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Administrative Guide: Offender Workforce Development Specialist Training Program

NCJ Number
197683
Date Published
September 2002
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This Administrative Guide provides pertinent information to all agencies that deliver employment services to offenders regarding the Offender Workforce Development Specialist (QWDS) Training Program, which is a comprehensive curriculum designed to increase the participant's ability to provide adult offenders and ex-offenders with the skills required for employment, retention, and career advancement.
Abstract
The OWDS Training Program is designed to meet all course requirements for certification as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) through the Center for Credentialing and Education, Inc. (CCE). Training for the OWDS is a 160-hour training program that consists of three blocks; each block is 4 1/2 days that encompass 36 hours. Additionally, there are approximately 52 hours of practicum and homework assignments. Program objectives are to assess the current skills of participants regarding workforce development and career facilitation and the identification of areas for improvement; enhancement of current skills and the development of new skills related to workforce development and career facilitation; preparation of a team action plan for conducting OWDS training for practitioners who provide employment services to offenders and ex-offenders; and preparation of participants to train other practitioners. In addition to presenting the program design and an outline of program content, this guide describes eligibility requirements, CCE certification requirements, the four-step process of GCDF certification, provisional certification, and the recertification process. The responsibilities of various agencies associated with the OWDS Training Program are also described. Other sections of the guide address the application process, program evaluation, program announcements and the selection process, and practical information for participants. Appended supplementary information, including the GCDF Code of Ethics and contact information