Creative Training.”