ANNUAL REPORT 20 23
TRAININGANDORGANIZA TRAININGANDORGANIZATIONAL TIONAL
DE DEVELVELOPMENTUNITOPMENTUNIT Growth + Continued Support Opportunity =
Deputy Director Policy Divison
Director of Training and Organizational Development
Michael Favale
Deputy Director - Policy Divison
Training is how we learn new ideas, expand on what we already know, and practice the techniques that are designed to change kids’ lives.
The growth of the training unit over the past couple of years exemplifies the vision of the administration. There is a deep understanding that we can have the best ideas, best programs, and best procedures, but without robust training, these are merely frameworks for aspirational goals. Training, combined with the hard work of the staff, is what brings them into reality, sustains their excellence, and seeks to improve them.
Most of the Department is familiar with the unit’s role in organizational development and orienting new staff with basic skills, for new staff, managers, or emerging leaders. The additions to the unit over the past few years, however, underscores the unit’s role in sustaining and improving the work being done in the operational divisions of the Department each and every day.
The Department’s mission – to protect the public by preparing court-involved and committed youth to be successful citizens – is a vital one. All the programing, procedures, and services offered by the Department are, in one way or another, designed to further this mission. Through the supportS it offers, the Training and Organizational Development team play a pivotal part in the implementation and sustainability of the Department’s successes.
Guillermo Novo Director of Training and Organizational Development
Focus on what you are trying to do; not on what you are trying to avoid.
What an interesting and productive year 2023 turned out to be. As the first year of trying to get back to normal operations and training programs, I had no idea what to expect. Although we were able to make the switch to virtual instruction during the pandemic, we knew that it was a short-term fix for training. There are some c lasses that remained virtual, however the need to comply with regulations and to develop employees on skill-based topics necessitated returning to in-person instruction for most programs. Little did I know that in-person instruction was going to be met with such enthusiasm. Attendance numbers were up in almost all programs, including travel for training, as well as meals. It was not uncommon for there to be several programs running concurrently at the Public Safety Training Center in Hanover, as well as regionally across the Commonwealth. In late 2023, came the Agency restructuring which repositioned the Residential and Community Practice Improvement Coaches to the Training and Organizational Development Unit. This move allowed the Training Unit to better align training efforts and resources across divisions. For those impacted, bear with us, as we work to normalize the transition and streamline service delivery. Assessments are being conducted in early 2024 which will drive the direction and type of training to be delivered. Much like the approach with the youth, the right training, for the right employees, in the right dosage, at the right time.
Training and Organizational Development Unit
About Us
As a dedicated support unit, our primary aim is to facilitate the agency’s success in accomplishing its overarching goals and objectives. We meticulously align our wide array of programs and services to seamlessly integrate with the agency’s mission, ensuring a cohesive approach towards excellence. By closely collaborating with various departments and stakeholders, we strategically position employees to not only address the present requirements but also to proactively tackle future demands. Our commitment lies in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and empowerment, where every individual is equipped with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in a dynamic and evolving environment.
Our Vision
As a support unit, we do what we can to assist the agency in accomplishing its goals and objectives by aligning our programs and services in order to better position employees to meet current and future demands.
Our Mission
The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice Training and Organizational Development Unit supports the agency by cultivating and sustaining a skilled and engaged workforce.
Strategy for Continuous Growth
The Training and Organizational Development Unit continues on a path of professional growth and improved impact across the agency. We maintain a philosophy of Continuous Quality Improvement. With a slight modification to the actual definition of CQI, we subscribe to this approach: “Continuous Quality Improvement is a progressive incremental improvement of programs and processes. The goal of CQI may include improving operations, outcomes, processes, the work environment, program delivery, or regulatory compliance. Improvements may be gradual or breakthrough in nature.” Management and program coordinators meet monthly to discuss ways to make gradual and continuous improvements in our programs and services. When coupled with our instructor development program that we introduced in 2023, including classes on Learner Centered Instruction, Instructional Design, Virtual Instruction, Presentation Skills, Training Records Management, Levels of Training Evaluation, Vicarious Liability in Training, and Gamification, we continue our growth in professionalism and agency impact.
