Comprehensive On-the-Job Training
Black Hills Works has developed a thorough and supportive training program that ensures new employees are fully prepared to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people with disabilities. We recognize that passion and dedication matter more than prior experience, which is why we’ve created a comprehensive paid training program that guides new hires from their first day through complete confidence in their role.
The Three-Phase Training Journey
The training process is thoughtfully designed to build skills progressively over approximately two to three months, ensuring employees feel confident, prepared, and connected before independently stepping into their roles.
Phase One: Immersive Interview Experience
The training journey begins during the interview process. Selected candidates participate in a unique interview that includes visiting a participant’s home or community setting. This immersive approach allows potential employees to gain firsthand insight into the people they would be supporting and helps both us and the candidate determine if the role is a good fit. This transparency from the outset sets the foundation for informed career decisions and genuine commitment.
Phase Two: Foundational Classroom Training
Once hired, new employees begin a two-week classroom-style training program that blends multiple learning approaches. This phase combines instructor-led sessions with online coursework and on-site observations, creating a strong foundation in direct support work. The classroom training covers essential knowledge about supporting individuals with disabilities, understanding best practices, and developing the core competencies needed for success in the role.
Phase Three: Extended Hands-On Onboarding
Following classroom training, employees enter an extended onboarding period lasting several weeks. This is where theoretical knowledge transforms into practical skill. New hires shadow experienced team members and observe real-life demonstrations, learning the nuances of providing quality support in actual situations. During this time, they begin building meaningful relationships with the participants they’ll support, which is at the heart of our work.
The hands-on training encompasses the full scope of daily support activities, including assisting participants with running errands, getting to and from work, participating in leisure activities, and supporting independence both at home and in the community. New employees learn not just the tasks themselves, but how to provide support in ways that promote dignity, independence, and personal growth for each individual.
Essential Certifications and Ongoing Support
Throughout the onboarding process, employees complete essential certifications that ensure they can respond to any situation with confidence and competence. These include CPR, First Aid, Safety Care, and Medication Administration training. All certifications are completed with guidance and support from experienced staff members, ensuring new employees never feel alone in their learning journey.
A Foundation for Long-Term Success
The comprehensive nature of our training program reflects our commitment to both employee success and participant care. By investing two to three months in thorough training and onboarding, we ensure that employees are not just prepared for their first day on their own, but are set up for a lasting and rewarding career. This thoughtful approach builds confidence, competence, and connection—three elements essential for providing quality support to individuals with disabilities.
Our training philosophy recognizes that effective support work requires more than technical skills; it requires understanding, empathy, and the ability to build genuine relationships. By combining structured classroom learning with extensive hands-on experience and ongoing mentorship, professionals who are truly prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of the people they support are created.