Jan. 17, 2020 (Des Moines) – Optimae LifeServices announced today it has secured a $40,000 grant from the Iowa Employer Innovation Fund to further develop front line supervisor training for its statewide workforce.
Optimae, one of only 14 recipients selected for the third round of the program, will use the grant funds to grow its partnership with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. NADSP’s front line supervisor training material will serve as the foundation for Optimae’s training program.
The fund, highlighted in Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Condition of the State address earlier this week, expands opportunities for Iowans to earn postsecondary credentials and employers to support workforce talent development, according to futurereadyiowa.gov.
“The innovation fund will allow us to provide quality, nationally-recognized education to a number of our front line supervisors,” said Molly Mackey, Optimae’s knowledge acquisition and transfer coordinator, who will implement the program across Optimae’s six geographic regions. “Better training for our supervisors means a better experience for our staff and customers.”
As state and national trends related to direct support professionals indicate a high turnover rate for the position, Optimae’s training program will help ensure staff, including those from minority populations, are empowered to train their direct reports and provide the care that those with disabilities require to lead valued roles in their communities of choice.
“Nearly 80 percent of Optimae’s employees report to a front line supervisor,” said Bill Dodds, Optimae president and CEO. “By certifying our front line supervisors through a national agency, we are providing a well-respected, proven certification program that has the potential to increase our service quality, boost customer satisfaction and keep turnover rates below the national average.”
Optimae will launch its program’s pre-implementation period this month, holding cross-regional meetings to identify program participants and locations. The first session of supervisor trainings will commence in June.
