15 Training

15.1 Describe the training you provide for each of the following groups: a. Grant recipient Staff: Formal training provided virtually, on-site, and/or formal training conference How often? Annually Biannually As needed Other, describe: Employees are provided with policy manual Other, describe: Employees are provided with all the information necessary to administer the LIHEAP. The Department training team provides new staff with programmatic orientation training and are invited to observe and participate in Subrecipient trainings as well. b. Local Agencies: Formal training provided virtually, on-site, and/or formal training conference How often? Annually Biannually As needed Other, describe: The Department offers a manager training for newly hired managers or Executive Directors, as needed, which is then followed up with individualized technical assistance. The Department hosts meetings and training events on an as needed basis with Subrecipients and statewide or regional contractors to conduct necessary training and/or make announcements. The Department collaborates with the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies to coordinate training for Subrecipients. Training for Subrecipients occurs at an annual conference sponsored by the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies each year. The Department provides a template for developing the Annual Service Delivery Plan and a guide for developing it. The Department develops data tools and trains agencies as needed on how to analyze their data to improve efficiency and productivity. Emails, Go-To-Webinars, MS Teams for virtual TTA, and phone calls are common communication means with which the Department trains, assists, and communicates with LIHEAP Subrecipients and statewide or regional contractors. On-site training How often? Annually Biannually As needed Other, describe: The Department identifies key areas for training needs based upon monitoring reports, new regulations, and Subrecipient and statewide or regional contractors requests. Since COVID, tThe Department has developed robust and effective virtual training courses to address Subrecipient TTA needs. The Department provides training as needed to individual agencies and network wide trainings on a variety of topics such as: process mapping, production, data analysis, intake, client file documentation, weatherization assessments, audits, final inspections, working with contractors, reporting, and technical assistance for service delivery. Onsite training is provided as warranted. The Department also supplies Subrecipients with online resources, training centers, and conference information to obtain skills and certifications. Employees are provided with policy manual Other, describe: The Department uses an online portal (i.e., Wufoo) that agencies use daily for quick responses to questions or for requesting training. As needed, the Department schedules meetings to provide information, training, and technical assistance to the local agencies. Emails, the online portal, Go-To-Webinar, MS Teams for virtual TTA, and phone calls are the common methods used by the Department to train, assist, and communicate with LIHEAP Subrecipients and statewide or regional contractors. The Department creates tools, guides, cheat sheets, and FAQs that are posted on program webpages. The Department hosts quarterly Go-To-Webinar calls for the LIHEAP Subrecipients to provide relevant training on an ongoing basis. c. Vendors Formal training conference How often? Annually Biannually As needed Other, describe: Policies communicated through vendor agreements Policies are outlined in a vendor manual Other, describe: 15.2 Does your training program address fraud reporting and prevention? Yes No If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.