Facility Director
Dr. John Holland
The Director for Southside Virginia Training Center is the Chief Executive Office and is responsible to the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse 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 Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services on a space available basis.
Quality & Risk Management
The Office of Quality & Risk Management coordinates the collection, integration, and reporting of information designed to evaluate efforts to improve quality and mange risk at SVTC. Monitoring of the facility Annual Plan is a key function that includes tracking the implementation of programs initiatives and ongoing processes as well as collecting and presenting data on performance indicators. Quality Improvement efforts and results are periodically provided to the facility management. Risk management efforts encompass all aspects of the service delivery system that pose a possible loss or legal liability to the facility and/or its clients and staff. Potential losses are minimized through the identification, evaluation and monitoring of risk to client and staff safety, physical plant and personal property, and public relations. The Office of Quality & Risk Management supports the efforts of Quality Improvement Teams to continuously improve processes
Public Relations
The Public Relations Department develops and executes positive interface with the community, family, members, friends and volunteers to foster visibility, greater awareness and overall goodwill in a manner that results in services/resources affecting the quality of life for clients as well as staff. Departmental components include managing the agency's: (1) public relations program via media activities, brochures, the facility newsletter, an employee newsletter, photographs, exhibits, tours and local community program affiliations; and (2) volunteer programs to monitor recruitment, assignments, training, supervision and evaluation of volunteer groups and individuals, and to acquire required health and criminal background information. Volunteer activities and contributions supplement the programmatic needs of the clients. A Fashion Center, which resembles a retail store, is maintained for processing and distributing donations to the clients. In addition, Religious Services is a component of the Public Relations Department
SVTC Volunteer Advisory Council Inc.
The SVTC Volunteer Advisory Council, Inc. is a non-for-profit organization composed of community persons who have an interest in the welfare of the clients, and strongly support the philosophy and goals of the Center. The council, in conjunction with the Public Relations Department, arranges solicitation efforts for client items/services that are 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 Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services policies and faculty procedures.
Religious Services
Religious Services provides clients the opportunity to experience, as fully as possible, a well-rounded program to meet their spiritual needs. The program includes formal and informal services; instructions; hospital and bedside visitations; distribution of printed materials, tapes, records and films; and counseling if requested. Religious volunteers add a wholesome dimension to the range of services. Worship and fellowship opportunities on campus and in the community are arranged for clients of different faith groups. Burial and memorial services are available.
Parents' Organization of SVTC
The Parents' Organization (PO) of SVTC, the 'first' of its kind in Virginia, was founded by Mrs. Elise H. Strotmeyer in 1973. According to Mrs. Strotmeyer, this first Parents' Organization led the way for the way for the formation of similar groups at the other four state training centers. The coalition of the five parent groups, Parents and Associates of the Institutionalized Retarded of Virginia (PAIR), provides a statewide network of advocates for persons with mental retardation. In addition to the PO's continuous support and cooperation with SVTC's administration and staff for a commitment to the welfare of the clients, 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 client activities. The PO was also responsible for the name change from Petersburg Training School and Hospital to Southside Virginia Training Center. All parents, guardians, relatives and friends of SVTC's clients are welcome to join the group in support of its ongoing efforts. The PO meets bimonthly at Southside Virginia Training Center.