Straits Area Services Advances Employee’s CRM Skills Thanks To STTF Award
Straits Area Services (SAS) is a private, nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence through life skills training and comprehensive opportunities. Since 1976, Straits Area Services has been providing community integration services, supporting employment, and more to people throughout Cheboygan County.
To effectively help their clients, Straits Area Services’ staff must stay abreast of new available technology, especially in regards to computerized records management. Working with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, Straits Area Services was able to secure over $22,000 in Skilled Trades Training Funds for 2016. Thirteen existing employees and seven new hires benefited from Computerized Case Management and Lean Transition Management training, provided by North Central Michigan College. This training will help SAS staff operate more effectively by using available technology and help streamline their processes during transition periods.
By becoming more efficient in computerized records management, Straits staff can dedicate more time to helping their clients in their journey towards more independent living. Thanks to the STTF training, Straits Area Services is a smarter workplace, benefiting not only the staff, but the community as well. Staff receiving training benefit not only in their current position, but also helps position them for advancement in the health care arena.
Straits Area Services Executive Director, Amy Carter stated, “I found it very helpful to learn more about Excel and the different shortcuts. Excel knowledge has been helpful in creating different inventory spreadsheets. The Straits Area Services staff has found that the presented information really has helped them to use the technology available to them more efficiently”
Employee Jennifer Workman agrees, “Learning how to use databases was helpful.”
In addition to STTF assistance, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium has helped Straits Area Services with job postings, referrals and job descriptions.