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Focusing on the Workforce at The Arc Rockland

Tuition Scholarships and Reimbursements, and Leadership Training

deborah“Investing in The Arc Rockland’s workforce is an investment in the future,” says the agency’s CEO Carmine Marchionda. “The more capable our employees, the better able we are to provide services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” To that end, The Arc Rockland has developed a range of options  aimed at the pursuit of higher and continuing education.

Full Scholarships for Master’s Degree

In partnership with Stony Brook University, The Arc Rockland is providing full scholarships for 15 employees to earn Master of Arts degrees in Liberal Studies, with a concentration in Human Services.  “All courses are being offered online or by Stony Brook faculty who will conduct classes at The Arc headquarters or a nearby facility one evening a week,” explains The Arc Chief Human Resources Officer Deborah Carr.

Students will earn 33 credits in six semesters over 2.5 years. “Several courses are required by the University, with additional courses selected by The Arc to accommodate areas specific to the field of developmental disabilities,” says Ms. Carr. “These may include subjects such as Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Legislation and Advocacy or Principles and Practices of Special Education.”

Eligible applicants must agree to remain in the employ of The Arc Rockland for two years post-graduation. The first group of recipients will begin their studies in the fall of 2018.  The scholarship program is funded, in part, by donations.

Tuition Reimbursement

The Arc Rockland provides tuition reimbursement for up to three semesters per year to students pursuing higher education. Applicants must have been employed by The Arc for six months and must agree to continue their employment at The Arc for one year post reimbursement, or they must reimburse the agency for funding.  In 2017, 26 staff members took advantage of the agency’s longstanding tuition reimbursement program.

Leadership Development

“Approximately 100 employees, including every supervisor, from first-line Team Leaders up to and including the CEO, will participate in a seven-session Leadership Academy,” says Ms. Carr. “Good leaders are essential to the successful growth of both the employee and the agency as a whole. Through our Leadership Training Program, we intend to develop the skills, confidence and foresight that will ensure our long term growth.”

Four groups of people representative of all agency departments will take part in weekly 3.5 hour sessions over an 11-week period. Doug Brown of Paradigm Associates, a consulting firm based in Cranford, NJ, will conduct sessions based on three competency groupings: Leading the Organization, Leading Others and Self-Management.

“The Arc Foundation of Rockland believes  strongly in the importance of workforce development,”  says  Foundation President Dr. Daniel Spitzer. “We support these worthwhile  projects through a variety of grants awarded  by the Foundation to The Arc Rockland.”

“Our employees are our greatest asset,” states Ms. Carr. “We are committed to equipping them with the tools they need to carry us into the future.”

The Arc Rockland provides services and supports to more than 1400 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Rockland County.  For information, please call 845.267.2500.

Photo: Deborah Carr,  The Arc Rockland Chief Human Resources Officer

The Arc Rockland has partnered with the Empire State Purchasing Group. Vendors may submit bids electronically. Please visit https://www.bidnetdirect.com/new-york/arc-of-rockland for RFP and bidding opportunities.

Thank You to The Arc Rockland’s Corporate Sponsors:

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