Habilitation Training Specialist (HTS)
Job Description
An HTS is a branch of a broader career known as Home Health Aid. The Habilitation Training Specialist works specifically with individuals with a cognitive disorder or low IQ. This position assists caring for individuals with a cognitive disorder by providing personal assistance, emotional support and personal care. An HTS must document work on training goals established in a care plan for the individual. Such a care plan may include items such as cooking, self-care and working with money skills. Training activities vary according to the abilities of the individual receiving services. An HTS may work part time with one individual or full time with one or more individuals.
Training and development specialists create, administer, and deliver training programs for businesses and organizations. To do this, they must first assess the needs of an organization. Once those needs are determined, specialists develop custom training programs that take place in classrooms or training facilities. Training programs are increasingly delivered through computers, tablets, or other hand-held electronic devices.
Important Qualities
Training and development specialists organize or deliver training sessions using lectures, group discussions, team exercises, hands-on examples, and other formats. Training can be in the form of a video, self-guided instructional manual, or online application. Training also may be collaborative, which allows employees to connect informally with experts, mentors, and colleagues, often through the use of technology.
Training and development specialists may monitor instructors, guide employees through media-based programs, or facilitate informal or collaborative learning programs.
Analytical skills: Training and development specialists must evaluate training programs, methods, and materials, and choose those that best fit each situation.
Creativity: Specialists should be creative when developing training materials. They may need to think of and implement new approaches, such as new technology, when evaluating existing training methods.
Instructional skills: Training and development specialists often deliver training programs to employees. They use a variety of teaching techniques and sometimes must adapt their methods to meet the needs of particular groups.
Interpersonal skills: Specialists need strong interpersonal skills because delivering training programs requires collaboration with instructors, trainees, and subject-matter experts. They accomplish much of their work through teams.
Speaking skills: Speaking skills are essential for training and development specialists because they often give presentations. Specialists must communicate information clearly and facilitate learning by diverse audiences.
Education
A high-school diploma is a plus for people who would like to work as an HTS. The agency employing the individual will provide training specific to working with clients with a cognitive disorder. Training typically includes first aid/CPR, behavior management and a generalized understanding of how low IQ may impact the client. Such classes last several days.
Experience
No experience is necessary to enter this job classification. An Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation background check is common before hire.
Salary
The Habilitation Training Specialist working for an agency will make about $9 per hour either part time or full time. An HTS hired directly by the client may make $12 or more per hour.
Career Progression
An HTS working for an agency may advance to a Program Manager within the agency responsible for other personnel who work with clients. An HTS may use their skills to work with clients who are elderly or have other disabilities. They may also become a case manager in state civil service.
Agencies Which Hire (The following are some agencies which hire HTSʼs.)
- Sequoyah Enterprises, Inc. in Wagoner, Oklahoma
- Jones Healthcare in Weatherford, Oklahoma
- Eton Home Healthcare in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Supported Community Lifestyles in Stillwater, Oklahoma
- Gatesway Foundation of Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Better Life Better Care of Enid, Oklahoma
- Bios Corporation of Edmond, Oklahoma
(Information for this posting is taken from www.zippia.com, www.indeed.com, www.okdhs.org)