Our Leaders
Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping personal and organizational success. Leaders who possess and foster essential skills such as strong communication, collaboration, and motivation have the power to transform individuals and teams, driving them toward excellence and achievement.
Jerri Jackson
Organizational Development Training Manager
Growth has been a constant this past year whether growth in the context of hiring staff or in the context of learning new skills, new programs/workshops, and certifications. Growth, for my team is facing and achieving what is sometimes viewed as the impossible, due to staffing shortages, while providing leadership training and services through workshops, mediation, coaching, and assessments for communication, behavior, and personality. This desire to grow as a team has been a testament to the many accomplishments achieved by the team, which subsequently benefits all staff within DJJ.
Teresa Moore
Community Programs Training Manager
Growth for our team involves expanding skills and shouldering new responsibilities, fostering individual and collective advancement. It encompasses efficiently tackling complex projects through enhanced expertise. Moreover, growth necessitates team expansion to meet increased demands and bridge skill gaps. Ultimately, it’s a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring we deliver excellence and effectively meet stakeholder expectations, reinforcing our capacity to evolve and succeed in our objectives.
Jennifer Mays
Residential Training Manager
2023 brought remarkable growth as we welcomed the Residential Practice Improvement Coaches and Facility Registrar to the Residential Training team. This merger became the alchemy of collaboration, where individuals evolved into a unified force. Through shared goals and mutual support, we have turned individual potential into collective success, fueled by trust, respect, and continuous improvement. Our efforts produced new behavior management and trauma training, as well as the establishment of a satellite training unit at the JCC. As a team, we stretched beyond limits, breaking barriers and forging new paths.
Julie Norris
Technology, Communications, and Records Management Training Manager
Growth is about nurturing our organization’s evolution, empowering team members to reach their full potential, and continuously expanding one’s own skills and knowledge. It’s fostering an environment that adapts to change, embraces challenges as opportunities for development, and where innovation thrives. Growth means not just achieving goals but also fostering a culture of progress, resilience, and creativity. It’s about investing in the future, both for the organization and its people, ensuring sustainable success and fulfillment.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” -John Quincy Adams
The History
2020 2021
A lot has changed in the last few years, let’s take a walk down memory lane. In 2020, training abruptly ended, faced with the pandemic we had to pivot and modify how we delivered training. This meant the training staff had to make some quick changes and modiications to learn different ways to deliver training. We used webinars, GoTo Meeting, e-learnings all in effort to maintain training consistently throughout the agency.
In 2021, we delivered the training employees needed to work in teams, build relationships and keep pace with agency needs. We provided more professional development opportunities to our staff, and we achieved this by expanding our course catalog to include many new course offerings. Our instructors were continually seeking new certifications while maintaining existing certifications to provide employees with highly sought-after courses and training experiences.
2022
Full steam ahead, as DJJ has continued to grow we transitioned back to in-person training to meet the training needs of the agency. With this growth came the Technology, CommunicationsandRecordsManagementTeam.
The Tech Team has created more avenues for advertising and marketing our agency and training opportunities
2023
What an amazing year it has been for the TrainingUnit!Growthhasbeenthetrendforthe last two years and 2023 has been our biggest growth. We have added a new additions to both our Residential and Community Program training areas. What remains consistent is our quality training and services provided, and the new staff will only take us to the next level of agency support.
Victoria Carey, Residential Programs
new
The training unit has expanded,
developed
training programs,
adopted new technologies for more efficient training delivery, and continuously assesses and improves training effectiveness to meet the evolving needs of the department.”
Residential Training Program Coordinator
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING TEAM
“The supreme quality of leadership is integrity.”
-Dwight D. Eisenhower
1,512 TOTAL LEARNER EXPERIENCES
1,160 49 273 30
IN PERSON TRAINING
VIRTUAL TRAINING
E-LEARNING TRAINING
COACHING CONSULTATIONS
2023 was a continuation of a team ever changing. The Organizational Development (OD) Training Team started first quarter of 2023 with 3 vacancies. I feel the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. Although we faced this recurring obstacle, our leadership programs and organizational development services did not cease. I’ve learned that you can find some truly talented people if you are intentional and intuitive and that’s how I was able to recruit and hire 2 of the 3 vacancies on my team. Provid-ing training and resources they needed to perform at optimal levels, was imperative.
