Training information is only a mouse click (or phone call) away.

They are developing innovative, meaningful training programs to help transform the long-term care profession. The aim is better training for long-term care workers, and in turn, better support for long-term care consumers.

Their website will help you choose classes, meet training requirements and create a transcript of completed courses. (You can also call 1 (866) 371-3200 to get the same information.)

The new training program will bring:

• More relevant classes: Subjects that apply directly to home care
• Classes that are closer to where you live: Located on campuses throughout Washington
• Distance learning: Classes will be available over the Internet

Click on http://www.myseiubenefits.org today!

SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership

Building for the Future

Initiative 1029, passed by Washington voters in November 2008, raises training standards for home care workers from 34 to 75 hours. Beginning January 2010, the training for home care workers in our union will be provided by the SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership.

The Training Partnership was created in November 2007. It is a labor-management trust, which means it’s separate but closely-tied to our union.

The Training Partnership is funded by negotiated IP and home care agency employer contributions. This funding was part of negotiated agreements with those employers – a major victory for our union. Montana is not part of the Training
Partnership, but could be in the future.

Training Partnership Map and Blueprint

2008

A six-member board of trust¬ees was appointed in February. Trustees are:

• David Rolf (Chair) – President, SEIU Healthcare 775NW
• Marty Levine, MD (Secretary) – Geriatrician, Group Health Co¬operative
• Nancy Dapper – Executive Di¬rector, Alzheimer’s Association of Washington
• Eric Liu – Founder, Guiding Lights Network
• Stella Ogiale – CEO, Chester¬field Health Services
• Gerald Pumphrey, EdD – Presi¬dent, South Puget Sound Com¬munity College

An electronic survey was sent to members in the fall. The survey showed members:

• Think current training is not rel¬evant to our work.
• Want more specialized training specific to their work and cli¬ents.
• Want more hands-on training.
• Don’t want to just sit in a class¬room and listen to an instructor.
• Showed great interest in distance or on-line learning.

 2009
The Training Partnership will be developing curriculum, recruiting instructors, recruiting peer mentors, and building systems to deliver train¬ing programs.

The Training Partnership has a web site at www.myseiubenefits.org. A blog has been set up so members can follow the Training Partnership’s de¬velopment. Additional member sur¬veys are planned for 2009.

2010
The Training Partnership will provide all basic, advanced and continuing education training and peer mentor programming for Washington home care workers in our union.