Youth Academy
The PATHHS Youth Academy provides youths age 17-24 with the skills and pre-employment certifications necessary to begin entry-level jobs in the field of healthcare or human services.
Youth Academy in Fall River
The PATHHS Youth Academy in Fall River is open to seniors enrolled in high school with a satisfactory academic record and interest in working with individuals that have developmental disabilities. The Youth Academy will provide the opportunity to learn about entry level roles and careers in healthcare and human services as well as acquire the basic knowledge, skills and certifications necessary for employment in entry level jobs. Youth Academy participants will receive high quality, competency-based healthcare and human services career development and introductory training and acquire pre-employment certifications including, but are not limited to, the following topics and activities:
- Medication Administration
- Human Rights
- Non-Violent Management of Aggressive Behavior
- First Aid/CPR
- Individual Service Plans
- Understanding Developmental Disabilities
- On-line MR/DSP Level 1 & 2 Certification (MCHSP)
Upon completion of the above trainings, students will be eligible to participate in a non-paid work experience opportunity.
Training for the Fall River Youth Academy is scheduled during the academic school year.
Youth Academy in New Bedford
The PATHHS Youth Academy in New Bedford will provide “out of school” youth with the opportunity to learn about entry level roles and careers in healthcare and human services as well as acquire the basic knowledge, skills and certifications necessary for employment in entry level jobs. Youth Academy participants will receive high quality, competency-based healthcare and human services career development and introductory training and acquire pre-employment certifications including, but are not limited to, the following topics and activities:
- The Community Support Skill Standards
- The National Health Care Skill Standards
- Human Rights
- Person Centered Individual Service Plans
- First Aid/CPR
- HIPPA/Confidentiality
- Medical Precautions
- NADSP Code of Ethics
- Non-Violent Management of Aggressive Behavior
- On-line MR/DSP Level 1 Certification (MCHSP)
- Enhancing the lives of adults with disabilities and/or health care needs
Youth Academy instructors and coordinator will also assist participants to
- Develop individual career and educational goals and strategies for building on strengths and overcoming challenges
- Complete a realistic job preview of entry level human services and healthcare roles
- Prepare resumes and applications for healthcare and human services jobs, internships, apprenticeships, certificate, and degree programs.
- Sign their commitment to the NADSP Code of Ethics for Direct Support Professionals
Training at the New Bedford Youth Academy begins the 3rd Monday of each month.