Hands on Testing (H.O.T.) - Following CORE Training. This two day Testing will be held from 8:00am to 5:00pm each day. Workers must pass All 4 areas of H.O.T. before they can carry a caseload. Once they pass H.O.T., they will be able to begin the graduated caseload assignment as established by the Pinnacle Plan Point 3 as outlined in the Supervisorand Mentor Guide FY13.

What is Hands on Testing (H.O.T.)?

• Funded SB 1979 and supported by the OKDHS Pinnacle Plan.
• Skills based competency test for new workers.
• Better evaluation of workers' skills and abilities.
• Completed 2 weeks after CORE Classroom training has ended.

What is tested?

• CPS and Hotline Track (see below 1-4)
• PP and FCS Track (see below 1-4)
• Bridge Track (Foster Care and Adoption). (see below 1-4)
  1. Adult Interview and Documentation.
  2. Child Interview.
  3. Assessment of Child Safety.
  4. KIDS Navigation
• Comprehensive Workers
  • Supervisor may decide which track their worker should be tested.
  • Selection should be based on assignment.

Testing Areas Checklists for each testing are included in the H.O.T. Handbook

Interview with Child - CPS Track:

• Worker will interview an actor regarding allegations of abuse and neglect.
• One hour to prepare and complete the interview.
• One hour to document the interview in Word.
• Worker must pass BOTH elements of this area.

Interview with Adult - PP, FCS, Bridge Track:

• Worker will conduct an interview with an adult regarding a Family Functional Assessment.
• One hour to interview the adult for the FFA.
• One hour to document the interview
• Worker must pass BOTH elements of this area.

Safety Assessment - All workers

• Worker will read the completed 6 Key Questions on an Assessment of Child Safety.
• Safety determination will be made.

KIDS Navigation and Documentation - All workers

• Worker Visit in Contacts
• Change a placement for a child is an open Permanency Planning Case.
• Enter an Adjudicatory Hearing
• Workers must successfully complete ALL tasks to pass this area.

What if a worker does not pass H.O.T.?

• Workers who fail 2 areas or less will be able to re-test with the next scheduled H.O.T.
• Workers are NOT able to carry a caseload until they successfully pass H.O.T.
• Workers who fail 3 of the 4 areas will NOT be able to carry a caseload.
• Workers must pass ALL 4 areas of H.O.T.

Testing:

• Testing will be conducted by Supervisors.
  • Supervisors will not test their own worker.
  • Training will be provided.
  • Supervisory Training Hours will be provided to those who participate.
• Each area is Pass or Fail
  • Workers are tested on specific and observable skills.

Scheduling:

• Leave during H.O.T. Testing should not be approved.
• Missed training will not be rescheduled.

References:

• H.O.T. Handbook
• Supervisor and Mentor Guide

Questions about H.O.T.?

• Contact: Stephanie Whitener, H.O.T. Coordinator
  • Phone (405) 325-8593
  • Email: Stephanie.Whitener@okdhs.org or Stephanie.Whitener@ou.edu