The OD team now has a certified project coordinator, 2 certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessors, and one additional certified mediator. Constantly transitioning through the different stages of a team would be difficult for anyone who doesn’t know the true meaning of “team” and “teamwork,” but the OD team, still believing the con-cept of “Ubuntu,” has set the team up for success and the uninterrupted services and training to the agency. We look forward to 2024 and any challenges and rewards it brings.
TEAM THOUGHT
“Inunionthereisstrength.” -Aesop
Ebb and flow would best describe our 2023. We had team members leave and we gained new team members and with this came the “getting to know you” phase as well as getting acclimated to new roles. Each member came prepared to work in 2023 and we revamped and reintroduced the Mentorship Program to the agency, sustained our offerings of alternative dispute resolution through mediation, coaching, and project coordination services. Programs were launched to address managing the multigenerational workforce, and our new leadership program, the Systems Leadership Institute, ran its pilot program to prepare for the Cohort 1 launch in 2024. We partnered with Ad-min and Finance Division planning for the 2024 agency fiscal training initiative. Our core programs ran without a hitch, and we continued to provide workshops and assessments across agency divisions. The OD Team persevered.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS TRAINING TEAM
To thrive on change as a team, we have embraced perpetual growth and development, continuous learning, and constant improvement. It’s the stuff true change leadership is made of. The surface issue was our rate and type of change. The deeper issue has been whether we are learning and improving so that change is another step forward in our progress to a brighter future as a team (no longer divided). Each week we are steadily striving to build a better self and team. Developing and improving ourselves and team has meant riding the waves of change. Over the past eight months, we have balanced “hard” analytical systems and techniques, quick changing technical and technological tools. Strengthening our
“Neverlookdownon anybodyunlessyou’re helpingthemup.”
-JesseJackson
self-leadership and self-determination as a base for leading and supporting others. We established a clear focus and “big picture” context. This encompassed the Three Ps — Picture of our preferred future (vision), Principles (values or beliefs), and Purpose (mission, niche, or why we exist). Wefocuson identifyingtheaudience we serve, understanding their wants and needs, and analyzing how well we are meeting those needs. We embrace experiments, pilots, and iterative learning processes as we navigate our way towards developing new products, services, and methods. Setting clear priorities and strategic goals helps us effectively manage our limited time and organizational resources. We actively develop change champions and support initiatives aimed at continuous improvement. Regularly reviewing, assessing our progress, celebrating achievements, and refining our focus are integral parts of our improvement journey.
TEAM THOUGHT
“Thestrengthoftheteamiseachindividualmember. Thestrengthofeachmemberistheteam.”
-PhilJackson.
The Community Programs Training & Development Team consists of twelve staff with a minimum average of seventeen (17) years direct experience in Community and Direct Care Supervision, along with multiple train-the-trainer certifications in EPICS, CCP, YASI, ART, RJJ, and SASSI. Additionally, we also have a Licensed Professional Counselor as a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. Our goal is to provide rich, structured, and effective training and continuous quality improvement to stimulate engagement, foster learning, and enhance your skillset. Our outcomes are maximized by the engaging, assessing, modeling, and coaching. Our outcomes are maximized by engaging, assessing, modeling, and coaching, as we guide the transfer of learning from theory to application
1,052 883
IN PERSON TRAINING VIRTUAL TRAINING
1,935 TOTAL LEARNER EXPERIENCES
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS TRAINING TEAM
1,795 1,166 IN PERSON TRAINING E-LEARNING
“Whenyouhandgood peoplepossibility,theydo greatthings.” –BizStone
TEAM THOUGHT
3,037
TOTAL LEARNER EXPERIENCES
76 DIRECT CARE STAFF
In 2023, the Residential Team experienced significant growth, welcoming practice improvement staff and the facility registrar, bringing new possibilities to the Training Center and the JCC. This included the blending of two teams. The team embraced honest conversations, transparency, and a shared vision for the future of Residential Training and Practice Improvement. Despite obstacles and uncertainty, they celebrated cultural and operational success together. The team is a diverse group with unique talent and commitment. Vision and commitment paid off as we have established a satellite residential training space at the JCC, enhancing skill development and professional development for residential staff. Additionally, we collaborated across units to create new behavior management and trauma training to support growing agency initiatives. We can’t wait to see what 2024 brings.
