EMPLOYEE TRAINING

Extensive staff training is paid for new employees and is continued throughout employment.
  • Orientation Training is provided for new employees to learn the philosophy of community based services for individuals with developmental disabilities and the specific information about the agency. The following training is provided:
    • CPR
    • First Aid
    • Therapeutic Intervention Training
  • On the job training for position-based competency is conducted at the work site and may include the following areas:

    • Medication dispensing
    • Nurse Assistant
    • Seizure Training
    • Positioning, Turning, & Transferring
  • DD Certification is issued to staff members who successfully complete eight core modules (various topics of study), six elective modules, and the practical application report within the first 18 months of hire.  Staff also receives a 5% wage increase.  Some topics include:

    • Supporting Individuals with Disabilities in the Community
    • Legal Issues & Developmental Disabilities
    • Team Planning
    • Working with Families
    • Medication Training
    • Achieving Personal Outcomes
    • Basic Health Practices
    • Principles of Behavior & Basic Behavior Intervention Procedures
    • Recreation & Leisure Training
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Interpersonal Communication
    • Diabetes
    • Alzheimers & Developmental Disabilities
    • Autism
    • And many other topics
  • Additional educational opportunities are available through Minot State University:
    • Associate of Science degree: Tuition for 27 semester hours of special education core curriculum is subsidized through a contract with the ND Department of Human Services at a cost of $50 per semester hour.  An additional 38 semester hours of general education requirements can be completed on-line or at the local college.

    • Bachelor of Science in Developmental Disabilities (non-teaching):  after completing the Associate of Science degree in Developmental Disabilities, individuals may pursue a BS in Developmental Disabilities by attending Minot State University.

    • Master of Science in Special Education:  individuals may earn a MS degree in Special Education at Minot State University after successful completion of a graduate course of study in the Severely Multi-handicapped.  For more information, contact the Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education or the Graduate School Office at MSU.

    • For more information contact:

      Mary Mercer
      (701) 858-3260 or 1-800-233-1737

      Minot State University
      Box 131
      500 University Avenue West
      Minot, ND   58707

      Email:  mary.mercer@minotstateu.edu