Welcome to the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services

NCACDSS Professional Capacity Committee
Meeting Minutes
June 8, 2005

Members present: Co-chairs Larry Johnson and Sarah Bradshaw , Laura O'Neal, Lee Quick, Jay Burrus , Neil Walters , Betsy Moore, Jack Rogers, Robert Sanchez-Langston Staff present: Donna Pygott , and Keri McManus

Director's Professional Development Program
The June 8 Professional Capacity Committee meeting was dedicated to making progress with the Director's Professional Development Program. A four hour time was allotted at the Wake County Human Services, and Wake County Human Services facilitators joined the group to provide direction.

Ms. Moore and staff from Wake County Human Services presented a computer-based training format to the group. There was a review of the materials the Professional Capacity Committee had developed with a breakdown of the information already collected. Betsy presented the idea of linking to websites that already contain the information pertaining to the topics (i.e. ADA , EEOC, OSP). Mr. Sanchez-Langston suggested that the program also have auditory and visual stimulation so the program is more interactive and keeps the participant intrigued.

Discussion ensued on whether to have test to monitor progress or have the program be self-monitored. Most were in agreement that the program should be self-monitored, and the program was for all directors and not just for new directors.

Ms. Bradshaw recommended that we use the NCACDSS committees to “flesh out” the subcategories into smaller increments for better understanding of the components. Mr. Burrus added that we can use individuals with particular expertise within our organization to get the information we need. It is the job of the Professional Capacity Committee to identify tasks, and the committee co-chairs can distribute responsibilities to other committees at the July Board Retreat.

The committee was then divided into two groups to discuss subcategories of the Personnel core component. The facilitators gave the following guidelines for brainstorming: What do I want the reader to know; Don't get bogged down in details; Be flexible, want to know what not how; and Encourage dialogue. Group 1 discussed hiring, discipline, termination, and job description. Group 2 discussed performance appraisal, coaching, compensation, and orientation.

The two groups were then brought back together for a full group discussion on the topics. Please see the outline for more details.

After and outline was created and the committee had realized the amount of work that will be needed for the program, it was decided that Mr. Johnson, Ms. Bradshaw, Ms. Pygott, and Ms. McManus would work with Ms. Moore to develop a presentation for the July Board Retreat.

The committee needs to determine clear directives and deadlines with having others add to the outline. It was suggested to possibly present the information at regional meeting to have smaller work sessions.

Other Business
No other business was discussed.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be in August due to the Board Retreat, July 13-15.

Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm .