Staff Training Program
All Society staff is required to complete the internal, paid Staff Training Program. The training is comprised of three components: Autism Training, Non Violent Crisis Intervention and Agency Orientation.
Agency Autism Training Program:
The autism training course provides a basic understanding of autism and pervasive developmental disorders. The training focuses on characteristics, communication, social, behaviour and implantation of positive programming strategies, based on Applied Behaviour Analysis principles along with additional information to assist staff in supporting individuals with pervasive developmental disorders and understanding behaviours and strategies for increasing appropriate behaviours.
Course Outline:
- Overview of autism spectrum disorders, characteristics and strengths - learning styles.
- Sensory processing and strategies for alleviating sensory dysfunction.
- Communication characteristics and enhancement strategies.
- Positive supports.
- Teaching and Management strategies.
- Social characteristics and intervention strategies.
- Strategies for self-management.
Non violent Crisis Intervention (NCI):
Non-violent Crisis Intervention training and certification is provided to all staff by Gateway Society.
The NCI course ensures the philosophy and principle of providing the best possible care, welfare, safety and security for everyone involved, is understood and applied. Most importantly, the course teaches participants how to prevent a crisis. Participants also learn various strategies, techniques and interventions to apply before, during and after a crisis. Participants consistently report an increase in confidence and competence when dealing with an agitated individual upon completion of NCI.
Agency Orientation:
Agency orientation is provided on the final day of the Staff Training Program. The orientation consists of but is not limited to: tour of the facility; Accreditation and Best Practices; review of Gateway Policies and Procedures and Occupational Health and Safety program; WCB processes; Cultural Diversity and Competency; and a CUPE union orientation.
Additional Training:
Additional training such as St. John Ambulance First Aid for Adult Residential Care, CPR, WHMIS and NCI Refreshers are required and provided for all employees. |
