Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction QStP Team Projects - Training Projects
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R.O.C.K. WITH A.C.A.
North Central Correctional Institution (2001)
The R.O.C.K. with ACA team was formed in order to increase the knowledge and awareness of NCCI employees with regard to American Correctional Association (ACA) accreditation standards. The team developed a training program that is administered to all NCCI staff during their mandated in-service training. Prior to the training sessions, 67% of NCCI employees could not name an ACA standard that applied to their work site. Post-training surveys indicated that 80% of all NCCI staff can now name a specific standard that relates to their job. Team members: Dave Marquis (Team Leader), Carol Miley, Patty Fitch, Teri Baldauf, Janee Brant, Synthia Davis, Leon Hill, LaTonya Cotton. Facilitator: Jane Black. For more information contact Dave Marquis (740) 387-7040.
R.A.V.E. - REVAMPING ACCREDITATION VALUES ENTHUSIASTICALLY
Southern Ohio Correctional Facility (2001)
The SOCF team’s mission was to decrease the amount of inaccurate information received at the institution’s ACA office by increasing employee awareness of the proper documentation required by the ACA for audit purposes. The team developed a one-hour in-service training session highlighting the ACA accreditation process as well as an ACA documentation manual for use as a reference tool. Prior to the team’s formation, approximately 33% of the documentation received by the ACA office at SOCF was inaccurate. The team project resulted in the achievement of a 17.9% inaccuracy rate. Team members: Ralph Merritt (Team Leader), Susan Dillow, Randy Skaggs, Bryan Sparks, Matt Thomas, Sherry Wagner. Facilitator: Carla Cox.
M.E.N.T.O.R. - MEETING EMPLOYEE NEEDS THROUGH ORIENTATION REVAMPING
Belmont Correctional Institution (2001)
The mission of this team was to improve new-hire orientation and on-the-job training (OJT) at BeCI. The team found that the quality of OJT suffers when assigned instructors fail to appear or do not make full use of allotted time. The team found that new-to-the-institution employees were spending OJT time in first shift areas to which they would not soon be assigned. The result was dissatisfaction with idle time, lecture-style instruction, and unrealistic OJT. Although the Department’s hiring freeze effectively removed the anticipated customer group for the orientation segment of the team’s project, the team implemented an alternate plan utilizing in-service training classes to implement several changes: staff were required to attend inmate orientation and read the inmate handbook, OJT was scheduled on all shifts, and all lesson plans for orientation were reviewed and revised. Results showed that 100% of officers, new and experienced, who participated in the pilot tests responded positively to the training. Team members: Linda Baughman (Team Leader), Chris Ashland, Michelle Bohandy, Sam Carter, Mary Richards, Mike Cenkus, Dave Bodner, Kim Caim, Domenic Comparetto, Carol Mann, Cindy Milner, Lori Wolfe. Facilitator: Michelle Eberlin. For more information contact Linda Baughman (740) 695-5169.
LIMA REGION MOUSE-KETEERS - A.P.A.
Lima Region (2001)
This team’s mission was to improve the process of delivering computer training to staff by localizing the training. As a result of the budget crisis, computer training at the Corrections Training Academy had been reduced. Because there is an ongoing need for training in computer skills, the team developed a plan to provide training within the Lima Region. The committee projected that, if travel time and expense could be reduced for computer training statewide, cost savings to the Department would be significant and service delivery would be more responsive. The team also decided that the most effective means of training employees in computer skills would be to schedule properly trained instructors to do their teaching one-on-one at the trainee’s worksite. Post training surveys showed that the staff preferred this method of learning to any other alternative. Team members: Lana Mergenthaler (Team Co-Leader), Dennis Tenwalde (Team Co-Leader), Carole Chizmar, Sharon Crouse, Kathy Green, Jill Springer, Tina Patrick. Facilitator: Connie Maassel. For more information contact Dennis Tenwalde (419) 227-2631.
SPOT THE TOP
Marion Correctional Institution (2000)
"Silver" level team - 2000 TEPS Showcase. SPOT the TOP (Staff Providing Officer Training through helpful experience, Training Opportunities & Professionalism) was the result of the previous SPOT team and the work they did concerning on-the-job (OJT) training and new officer support. The SPOT team found that a contributor to staff turnover was a lack of support from other staff. This issue is compounded by the one-year probation period for new officers. SPOT the TOP developed and implemented a Field Training Officer (FTO) program. These FTOs are responsible for tracking new officer training and helping supervision with issues new officers may encounter on the job. Team members: Tony Delgado (team leader), Charles Shotwell, Chrissy VanMeter, Robert Morgan, Tim Brant, Will Eleby, Cindy Price (facilitator). For more information contact Tony Delgado (740) 382-5781.
SPOT TEAM (Staff Providing Officer Training)
Marion Correctional Institution (1999)
On-the-job training for newly hired correctional officer needed improving. In 1998, MCI hired 62 correction officers. Of those, 29 did not complete their one-year probationary periods due to resignation or administrative termination. The SPOT Team reviewed the practices and policies of such training, and analyzed the situation. From their recommendations, new pre- and post-tests and a support system were developed. The old OJT schedule was rewritten and the team changed the training and support of newly hired correction officers to improve job performance and decrease the turnover rate of officers. As a result, test scores have improved an average of 20%. Team members: Cindy Price (facilitator), Tony Delgado, Chrissy VanMeter, Will Eleby, Charles Shotwell, Tim Brant and Robert Morgan.
