Overview of the role of partners
In order for your client to be eligible for the First Step – Next Step program, a completed check list must be submitted with the paperwork. Steps are described below.
Need to download a form? Click here
4. Follow these prescreening steps for eligibility of the First Step – Next Step program
- Produce for verification proof of a High School diploma or a GED. (A Post-Secondary degree is welcome, but not mandatory.)
- Complete and pass a Profile Work Assessment
- Pass the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) at a sixth grade level or higher.
TABE Tests are given Monday-Thursday at the Ronald M. Hubbs Center promptly at 10:30a.m. If client does not pass the test, they can be referred to Ronald M. Hubbs Center where they can work on building reading, vocabulary and test taking skills. The candidate can work through the Reading sections in about 12 hours and then retest on the TABE.
- Sign a Release of Information Download the document.
This gives permission to the referring Community Based Organization to share/exchange program information with Regions Hospital, PPL, and Employer Solutions Inc’s First Step –Next Step program.
- Sign a Participant Agreement Download the document.
This states the client will follow the rules and principles of the First Step – Next Step program.
- Produce documents verifying any certification – such as Certified Nursing Assistant.
Copies should be submitted with all other paperwork. The telephone number to verify if a CNA is current on the Minnesota State Nursing Assistant Registry is 651.215.8705. Please follow the prompts and press 2 and enter your clients social security number and continue to follow the prompts.
- Pass a criminal background check and be eligible for employment in the healthcare field.
Partner agencies are responsible for obtaining criminal background report; this requires paying a fee for the service.
More about criminal background checks
Criminal background checks generally go back 7-10 years. However, certain charges—even from 20 or 30 years ago—will show up on a background check. On any job application, it is always better to be honest and up front – potential employers should not be surprised by something on a background check. There are some charges/convictions that can be a disqualification for the program. These include any charges that disqualify a candidate from working in healthcare in the state of Minnesota with a vulnerable population. Examples of unacceptable charges/convictions include but are not limited to:
- Theft
- Assault
- Criminal Sexual Conduct
- Domestic Assault
- Malicious Punishment of a Child
- Welfare Fraud
- Check Forgery/Fraud
- Harassment
For organizations that do not have a process for running criminal background checks, Project for Pride in Living’s Employment and Training program currently utilizes Verified Credentials, Inc. to complete criminal backgrounds.
Verified Credentials, Inc. will customize a background check package(s) that fits your needs. If you are interested in finding out more about VCI the number is 952.985.7200.