Keystone Human Services - Comprehensive community based mental retardation, mental health, autism and early intervention services

The Keystone Times

Fall 2008

A Keystone career is a promising path

Career paths abound at Keystone Human Services for men and women of all ages, education and skill levels. And best of all, Keystone is now in the process of incorporating a strategic Personal Career Plan for employees. Why?

Jennifer Allison,
Vice President of Human Resources

Comments Jennifer Allison, Vice President of Human Resources, “Our Vision statement affirms each individual’s right to “a meaningful place in society,” and this affirmation applies to those we employ and who empower our work in the community every day. Our employees’ dreams and professional aspirations drive their desire to support our Mission and Vision … which is why Keystone has assumed such a progressive posture toward career planning and employee development.

… Ultimately, this human resource investment ensures that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Employees are supported in gaining new skills and competencies. The dedication and results of this initiative improve employee morale and retention. Consequently, the people we serve benefit every day from the heightened professionalism that distinguishes our workforce.”

If this wasn’t enough, there isn’t an employee from Hartford to Hanover that doesn’t appreciate the comprehensive benefit package that accompanies membership in the Keystone Family. Not only is Keystone’s employee benefit program among the best in the nation, but our career opportunities generate lasting personal and professional “dividends,” as employees enjoy the camaraderie and relationships that enrich their life-altering work.

“Whatever the career path, one thing is clear…Everyone comes to Keystone to make a difference.”

How do we engage in life-altering work? Some people come to Keystone to help foster meaningful, everyday life experiences for the individuals we serve. They accomplish this as Direct Support Professionals. Others come with an interest in counseling, teaching, information technology or program management … While still others find Keystone to be an ideal work destination for someone interested in fundraising, accounting or possibly home landscaping and maintenance.

Whatever the career path, one thing is clear …Everyone comes to Keystone to make a difference. In the end, what surprises many is Keystone proves its commitment every day by making a difference in their lives as well.

Regardless of their point of entry, the following strategies are just some of the mechanisms in place to encourage continued learning for each Keystone employee at every level:

KHS’s Education initiatives reflect this year’s increased emphasis on shared communication. Through the College of Direct Support, a new centralized educational plan has been implemented to assure continued, on-the-job-training for every Direct Support Professional (DSP). All staff are now engaged in easily accessible, 24/7 internet-based learning to establish a validated skill set for an emerging profession. In addition, DSPs are encouraged to pursue the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals Credentialing program. The three-tiered program offers the only opportunity for DSPs to earn credentials as part of a nationally recognized career path. The path begins with the DSP-Registered Level and progresses to the fully DSP-Certified Level. The third level, DSP-Specialist, distinguishes those Direct Support Professionals who have obtained specialized education and provides focused support to individuals within the community human service field.
KHS also broadened its on-line education opportunities to include the College of Front-Line Supervision and Management. This advanced program promotes leadership development while also assuring quality and responsiveness to the learning and work-role needs of current and future supervisors and managers.
Employee Development Plans are created to encourage and support continued learning for Keystone employees. Additionally, PeopleSoft, a remarkable technology acquired by Keystone, enables our Quality Specialists and Employee Development Directors to monitor and measure workforce trends across our entire system. Applying these communication tools, we can gauge individual progress and report periodically regarding personal and professional advancement.

Those interested in learning more about employment opportunities at Keystone are encouraged to visit www.keystoneemployment.com.