Autism Support Center: Who We Are, What We Do (Continued) I spoke with Patricia (Patty) Middelmann, Autism Specialist and Supervisor, and Sethany Griffin, Director of Family Support Services, to tell us more about the Center and what they do: Kenny: Can you briefly explain what the autism center is about? Patty: We are basically a resource for families that have autistic children or that the children just recently got diagnosed with autism. At times parents are overwhelmed and don’t know what they want and where to get help. So I listen to them, ask them what they need and then help connect them to the departments that can help them out and also support them in filling out forms if needed. Some parents just need someone to talk to. We also run a parent support group where parents support each other with our help. At these support meetings, we work with them on acquiring the skills they need in other to support their kids. Kenny: What does your role entail specifically when relating with clients families and the care providers? Sethany: So my role is more like the supervisor, Patty and the Outreach workers are those that work closely with the clients and families. Assisting them to get settled, applying for funds and getting started on how to support their children. Kenny: What are the challenges you have faced and how have you been able to overcome them? Sethany: Covid obviously is the same challenge that
everyone is facing especially when it comes to relating with clients, so we do that virtually. We used to go to clients houses before covid. Hiring staff has been difficult lately and we have recently lost some staff. Kenny: Is there any way Vinfen staff could support the Center? Patty: Yes, if they can share the word that we are here at Vinfen to support as much families as possible, that would really help.
Coming Soon: Professional Development And Learning Guide By Katherine Fox, Director of Training and Development
Coming soon is a new Professional Development and Learning Guide to support your education and career goals. This booklet will detail the many varied training and certification options Vinfen offers, training descriptions for all divisions, and information on how employees can obtain CEUs through our online learning system Relias for licensed professionals such as Nurses, Social Workers, Substance Use Counselors, Behavioral Analysts, and Human Resource Managers. This booklet also details many vehicles available to staff to fund their undergraduate and graduate degrees through state or federally-funded programs, Vinfen-sponsored tuition assistance and scholarships, college partnership discounts, and other cost-saving opportunities. Employees who are exploring opportunities to advance their career and education should look to the Professional Development and Learning Guide for important resources and tools. Visit the Training Department's Page on MyVinfen for details and information on all of these programs and more to continue your career goals and expand job opportunities.
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