Onboard Training for New Employees

Onboard Training for New Employees

The Educational Support and Staff Development (ESSD) Team at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is continually enhancing the onboard training program to provide all newly hired employees an effective transition into their new position. Training requirements will vary based on the employee’s position and/or function to which the employee is assigned. Training begins on the newly hired employee’s date of hire at new employee orientation. At orientation, required training sessions will be conducted along with a review of personalized training schedules, and information about additional training forums. 

As the newly hired employee progresses through the DDS Onboard Training Program, they will access a variety of platforms to complete their learning. Webinars with live instructors, and in-person trainings, offer an enhanced group learning opportunity. The web-based training modules offered are self-paced and allow the employee flexibility while they participate in on-the-job training simultaneously. E-learning courses are offered through Open Future Learning, a nationally recognized curriculum that gives a general overview of many topics that are central to working in the field of developmental disabilities and align with the DDS STEP initiative.    

The Trainers within the ESSD Team strives to impart new employees with a thorough understanding of the DDS mission and values, critical policies, person-centered practices, and safety practices that empower each person to perform their job effectively. On-site training offers new employees the opportunity to meet their supervisor and peers, observe and ask questions, while gradually transitioning into their full responsibilities of working with or in support of the people DDS serves. The DDS ESSD Team is available for assistance throughout the onboard process and continues to support the employee as they maintain their regular annual and bi-annual training and education requirements.

For questions regarding new employee training, please contact dds.training@ct.gov.