Social Services Assistant Professional Development

This page has been created to help you assist your SSAs with identifying and registering for required training that is offered through PSU, as well as pre-training tasks and continuation of learning opportunities.

Registration for training is handled through the State of Oregon's Workday Learning Management System. Questions related to Workday, availability of seats in training and other related questions can be directed to the Child Welfare Internal Training Unit at cw.training@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Communications regarding training dates and times, Zoom links and training materials originate from and are managed by Portland State University. Workers should expect their first communication regarding training 10 business days in advance of the first day of training. If you have not received an email, please contact Tyler Blankenship at tblank2@pdx.edu.

Pre-Training

Before attending Essential Elements, there is a required minimum of three weeks between a participant's employment start date and the first day of Essential Elements. This time is to be spent completing administrative requirements, onboarding activities, introduction to branch and community cultures, and familiarization with their position, the agency, and state service.

Participants should also use these three weeks to complete these synchronous training pre-requisites:

• Secondary Traumatic Stress
• Indian Child Welfare Act
• Values & Ethics for DHS Child Welfare Workers
• What You Need to Know About Karly's Law (within 30 days of hire and yearly)
• The Impact of State and Federal Law on CW Practice
• 24/7 Mandatory Reporter Training

Synchronous Trainings

• Soical Services Assistant Core Training
• Trauma Informed Practice Strategies