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: New EAP consultants work closely with seasoned staff to collaborate on technical assistance for LDSS and the completion of monitoring reviews for the first few months of employment. After that, peer reviews continue to be completed for monitoring reviews. Employees are provided an online guidance manual. DHCD staff conducts formal training with grantee staff on grantee policies and procedures annually and as needed. Employees are provided with a policy manual. b. Local Agencies: Formal training provided virtually, on-site, and/or formal training conference How often? Annually Biannually As needed Other, describe: EAP training workshops at twice yearly conferences On-site training How often? Annually Biannually As needed Other, describe: Employees are provided with policy manual Other, describe: LDSS have two EAP training options available: virtual/recorded training sessions are available for new workers and various online training modules are available as a refresher for experienced workers. The virtual trainings are available statewide at the start of each EAP component. The online and recorded modules are available year round. LDSS staff training is optional. Additionally, each LDSS is assigned a program consultant who monitors the LDSS as a sub-recipient and also provides technical assistance, policy interpretation, and targeted training as needed. DHCD staff conducts formal training conferences with subgrantees annually and as needed. DHCD conducts Peer Exchange meetings annually with the subgrantees. Onsite training is conducted as needed for subgrantee field staff by Energy Solutions (an IREC accredited Weatherization Training Center). Energy Solutions alsoprovides online training and conducts classes at their training facility in Christiansburg, Virginia. 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: In addition to signing an agreement with the VDSS that lists all vendor responsibilities, depending on EAP services provided, each EAP vendor must complete two or more online training courses: Fraud - Energy Assistance Vendors (all vendors must complete); Fuel Assistance - Vendor Responsibilities (all Fuel vendors must complete); Crisis Assistance - Vendor Responsibilities (all Crisis vendors must complete); and Cooling Assistance - Vendor Responsibilities (all Cooling vendors must complete). We are also in the process of developing targetted refresher training modules for vendors for FFY25. 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.