MIHOW outreach workers are trained to implement the model, and staffing arrangements are tailored to the needs of individual sites. Some sites employ full-time outreach workers, and other sites use part-time workers. Sites must also employ an outreach worker supervisor.
Outreach workers must be from the local community and have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, a positive parenting history, and a similar background to program participants. In addition, outreach workers must demonstrate an understanding of the community and an acceptance of people different from themselves, including people with different religious beliefs, sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, and race.
There are no education or experience requirements for supervisors. However, the model recommends that supervisors have a bachelor’s degree or one year of experience with supervision. MIHOW recommends supervisors use reflective supervision, and at a minimum, they are required to complete the following activities:
- Hold one-on-one meetings with outreach workers at least monthly
- Provide individual and group opportunities for outreach workers to share successes and concerns
- Respond to concerns promptly and constructively
- Evaluate and be evaluated by the outreach workers annually
The MIHOW leadership team provides group support to supervisors during the MIHOW annual conference.
This model requires outreach workers to participate in pre-service training. Outreach workers must complete 40 hours of core training, shadow an experienced outreach worker, and receive an individual assessment from a supervisor. New supervisors must complete pre-service training with their staff and, for the first six months, participate in monthly one-hour check-ins with a member of the MIHOW leadership team. Please contact the model developer for additional information about the pre-service training requirement.
This model offers the following ongoing professional development:
- Monthly training—Local sites are responsible for monthly training of outreach workers on MIHOW-specific competencies for outreach workers and local needs.
- Annual conference—Each year, supervisors and outreach workers gather for three days of workshops, networking, and team building.
- Biennial Site Leaders’ Meeting—Supervisors gather every other year for networking, reflection, planning, evaluation, and training.
- Regional training—Regional consultants coordinate three training sessions per region each year for outreach workers and provide consultation to sites.
Please contact the model developer for additional information about ongoing professional development requirements.