MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

IM Online is a new initiative by the Income Maintenance Training Unit that will result in a significant change in the way basic program training is delivered to new eligibility specialists. The purpose of this memorandum is to:

• Introduce IM Online.
• Explain how IM Online will be implemented.
• Discuss the changes that will occur in the delivery of basic training for new eligibility specialists due to the implementation of IM Online.

NEED FOR CHANGE

The old format for basic training involved new eligibility specialists completing an On-the-Job Training Guide in their offices to familiarize themselves with program policies and procedures and then attending classroom training to receive in-depth instruction on policies, procedures and system issues. Other than completing an introductory On-the-Job Training Guide, all instruction was conducted in a trainer-led classroom setting.

With the advancement of new hardware and software available to the IM Training Unit, it is now possible to:

• Deliver online learning to new employees in their offices on both policy and system issues. This results in the ability to deliver:
  • comprehensive & high-quality training,
  • on a timely basis, and
  • with a greater cost efficiency.

IM ONLINE

IM Online refers to the new online courses that will become an integral part of the training curriculum for new eligibility specialists. With the introduction of IM Online, new eligibility specialists will be required to complete online courses for each program area.

The new IM Online courses provide:

• Comprehensive instruction on program-specific policies and procedures.
• Introduce new eligibility specialists to FAMIS screens related to specific program areas.

Each program area has a course catalog that lists the courses required for that specific program area. Course catalogs are posted on the IM Training and Development Home Page.

Each IM Online course contains:

• A scored final assessment to measure whether the competencies required for that particular course have been met.
• A score of 70% or higher is required in order for the new eligibility specialist to successfully complete the course and begin the next course in the curriculum.
• The Employee Learning Center (ELC) will monitor the successful completion of each course and will not allow new employees to begin the next course until they have attained a score of at least 70% on the course assessment.
• The employee can retake an assessment or retake a course as many times as they like. It is not limited in the ELC.

Classroom training will be an optional part of the curriculum for new eligibility specialists.

Front-line supervisors and county/unit managers have the option to not send an employee to classroom training. This requires a determination at the local level that a new employee has mastered the knowledge necessary to work in a particular program by successful completion of the IM Online courses.

If the local management determines that eligibility specialists should attend the optional classroom training, the employee can register for optional classroom training after they have successfully completed the IM Online courses for that specific program area.

IMPLEMENTATION OF IM ONLINE

IM Online will be implemented in phases. The implementation schedule is shown below please click on the link to review the course catalog:

• MO HealthNet for Adults program training – now available
• MO HealthNet Vendor program training – now available
• FAMIS Fundamentals/Food Stamp Program Training – now available
• MO HealthNet for Families and Children – Spring 2011
• Temporary Assistance program training – Summer 2011
• Child Care program training – Fall 2011

The present format for delivery of basic training will be followed for program areas that are not yet integrated into the IM Online curriculum.

SUMMARY

The IM Online curriculum provides flexibility for new employees and supervisors as it provides a self-paced and self-directed learning process. It allows immediate access to training materials. In addition, IM Online provides the opportunity for new eligibility specialists to begin their training immediately, at their desks, without having to travel or incur training-related expenses.

Because of the comprehensive instruction provided in IM Online courses, front-line supervisors and county or unit managers have the option to identify employees who have acquired a high level of program knowledge and system proficiency through completion of IM Online courses. A decision can be made at the local level to exempt those employees from attending classroom program training.

Questions regarding IM Online should be directed to: Kenneth Haigler, IM Training Coordinator, at 314-416-2143 or at Kenneth.E.Haigler@dss.mo.gov.

keh