Tri-County′s Direct Care Workers′ Center Universal Core Curriculum Training Information

Free Skills Training

The Tri-County Direct Care Workers′ Center provides free-of-charge, "best practice", person-centered training to universally prepare workers for jobs in attendant care available throughout Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties located within Southwestern PA. This interactive, two-week training is designed to teach worker candidates the skills they will need to assist consumer-employers with disabilities of all ages to maintain control of their lives while living in the communities of their choice. Trainings are held at a centrally located facility in Charleroi unless announced otherwise and usually occur over six weekday evenings and two Fridays and Saturdays. Skills are taught by a pool of qualified and dynamic instructors who utilize return demonstration methodologies.

Skills and Competencies Taught

• Disability and Independent Living Philosophy and History
• Person-Centered Approaches
• Work Ethics
• Effective Communication Strategies
• Universal Precautions
• Grooming
• Incontinence and Skin Care
• Body Mechanics
• Lifting and Transfer Skills
• Cultural Diversity
• Food handling and Eating Assistance
• Conflict Management
• CPR/First Aide
• Death and Dying
• Recognizing Abuse and Neglect
• Family Dynamics
• Aging
• Proper Use of Assistive Devices

Upcoming Universal Core Curriculum Training Dates

To gain additional details and/or register for upcoming trainings, please contact Christine Sheppard by phone at (724)223-5115 or email

Trainings are scheduled throught the upcoming year as follows

• June 2-14
• July 7-19
• August 4-16
• September 8-20
• October 6-18
• November 3-15
• December 1-13

The Direct Care Workers′ Center also offers adult and infant CPR/First Aide and AED training monthly. Trainings are scheduled throughout each month at one of four locations according to demand throughout the tri-county areas of Fayette, Washington and Greene counties. Classes are interactively taught by American Red Cross certified trainers and graduates receive certifications ranging from 1-3 years. To register or gain additional information about certifications and fees please contact Christine Sheppard by email.

Universal Core Curriculum Training and Registry Benefits

Completing skills training prepares Direct Care Workers for more complex assignments making workers eligible for health care benefits as they become available.

Additionally, worker candidates who complete skills training and/or participate in the Direct Care Workers′ Center Registry are eligible for neighborhood resource center services that include:

Referrals to available job opportunities matched to their unique geographical and schedule needs; Supportive services to resolve such issues as; child/elder care, transportation, job counseling, and budgeting and access to convenient locations to collect paychecks.