HR Management Certificate Program
The State of Connecticut Human Resources Management Certificate Program is designed to provide HR professionals with information concerning a multitude of human resources topics and provide written and electronic resources to aid in accurate completion of their work.
Participants are provided a unique opportunity to network with peers as they remain together as a group throughout the Program. Participants will learn about commonly used HR terminology, acronyms and definitions, governing resources, plus policies and procedures pertaining to each specific topic. Participants will leave the program with a comprehensive resource manual for future reference.
After completing the program, participants will have a broader and deeper knowledge of HR and will be better prepared to take on new assignments and play key roles in the accomplishment of business results in their agencies.
Program Eligibility
The State of Connecticut Human Resources Management Certificate Program is designed for State of Connecticut HR Professionals in the job classes of Human Resources Assistant or above in the HR career series. Employees in training programs with the target class of Human Resources Associate or above are also encouraged to attend.
PARTICIPANTS MUST COMMIT TO ALL ELEVEN DAYS OF TRAINING WHEN THEY REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM.
Day One (8:30-5:00)
Human Resources References, Definitions and Competencies
a. Understanding the requirements of the State Human Resources Management Certificate Program
b. Understanding where to find resources critical for success as an HR Professional
c. Understanding the role of the three central Executive Branch agencies
d. Recognizing critical competencies for Human Resources Professionals
Fundamentals of the State of Connecticut Classification System
a. Understanding why a classification system is crucial in achieving organizational success
b. Identifying the key components of a job specification
c. Understanding and applying organizational levels and structure
d. Understanding the requirements and process for classification and reclassification decisions and transactions
Day Two (8:30-5:00)
Making Appointments Within the Boundaries of the State Merit System
a. Interpreting Minimum Qualification Requirements, reviewing applications and applying standards for eligibility for appointment
b. Understanding Merit System requirements, the exam process, types and modes
c. Understanding and applying Reemployment, SEBAC and other rights in making appointments
d. Identifying the key steps in making an offer of employment and orienting a new employee
Day Three (8:30-5:00)
Compensation System and Calculating Changes in Salary
a. Understanding where pay plans come from and how they are used in compensation decisions
b. Defining personnel transactions, calculating salary and CoreCT processing
c. Understanding performance recognition systems for managers, applying criteria and calculating salary adjustments
Day Four (8:30-5:00)
Introduction to Labor Relations
a. Understanding the history of collective bargaining in the State of Connecticut
b. Understanding and applying the Just Cause Standard and steps of Progressive Discipline (including Sperl, Weingarten, and Loudermill)
c. Understanding the importance of performance evaluations and documentation requirements
d. Identifying the type of grievance and the procedure associated with each
e. Introduction to contract negotiation
Day Five (8:30-5:00)
Employee Leaves of Absence, Separation Types and Exit Interviews
a. Identifying types of leaves, reporting requirements and impact on benefits
b. Identifying types of separations, reporting requirements and continuation of benefits
c. Understanding the importance of gathering information from exiting employees
and using the automated exit interview system for analytical purposes
Days Six and Seven (8:30-12:30)
The Family Medical Leave Act (1/2 day each day)
a. Learning the differences between federal FMLA and state family/medical leave
b. Determining when an employee is eligible for FMLA leave and what qualifies as a reason for leave
c. Understanding the notice provisions and who is responsible for designating FMLA leave
d. Learning to identify what is a "serious health condition" and the importance of receiving a complete medical certificate
Day Eight (8:30-5:00)
The Americans with Disabilities Act
a. Learning how to analyze whether an employee has a covered physical or mental "disability" under the ADA
b. Identifying a "qualified individual" and "essential functions" to determine whether an employee is entitled to ADA protections
c. Understanding the employer's requirement to provide a "reasonable accommodation" and identifying the documentation employers may legally request
Fundamentals of Workers' Compensation
a. Knowledge of statutory references, definitions of terms and other resources
b. General understanding of the State of Connecticut's Workers' Compensation System
Day Nine (8:30-5:00)
Designing and Conducting Effective Employment Interviews
a. Understanding how to develop and use a performance profile to identify technical skills and personal qualities important for job success
b. Applying the S.T.A.R. formula to develop performance-based questions
c. Conducting legally defensible and effective interviews
d. Evaluating applicants and identifying the best qualified for the job
Day Ten (8:30-5:00)
Managing Workplace Violence, Harassment & Discrimination
a. Understanding Workplace Violence policies and procedures and the importance of raising awareness
b. Understanding the role and responsibilities of agency Human Resources staff
c. Understanding the need for and role of Threat Assessment Teams
d. Understanding behaviors that may constitute sexual harassment under the law
e. Knowledge of things HR Professionals can do to prevent sexual harassment complaints
f. Understanding the role of the HR Professional and how to respond to sexual harassment complaints
Day Eleven (8:30-5:00)
Becoming an Effective Business Partner
a. Understanding the competencies necessary to become an effective business partner
b. Applying proven tools to implement strategic and business planning
c. Identifying ways HR can become a leader and value-added service to your agency.
Please contact Shari Grzyb for information on the Human Resource Management Certificate Program schedule: Shari.Grzyb@ct.gov