As you come in today, you will first be meeting with Human Resources and conducting a drug and alcohol test. As you go into the bathroom to take the test, someone will be standing at the door listening to make sure that you do not run the water or flush the toilet. Once you have filled your specimen cup, we will then test it for any indication of drug use. Once you pass that, then you will continue the next part of your orientation with Al, who is our staff training coordinator. In order to work here at the Northwest Children's Home, you will be expected to pass a series of trainings and supervised work hours.
As Al takes you into the next part of your orientation he will go over the polices and procedures manual with you and you will be expected to sign each policy that you are expected to follow as an employee. An example of this might be, HIPPA. Once you have read and signed the policies, you will get a copy of each of them to refer to later if there is any questions.
At this point it will be time to make a schedule for your observation hours in the houses. We have 4 houses on campus that you will be observing, teenage girls, teenage boys, preteen boys and the teenage boy house with boys that have sexual offenses or deviance. While you are there you will not be counted in ratio, but just expected to observe, ask questions and participate as much as you feel comfortable. After your rotation at each of the houses, you will be expected to work supervised hours in order to gain more hands on experience. At this time, you will be counted in ratio but not able to be alone with the kids.
The other very important thing to be completed in addition to observation and supervised hours is trainings. You will be learning a MANDT certification, which teaches you how to talk to and manage an escalated person. You will learn talking techniques as well as physical holds. We will also be certifying you in First Aid and CPR. Once all these trainings and hours are complete, you will be considered a fully capable staff that is expected to do everything that this job intales.
I'm curious what the "in ratio" part means. Is that just lingo for paid versus unpaid? Your explanation of procedure makes it clear that this job entails a huge responsibility. There are hints with "not able to be alone with kids" and "manage an escalated person" and "physical holds" that this job is a tough one. Safety is potentially an issue for the caretaker and for those getting cared for or watched.
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