DHSU’s Professional Development Programs

  1. 1.  Philadelphia Child Welfare Leadership Academy (CWLA)

    2. Program information, cohort descriptions, nomination link, alumni list (graduates/cohorts/pictures)

  2. 2.  University Collaborative (discounts in tuition and licensures)

    3. What is University Collaborative: Partnership Agreement with area colleges and university to offer discounts in tuition and licensure programs for DHS and CUA staff.

  3. 3.  Internships (How to obtain an internship at DHS)

    4. The Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) accepts college interns throughout the year. Internships help prepare students with hands-on experience for a smooth transition into the global workforce. DHS interns must follow the City’s public health guidance and protocols.

https://www.phila.gov/media/20221018150716/Internships-with-the-Department-of-Human-Services.pdf

Professional Development Programs

  1. 4.  Employee Education Program (EEP) & Child Welfare Education for Leadership (CWEL)

    2. Program information, dates for upcoming informational sessions. alumni list (graduates/cohorts/pictures


    EEP: Provides pathways for DHS’ social work services managers II & program analyst to acquire a Masters of Social Work/Social Services degree, while continuing to work part-time.


    At the completion of degree requirements, graduates are eligible for promotion to social work supervisor positions through the Civil Service exam process.


    To apply for EEP, future applicants must attend Mandatory Informational Sessions.


    Child Welfare Education for Leadership (CWEL)


    The Department of Human Services (DHS) in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh's Child Welfare Education for Leadership (CWEL) Program supports its goal to strengthen public child welfare services in Pennsylvania by providing educational opportunities at the graduate level for public child welfare personnel https://www.socialwork.pitt.edu/researchtraining/child-welfare-programs/child-welfare-education-leadership-cwel

  2. 5.  Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureates (CWEB)

    3. Program information, alumni list/year


    CWEB: The Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureates (CWEB) program is a cooperative effort among theUnited States Administration for Children and Families, thePennsylvania Department of Human Services, and fifteen undergraduate social work degree programs in Pennsylvania accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Its goal is to strengthen public child welfare services in Pennsylvania by providing educational opportunities for undergraduate social work majors preparing for employment in one of Pennsylvania's 67 public child welfare agencies. 


    Qualified persons who are full time social work majors in their senior year at any of the approved schools may receive an educational fellowship in return for a contractual obligation to accept employment in a Pennsylvania public child welfare agency immediately following their studies.The employment commitment is not waived or postponed for graduate study.

  3. 6.  Employee Mentoring Program

    4. What is Mentoring? It is a relationship between two people where the mentor provides advice and guidance to their mentee to help them grow, learn, and develop professionally.


    What is a DHS Mentor? A DHS mentor is a person who influences, guides, encourages, and cultivates a culture of support for new hires as they transition from training to their permanent working assignments.


    The goal of the Employee Mentoring Program is to support staff retention, foster and build connections to success for newly hired and existing staff. 


    Link: Return to LMS for the Mentoring Database (has restrictions, may be read only, higher access given to LMS admins only)

  4. 7.  Employee Coaching Program

    5. Is a (4) four-month program designed by our partners  at Performance Plus International (PPI) using theInternational Coach Federation (ICF) Standards.


    The goal is to:

  5. Build internal coaching capacity to support our frontline leaders, while Integrating coaching practices into the Philadelphia Child Welfare System’s culture to support employees in their development and performance.
  6. Enhance employees’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help children and families navigate and overcome the challenges they face.
  7. Use coaching as a resource to help staff creatively use their skills to support the Philadelphia Child Welfare System’s outcomes.

    8. Upon completing the program, you will be paired with, and asked to coach, a Frontline Systems Leader - who has graduated of the Child Welfare Leadership Academy.


    At the conclusion of the program, PPI will submit the names of participants with supporting documentation to the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Approval would satisfy many of the requirements you need to become an ICF Certified coach.


    Link: Return to LMS for the Coaching Database (has restrictions, may be read only, higher access given to LMS admins only)

https://www.phila.gov/media/20221018150716/Internships-with-the-Department-of-Human-Services.pdf