“When “I” is replaced by “we” even illness becomes wellness” -Malcom X
Our team has grown significantly over the past year and is now spread across different locations. Since then, our communication has significantly improved, becoming more effective and efficient, with a genuine concern for each other’s emotions and well-being. Persistence and consistency are key in building a strong team. Our collective dedication to a common objective and mutual understanding surpasses individual efforts. Embracing diversity boosts our adaptability and creativity. Together, we overcome challenges, celebrate achievements, and foster an environment where everyone’s contribution is valued. Our success stems from our unwavering pursuit of excellence, propelling us from a simple team to a formidable force striving for greatness. By working together towards shared goals while allowing each person to freely utilize their unique skills and expertise, we have achieved remarkable outcomes. Ultimately, we produce high-quality work because we take pride in our accomplishments.
TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATIONS & RECORDS MANAGEMENT TRAINING TEAM
“Leadership
is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
-Warren Bennis
2,690 TOTAL EXPERIENCES
1,439 241 250 760
IN PERSON TRAINING VIRTUAL TRAINING
E-LEARNING
In 2023, the Technology Training Team saw success by providing inperson training, virtual training, and e-learning development. As the year progressed, the team’s reach grew by the addition of DJJConnect our employee intranet site and Just the Facts, agency-wide webinar series. This growth welcomed new opportunities to build upon. In 2024, our team will continue to develop training and build communication opportunities for the agency.
TEAM THOUGHT
“Growth is never mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”
-James Cash Penney
Our Technology Training and Internal Communications team brought a new and fresh perspective to the agency by providing essential Microsoft training, well-timed communications, superior technological support, and impeccable records management. With various skills, experience, and backgrounds, we support one another to produce quality products in all that we do and everyone that we serve.
Learners by Generation
BULLETINS + AGENCY WIDE COMMUNICATIONS
The Training Unit oversees internal communication throughout the agency. Every other week, an internal Training Bulletin is circulated to promote awareness of available training opportunities. Moreover, our Communications team disseminates various announcements, such as new role introductions, DJJ News updates, and division-specific communication requests. This ensures that employees are well-informed about upcoming learning experiences. Take a moment to review the number of communications
Reminders F.A.Q.S
Annual Mandatory Compliance Training
As a training requirement, all DJJ employees must complete the following required training:
Information Security Awareness
PREA Training
MVP – HR Policy & Law – Civility in the Workplace
Working Together for Virginia (formerly known as The Road to Cultural Competence)
VDEM - Virginia State Employee Safety and Disaster Awareness
All annual compliance training should be completed prior to the training requirement deadline. All supervisors must provide training time to all employees to ensure that they are in compliance with agency training policy. All annual compliance training can be found in the Virginia Learning Center (VLC).
Educational Assistance Program
All DJJ employees who have surpassed the probationary period and who are expected to continue with their employment with the agency are eligible to receive financial assistance for professional development. The program applies to full time DJJ employees and should be used as a reeimbursement of tuition cost for courses that have been pre-approved. The maximum assistance cost are up to $1500 per semester with a maximum of two educational opportunities. Employees must complete the application for educational assistance in order to be approved. For more information, contact training.academy@djj. virginia.gov.
Virginia Learning Center Help
If you have issues logging into the VLC or questions regarding your training enrollment, please email registrar.training@djj.virginia.gov.
I can't log into/ access my webinar.
If you are having issues with logging into your webinar, training, or an event from your computer, try using your phone audio. If you are still unable to listen to the webinar or event, contact the training program area instructor for further assistance with technical support.
How do I know if I qualify for the Educational Assistance Program?
To learn more information about the Educational Assistance Program, check out the qualifications located on the S Drive - S:\Training Center\Educational Assistance Program.
I can’t log in to the VLC.
If you are unable to log in to the Virginia Learning Center (VLC) because you have forgotten your password, you can reset your password on the VLC login page. Click the “Forgot Password” link and follow the prompts. If you do not receive a password within a timely manner or if you have forgotten your username, please contact registrar. training@djj.virginia.gov.
