Employee Learning Opportunities
Learning Philosophy
Kent County invests in its people. The County believes the key to being a successful organization depends largely on its employees. The County is committed to providing professional development programs so everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute their individual talents. The value of this investment is a well-informed and skilled workforce. The result is a more effective and efficient organization that is prepared to address the many needs of the citizens.
Professional Growth Opportunities
Learning programs sponsored by the County are intended to assist employees in learning, improving, and refreshing the skills, knowledge, and behaviors essential to improving the quality of services delivered. Classes correspond to specific competencies/skills identified as necessary to be successful on the job in any department at any level.
New Employee Orientation
Employees at the County start learning on their first day. Our comprehensive New Hire Orientation focuses on the County not only as an employer but also as a service provider. New hires are introduced to the County’s mission and quickly understand how essential every employee is to meeting the organizational goal of improving Kent County citizens’ quality of life.
Leadership Programs
Leadership Enrichment and Development Program (LEAD)
The Leadership Enrichment and Development program is a six module program offered to directors, division directors, managers and supervisors that is designed to increase effectiveness in leading both people and operations. Each module is facilitated by an internal “Subject Matter Expert” who discusses leadership theory and draws from actual experiences in Kent County. Participants review concepts and take an active role in exercises. The program provides supervisors with the skills necessary to lead, motivate, and manage staff in achieving desired results.
The Managers’ Speaker Series
The Speaker Series is a forum for presenting relevant and innovative topics related to the changing needs of our community and addresses the impact change has on our organization. It is an opportunity for Leadership to learn and achieve excellence.
General Programs
Learning Ensures Achievement Program (LEAP)
LEAP provides a variety of classes intended to maximize performance and service delivery. Classes are designed to help employees:
- Learn and develop competencies associated with successful on-the-job performance.
- Learn to exhibit behaviors that model Kent County values: collaboration, respect, commitment, professionalism, personal responsibility and adherence to County rules of conduct and ethical principles.
- Build relationships; effectively and efficiently meet customer needs; focus on goal setting; be creative and innovative; and develop excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Pre-Retirement Education Program (PREP)
Kent County provides employees the opportunity to learn about the importance of retirement planning by offering an overview of County sponsored retirement plans.
Tuition Reimbursement Program
The purpose of the Employee Tuition Reimbursement Program is to provide each employee with an opportunity to complete job related education for professional development and organizational advancement. Employees can apply what they learn directly to their job, impacting both personal performance improvement and department performance objectives. Full time employees who have been with the County for one year are eligible to receive partial reimbursement through an accredited institution.
