ADVANCE: Provider Leadership Training

…the game-changing learning experience for up-and-coming leaders within Ohio’s DD industry

Overview

Major changes are in play within Ohio’s DD industry. OPRA is monitoring not only the changes, but also the effects those changes have on providers – on DD-related businesses – and part of OPRA’s own response to these changes has been the creation of new positions and new programs. One change is that many of the industry’s long-standing presidents, executive directors, and CEOs are retiring, after long and successful careers. The collective experience they have gained and the insights they have applied in the operation of their respective organizations are high-value assets that will go with them when they retire. The impending transitions may potentially and dramatically hurt provider organizations – and Ohio’s DD industry as a whole.

Recognizing that possibility, OPRA and its Board of Directors developed and launched in May 2014 ADVANCE: Provider Leadership Training. As a comprehensive executive leadership program, ADVANCE was written and designed to cultivate the skills and attitudes of individuals identified as future leaders by their employing organizations: direct support provider agencies. The ADVANCE curriculum focuses on the historical knowledge and context required to achieve success in the provider sector. It highlights core competencies, including management skills, Board development, fundraising, strategic planning, finance, state and local political advocacy, and marketing. The inaugural 2014-2015 series was a resounding success: 27 graduates successfully completed the program, and are now part of the mentoring structure for the 2015-2016 series.

The time to train Ohio’s future DD-industry leaders is now. Ohio’s outgoing leadership has helped create a wonderful system, and ADVANCE is one way to honor their legacy – and the individuals they’ve supported – by ensuring a bright future for solid, comprehensive, and vital DD services under vibrant, positive, and competent leaders.

Details

This is a year-long intensive training beginning September 17, 2015, and to conclude September 2016, with a graduation ceremony planned for the 2016 Fall Conference (date TBD).
Students meet every other month in the Training Center at the OPRA office in Columbus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Each student will be assigned a Coach that will follow him/her throughout the year. These Coaches are graduates of the inaugural ADVANCE series, in 2014-2015, and are familiar with the material and content covered.
Students will be placed into several groups, and the groups will work on a leadership assignment throughout the year.
Lunch can be provided with advance notice at a cost of $10, to be collected the day-of.
One (1) excused absence is permitted for the duration of the program.
Students must complete the assigned readings and materials prior to each meeting.
For provider organizations that are OPRA Members, one (1) individual from that organization may attend for the nominal cost of program materials and administrative fees. Additional attendees from that organization may participate at a tuition rate of $599, plus materials and fees.
For non-members, any attendee may participate at a tuition rate of $799, plus materials and fees.
Payment for participation, if applicable, will be concluded prior to the first meeting.

CEUs

This program will offer continuing education units (CEUs) from Ohio’s Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board of Ohio. Units from both entities are pending approval. In order to receive CEUs, students must attend the entire series, sign the attendance sheet at each meeting, and submit an evaluation.

For More Information…

For more information about ADVANCE: Provider Leadership Training, please contact OPRA Policy & Operations Coordinator Mark Watson (614-224-6772), or Jamie Steele, OPRA Board Member, Executive Director for Ohio Valley Residential Services, and ADVANCE coordinator. Ready to apply?