Facility Director
The Director for Southside Virginia Training Center is the Chief Executive Office and is responsible to the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for the effective operation on the facility. The Director provides overall guidance and direction to the major operational components, and is responsible for establishing internal polices and procedures that will facilitate the accomplishment of the organization's goals and objectives.
Human Resources
Staff persons in the Human Resources Office work in concert with organization's executives, managers, and supervisors to identify the performance needs of SVTC and to translate them into programs that identify, recruit, reward, and retain employees who meet and exceed those expectations. The staff also administers programs that support employees in their work and private lives, including insurance programs, compensation programs, life-problem oriented assistance programs, and programs for personal growth and development.
Training & Staff Development
The Training & Staff Development Department has the overall responsibility for planning, scheduling, providing, evaluating, and documenting staff training. Training is provided to all employees to maintain, as well as continuously improve their job skills. An automated database is used to document training, and access to the database is available throughout the facility. The department operates an audio/visual studio, which produces training videos and records satellite training programs broadcast by the Health & Human Services Television Network and the public Broadcasting System. Special pre-service training provided to Human Service Care Workers and Licensed Practical Nurses before assuming their duties. Training is also offered to agencies of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services on a space available basis.
Quality & Risk Management
The Department of Quality & Risk Management seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals supported by SVTC by maximizing the availability of relevant information for decision-makers. Accordingly, Q & RM staff engage in activities such as information discovery and collection, information entry and compilation, information management, questioning of information and strategy, analysis and—when appropriate—recommendation of action steps.
Public Relations
The Public Relations Department develops and executes positive interface with the community, parents, family members, friends and volunteers to foster awareness and overall goodwill in a manner that results in services/resources affecting the quality of life for the individuals we support. Departmental components include managing the agency’s: (1) public relations program via media activities, newsletters, photographs, tours and community program affiliations; (2) volunteer program to monitor recruitment, assignments, supervision and evaluation of volunteer groups and individuals, and to obtain required health and criminal background information; and (3) solicitation efforts for the individuals’ items/services that are not provided by the State in conjunction with a community council. A Fashion Center, which resembles a retail store, is maintained for processing and distributing donations to the individuals. The Public Relations Department also manages the agency’s Employee Forum, Ethics Program, and Commonwealth of Virginia Charitable Campaign.
SVTC Volunteer Advisory Council Inc.
The SVTC Volunteer Advisory Council, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization composed of community persons who have an interest in the welfare of the individuals with intellectual disabilities, and strongly support the philosophy and goals of the Center. The council, in conjunction with the Public Relations Department, arranges solicitation efforts for individuals’ services/items that are not provided by the State; and accepts, records, and acknowledges donations for the Center. The department and council ensure compliance with local and state laws as well as State Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services policies and facility procedures.
Religious Services
Religious Supports provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience, as fully as possible, a well-rounded program to meet their spiritual needs. The program includes a variety of non-denominational worship services, hospital and bedside visits, and pastoral counseling if requested. Religious volunteers add a wholesome dimension to the range of supports. Worship and fellowship opportunities on campus and in the community are arranged for individuals of different faith groups. Dignified burial and memorial services are available.
Parents' Organization of SVTC
The Parents’ Organization of SVTC (PO), the first of its kind in Virginia, was founded by the late Elise H. Strotmeyer in 1973. According to Mrs. Strotmeyer, this first Parents’ Organization led the way for the formation of similar groups at the other four state training centers. In addition to the PO’s continuous support and cooperation with SVTC’s administration and staff for a commitment to the welfare of the individuals, the organization has made noteworthy accomplishments such as: provided the sign that marks the entrance to SVTC; lobbied on numerous occasions for the Center’s budgetary requests; and participated in and/or provided financial support for many activities for the individuals. All parents, guardians, relatives and friends of SVTC’s individuals are welcome to join the group in support of its ongoing efforts. The PO meets bimonthly at Southside Virginia Training Center.
