Individualized Home Supports Training

Individualized Home Supports Training

Training Materials

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Workers providing support to Participants in the Individualized Home Supports (IHS) program are required by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to complete Orientation Training upon hire and Annual Training every year. Access the Online Training Site here.

Why Do I Need to Complete Training?

As a Worker providing services to the Participant under Minnesota Licensed Services (245D), you must complete a set number of hours for training. Minnesota Licensed Services wants to ensure that all staff providing direct support comprehend and be trained on policies and procedures upon hire and on an annual basis. The appropriate training is assigned by PICS Human Resources. If you think you've been assigned the wrong training, please contact us

When is My Training Due?

Orientation training is due 60 days after the Worker’s date of hire. Workers will receive a specific due date in their date of hire notification.   
 
Annual training is conducted every October and must be completed by October 31 every year.  
 
If your training requirement is not completed within the given deadline, PICS Human Resources will notify you that you cannot provide direct support services to the Participant until your training requirement has been completed.

How Do I Complete Training?

Training is completed online by going to the Direct Course website.  
 
Workers must log onto the site with their assigned login name and password. Once logged on, the home page will indicate their assigned training. The training can be completed in one sitting or over time. It can be completed on your computer, tablet or smart phone. Please see below for further log in instructions:   

  • Login name: first initial, last name and last four digits of phone number (example: JSmith1234)  
  • Password: hello  

NOTE: Do not change the password. It must remain “hello.”  
 
The first time you login, you will see the Registered User Agreement. Read the agreement and check the box to continue to the training site. You will be directed to your personal learner page, where you can view and complete your assignments.   
 

How Do I Complete Lessons on Direct Course Website?

When logged into the Direct Course system, view each lesson, and take the test to complete the lesson.

Viewing the Lesson:

  1. Click the ”View” button next to My eLearning Lessons.  
  2. Click on the name of the lesson you wish to begin.  
  3. Click the ”Start the Lesson” button and the lesson will begin.  

Note: Lessons include a voiceover so speakers will be necessary to hear the narration.  
 
Taking the Test:

  1. After you finish viewing the lesson, close the lesson window and return to the lessons page.  
  2. Click the name of the lesson to reopen the lesson.  
  3. Click the Take the Test button.

Will I Get Paid for Training?

Training reimbursement is optional. To be reimbursed, you must submit a manual timesheet indicating completed training hours, dates, start and end times. Training timesheets cannot be submitted through the online portal and must be completed on a manual timesheet. You can be reimbursed for your required number of training hours as listed on the Training Modules List. The training rate is reimbursed at the applicable minimum wage.