For Prospective RFT Contract Trainers
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services contracts with The University of Oklahoma National Resource Center for Youth Services to provide a pre-service training program to all prospective Bridge Resource Families in Oklahoma.
Workshop Schedules
These 27-hour, 9-session workshops are offered throughout the year, and in various locations across the state. Training is usually offered in 3 standard formats:
Saturdays
4 Saturdays, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, followed by 1 Saturday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Week nights
1 evening per week, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, for 9 weeks
2 evenings per week, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, for 4 ½ weeks
Training may be scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays
Mornings
Every Wednesday, 9:00 am – noon, for 9 weeks (This format is offered only in Oklahoma City and Tulsa)
Contract Trainer Compensation
Compensation for these 27-hour workshops is $1350 or $150 per 3-hour session. Training materials are provided, and mileage expense is reimbursed at the Oklahoma state travel reimbursement rate for trainers whose round-trip drive to the training site is a minimum of 25 miles.
Frequency of Training Assignments
Training assignments are offered to contract trainers within a reasonable driving distance of the training site. Contract trainers are expected to respond if they are interested in being considered for a particular assignment, and the selection of contact trainers is based in part on timely responses. The RFT Program cannot predict or guarantee the number or frequency of training assignments offered to a contract trainer.
Training Materials
The pre-service training utilizes the 27-hour OK PRIDE curriculum, incorporating the 6-hour Behavior and Crisis Management Training curriculum. Trainers in Tulsa and the Oklahoma City area are expected to pick up their training materials from the RFT office in Tulsa or Norman. In other locations, training materials will be shipped to the trainer’s home or designated location. All training materials are provided by the RFT Program.
Trainer Responsibilities
In addition to training participants, contract trainers are responsible for reporting and documenting certain information to the RFT staff, both during and after the conclusion of the workshop.
Qualifications
Prospective contract trainers need to have some familiarity with the child welfare system and the skills needed for effectively parenting children who are involved with or in the care of the child welfare system. Most RFT contract trainers are or have been resource parents themselves, have been child welfare workers, or have academic training relevant to child welfare. Current full-time employees of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services are not eligible to apply as an RFT contract trainer.
Orientation to the RFT Program
Candidates whose applications have been approved will be invited to participate in a Training of Trainers, usually a 4-day event in Tulsa or the Oklahoma City area. Successful completion of the Training of Trainers will allow the candidate to move into “trainer development”. During the initial trainer development period, new contract trainers will receive assignments for contracted training, and their performance will be monitored and supported by the RFT staff.
Ongoing Work with the RFT Program
Throughout their tenure with the RFT Program, contract trainers will be expected to participate in Trainer Development meetings, and to follow the guidance of the RFT Program staff in demonstrating trainer competencies and satisfactorily preparing OKDHS Bridge Resource Parents for their challenging role in the lives of children in state custody.
Application Process - Applications may be submitted until August 29, 2008
Candidates may complete the application and return it, along with a resume and three references, to the addresses at the bottom of the application. All applications will be acknowledged with an e-mail within a few days of receipt. (application .pdf)
More Information
If you need further information, you may contact Sherri Finik, RFT Program Supervisor, at (918) 660-3700 or sfinik@ou.edu.