Self-Image 2000
Lima Adult Parole Authority (1999)
Self-Image 2000 was formed to review the specific continuing education training needs of support staff in the Lima Region of the Adult Parole Authority (APA). The team’s mission was to establish a training environment and learning process in which adult learning is positive and motivating. The team was also tasked with improving interpersonal relationships among support staff. Self-Image 2000 developed an informal classroom environment to encourage students to share their experiences thus facilitating open communication among support staff. The team concluded that the interpersonal relationships and getting along with others training was a complete success as evidenced by the impressive evaluation ratings. Team members: Carol Chizma, Sharon Crouse, Terry Emrick, Kathy Green, John McIntyre, Lana Merganthaler, Terri Ritchie, Jill Springer and Dennis Tenwalde.
TACTICAL EDGE TEAM
Intra Departmental Team (1998)
The team promotes firearm marksmanship skills and training to assist DRC employees in achieving firearm proficiency. This promotion is provided in a competitive manner to promote networking, increase staff morale and ensure DRC maintains its tactical edge. Tom Makley, Leader 419-225-8060.
ADJUNCT EDUCATORS
Lima APA Region (1998)
The team was formed to analyze and focus on specific training needs in the Lima region. The team’s mission was to establish a learning process within a training environment. The team believes their work will motivate employees to develop new skills and acquire knowledge. Dennis Tenwalde, Leader 800-231-2251.
TEAMWORK 2000 TEAM
Mansfield APA Region (1998)
The team was concerned with the training of new probation and parole officers in the Mansfield APA region. There was no systematic or efficient manner of delivering training information. The team developed an OJT Officer Training Outline which will be implemented statewide. Amy Booker, Leader 419-522-2441.
TASK TEAM
Corrections Training Academy (1997)
The Corrections Training academy was established to provide quality training to new employees, however, it relied heavily on the part-time guest trainer concept.
Problems frequently developed when the guest instructors did not show up. In view of this serious breech, safety and agency policy was affected. The C.A.T.T team was developed to explore the process of obtaining the appropriate quantity and quality of guest instructors so that instructor student ratios where appropriate. An evaluation instrument was developed to monitor and measure results, in addition, an implementation tracking system was developed. Using theses systems, quantitative data was assimilated which was twofold. It served as a quality control appraisal for guest instructors and provided the academy with an instructor benchmark. All this was accomplished while providing a positive initial contact with new department employees. Rick Hoffman, Leader 614-877-4345.
FIRST CONTACT: CLUELESS IN CLEVELAND TEAM
Cleveland Adult Parole Authority Region (1997)
New employees of the Cleveland Parole and Probation regions were not aware of basic office information. The goal of First Contact was to develop a localized welcoming and orientation system. This was accomplished with the goal of reducing job anxiety while providing tools for more effective and efficient work performance. Richard Rhines, Leader 216-787-3015.
QStP TEAM
Madison Correctional Institution (1997)
Madison Correctional Institution was providing three day
QStP Basic Training with very little customer feedback from
participants. The team, composed primarily of QStP instructors,
was formed to determine if customer requirements were being
met. They implemented an instrument that provided a measurable
analysis of QStP classes. The facility is able to track and
to identify their strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Russ Parrish, Leader 740-852-9777.
NAVIGATORS TEAM
Mansfield Adult Parole Authority Region (1997)
The Navigators team was developed to improve initial training of the Adult Parole Authority staff at the Corrections Training Academy and at regional offices. A Gantt chart was used by the team to designate assignments and to establish timetables for completion. A questionnaire/survey was developed and after reviewing collected data, it was concluded that specialized training in the area of the Adult Parole Authority would greatly enhance job performance and job satisfaction during the initial weeks of employment. Several possible solutions were proposed and included in the development of a training video for the job site. Jamie Fawks and Gwen King, Facilitators 419-522-2441.
N.E.T.T.
Ross Correctional Institution (1996)
Staff at RCI dramatically increased from 1993 to 1995. However, the number of employees seeking professional correctional training did not keep pace. Although there was a 47% increase in staff, requests for training remained at pre 1993 levels. N.E.T.T. tackled the problem using surveys and other quality tools. They made the following improvements; the training bulletin board was moved to a high visibility area and a monthly newsletter, The Newsbite, was created to inform staff of training classes and application procedures. Recent articles have also included information on class eligibility and the importance of training to the correctional professional. As a result of the team’s work, applications of training increased by 409% and there has been an increased interest in career development. The changes were put into place with very minimal cost. Richard Theodore, Leader 419-225-8052.
S.O.S.S.
Lima Adult Parole Authority (1996)
The team from the Lima APA region worked to develop a system for support staff professional advancement. They developed a prototype for a system with a clear and concise chain of command. The new procedures would improve morale and provide a more structured decision making process in the region. Jill Springer, Leader 419-227-2631.
VIDEO TEAM
Corrections Training Academy (1996)
A lack of credible video evidentiary documentation in DRC became a need for CTA to address. The Video Team was established to improve the quality of video training by designing and developing a curriculum that meets the needs of internal and external customers. Federal, state, county and DRC staff were surveyed for information regarding video training. The team used quality tools to develop a dynamic needs based and cost effective training curriculum that exceeds their identified goal. Pam Means, Leader 614-877-4345.
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