Pre-Service Institute

The 9-week Pre-Service Institute (PSI) is a combination of classroom, online, and on the job training (OJT) designed to help new hires learn and put into practice the basic skills necessary to meet the complex needs of the children and families served by the Michigan child welfare system.

PSI training is a step-by–step process that takes many months and requires the help of many people. Training staff and field supervisors share the major responsibility for this task. To assure the transfer of concepts learned in the classroom to the work they do in the field, new hires, their colleagues and supervisors must take an active role in the learning process during PSI training. Each time your office/agency hires a new child welfare caseworker follow these steps:

     1. Supervisor designates an experienced caseworker (mentor) for each new hire. This person must not have a caseload exceeding current caseload standards.
     2. Supervisor, mentor and new hire read the Transfer of Learning (TOL) guide.
     3. New hire prints the Field Activities Form for their program. Over the course of the 5 OJT weeks, or field weeks, the new hire completes the form, debriefs activities with their mentor and supervisor, and brings the form to classroom training weeks.
     4. New hire takes two competency based exams, if each one is passed (70% or higher), a progressive caseload can be assigned, please refer to the TOL for details.
     5. During the final two field weeks of the PSI, the trainer and supervisor will jointly complete the New Hire Evaluation Summary. If the supervisor determines the new hire is ready for casework, a caseload up to current standards may be assigned after the final day of PSI training.
     6. A training plan is devised for assuring compliance with in-service training requirements; professional development opportunities should be encouraged throughout the career of the child welfare caseworker.

To get an overview of the content of PSI training, or directly access training materials, including those needed to complete OJT activities, please follow this link: Training Materials Page.