In providing quality services and supports to people with disabilities, no single element is of more critical importance than staff development. Counseling, educating, and habilitating persons with developmental disabilities,
physical limitations, and mental illness requires specialized training and knowledge. Learning is an ongoing process, because knowledge in these fields is always growing. In order to stay current in the various disability fields,
and to provide the best possible services, all Trinity employees--from direct support staff members to QMRPs, Team Leaders, Program Directors, and clerical workers--are required to spend at least 80 hours per year in relevant learning experiences.
Obviously, this requirement necessitates a commitment from Trinity management to provide frequent opportunities for staff development. Trinity's commitment to offering these opportunities for learning exhibits itself in the 40 hours of Pre-Service,
or orientation training, given to each employee upon being hired, 40 hours of In-Service training offered several times each year, monthly CPR and First Aid classes, and regular day, evening, and weekend classes in such subjects as health care for persons with disabilities,
effective counseling skills, leadership and management, and data collection. Most classes sponsored by Trinity are held in the Cherry Hill Conference Center, an ideal facility for learning located centrally to most of Trinity's offices, adult learning centers, and residential buildings.
The majority of training provided by Trinity is conducted by Trinity staff members-- those people performing the work of the agency every day. Sally Ritchey coordinates Staff Development for Trinity Services, but every Program Director and manager is held responsible
for encouraging staff members to complete the 80 training hours, as well as creating a learningful environment in the workplace every day.
In addition to putting on a vast array of classes, seminars, and workshops, Trinity employees enjoy the ability to attend outside conferences and seminars around the state and country as a part of their jobs. Staff members may also receive tuition reimbursement for
related course work, provided they meet certain criteria, such as length of service and class performance.
Many outside speakers and authors are also brought in to Trinity to give presentations, workshops, and training. Past presenters have included: Nathan Ory, Dave Hingsburger, Orieda Horn Anderson, Richard Steckel, Linda Van Dyke, Shirley Paceley, Peter Kline,
Jerry Harvey, Bob Sprague, and Dr. Carl Tyler. A steady stream of outside experts in the fields of disabilities, psychology, education, and management ensures that Trinity employees are exposed to a wealth of new ideas and remain current in their thinking
in terms of best practices, evidence-based practices, new theories, and significant trends.
A growing library is also maintained at the conference center. Many books, journals, periodicals, and video resources are available for check-out to Trinity staff members. Monthly book clubs for staff offer a chance to receive a free, current,
leadership-related book and attend a lively discussion group.
Lillie Leapit
Lillie Leapit is a fuzzy, green, five-and-a-half foot tall frog. Her job is to surprise Trinity staff members who have been nominated by their co-workers for this unique recognition.
She brings music, balloons, and love with her to the work environment.
An employee can be nominated by any fellow employee or person served by Trinity. All you need to do is to fill
out a Frog Gram, which can be found in all departments, and drop it into the nearest Lily Pad Box. You can nominate an employee at any time. Nominations should describe a specific effort
by a staff member--like catching someone doing something good. Did a staff member go out of his or her way to help someone? Did someone work hard on a project and do it well?
Does someone always exhibit a positive attitude, making your work environment a nice place to be? A Frog Gram nomination is for individual effort--going above and beyond the call of duty.
Lillie Leapit Visits are made every month. A staff member may receive 1 visit per year, but if he or she is nominated a 2nd time during the year, a seal will be put on her existing Lillie Certificate.
Master's Program in Behavior Analysis
Through a special arrangement with Southern Illinios University, Trinity staff members with at least a Bachelor's degree can enroll in a Master's degree program in Psychology, with emphasis on Behavior Analysis. This rigorous program is designed to help students meet the stringent standards of the field and ensure eligibility to sit for the Certification Exam. Classes taught be SIU faculty occur on Trinity's campus at the Cherry Hill Conference Center, as well as on-line. Students benefit from a very reasonable tuition rate from SIU. he first cohort of students began in 2003 and received their degrees in December 2005. Another cohort began classes in 2006.
Trinity has a long tradition of supporting employees seeking advanced degrees in applied fields. Past graduate degree programs include two cohorts of students who recieved Master's degrees in Leadership from Lewis University in 2009 and 2005, as well as two cohorts of students trained through the University of Nevada, Reno, in Applied Behavior Analysis (Psychology) in 1998 and 2001.
To learn more about this program, contact Thane Dykstra at 815-723-4894.
Debbie Gustafson Memorial Scholarship
Debbie Gustafson’s tenure at Trinity began in January of 1991 and sadly, ended with her death in October of 2000. She always showed herself to be full of love and compassion, with a great sense of respect for everyone. Her energy and enthusiasm touched every person who knew her.
Debbie firmly believed in the pursuit of education and personal growth, and strongly supported women returning to school. She also recognized the unique challenge that raising a family, maintaining a job, and being enrolled in school create. In recognition of her beliefs and contributions, the Debbie Gustafson Memorial Scholarship has been established in her memory.
The Debbie Gustafson Memorial Scholarship is awarded to one female employee each fiscal year. Preference is given to working mothers and candidates who are seeking a first-time baccalaureate degree.
For a scholarship application, click here.
If you need more information about Staff Development programs at Trinity Services, contact:
Sally Ritchey
(815) 722-0166
Cherry Hill Conference Center
2505 East Washington Street
Joliet, Illinois 60433
e-mail: SRitchey@trinity-services.org