WSSB Training and In-Service

Provisions and Opportunities

The Washington State School for the Blind ensures that all staff, within two months of beginning employment, completes a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of job orientation which will include, but is not limited to, client management techniques, including supervision of students in the residential portion of the school and crisis intervention techniques.

All staff receives thirty two (32) hours of In-Service training every two years on the following:

§ Verbal de-escalation and positive behavior support

§ Client behavior management

§ Suicide assessment and intervention

§ Residential care supervision techniques

§ Mediation skills

§ Conflict management/problem solving skills

§ Physical and Sexual abuse

In addition, all staff at the Washington State School for the Blind are eligible for up to $300 per year in Professional Development Funds. These funds are intended to assist each employee with professional growth activities, such as, specific course work, attendance at workshops and membership in professional organizations. There is also the opportunity to apply for residual amounts of unused professional development funds at the end of each program year, up to $1,500.00.

Washington State School for the Blind employees are also eligible for tuition fee waivers through participating colleges and universities. These waivers allow WSSB staff to take classes at a fraction of the normal cost. Tuition reimbursement is also given for job related or pre-approved classes.