What's going on at CCFL?! This week, we will learn about the Field Training Specialists. Thank you, Paulette, for answering the following questions about your project and team.
What is your project/job assignment, and what are you currently working on?
Field Training Specialists (FTSs) are a part of the training grant CCFL has with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. They have many job duties, but they mainly ensure the transfer of learning from the classroom to the field for each and every Children and Family Services Specialist. The FTSs here at CCFL were chosen for their positions because they were amazing Children and Family Services Specialists themselves; so, obviously, they’re the “cream of the crop.” Can anyone guess who was CCFL's very first FTS? (The answer is at the end of this article.)
Who are the members of your project? (Please provide a job title and brief description of what they do.) Paulette Sombke is the coordinator for the nine FTSs, who support every office in Nebraska. Members of her team are Amber Pelan, Angie Graham, Bob Hock, Cody Struss, Jill Knox, Joyce Starke, Leslie Schlecht, Rebecca Jones and Shelly Egge.
Amber Pelan supports the Northern Service Area. Amber has been with CCFL since June of 2012. Amber supports workers through the initial assessment and ongoing process in the Columbus, Seward and York offices. Amber’s strengths include her knowledge of Department policy and communication skills.
Angie Graham supports the Eastern Services Area. Angie has been with CCFL since January of 2003. Angie supports the initial assessment team in the Omaha Metro area. Two of the biggest strengths that she brings to CCFL are her ability to build strong relationships and knowledge of the initial assessment process.
Bob Hock supports the Central Service Area (CSA). Bob has been at CCFL since September of 2012. Bob supports workers in the Kearney, Broken Bow and Hastings offices with all case management duties. Bob’s strengths include his knowledge of policy and his development of positive relationships within the CSA.
Cody Struss supports the CSA as well. Cody started at CCFL in December of 2015. Cody supports workers in the Grand Island, O’Neill and Hastings offices with all case management duties. Cody comes to CCFL from law enforcement, bringing a law enforcement view. He has built many positive relationships within the CSA.
Jill Knox supports the Southeast Service Area. Jill has been with CCFL since August of 2003. Jill supports both initial assessment and ongoing workers in the Lincoln, Nebraska City and Beatrice areas. Strengths that Jill brings to CCFL are her compassion and her expertise of the initial assessment process.
Joyce Starke supports the Western Service Area. Joyce has been with CCFL since December of 2001. Joyce supports workers in the Gering, Alliance and Sidney offices with all case management needs. Joyce was a supervisor prior to coming to CCFL, and her organizational skills are pretty amazing.
Leslie Schlecht supports the Northern Service Area. Leslie started at CCFL in October of 2013. Leslie supports workers through the initial assessment and ongoing process in the Fremont, Dakota City and Norfolk offices. Leslie came to CCFL from Quality Assurance at the Department of Health and Human Services. Her knowledge of data documentation has become a great asset.
Rebecca Jones supports the Western Service Area. Rebecca started with CCFL in June of 2008. Becky supports workers in the Lexington, North Platte and McCook offices with all case management needs. She was a supervisor prior to coming to CCFL and brings a great supervisory insight.
Shelly Egge supports the Southeast Service Area. Shelly has been with CCFL since January of 2005. Shelly supports both initial assessment and ongoing workers in the Lincoln, Nebraska City and Beatrice areas. Shelly’s strengths include her expertise in the ongoing case management process and her attention to detail.
Any challenges in your project/job? As a Field Training Specialist, the expectations are ever changing, based on the need of the Department of Health and Human Services. However, each and every one of the team members knows that’s the nature of the job.
What’s the most exciting or best part of getting to work on this project? I am truly fortunate, as the coordinator of this team, to have nine invested team members that are experts out in the field. Working with each of the FTSs is the best part of my job. All of them bring an insurmountable experience! If you do the math, there is seventy-two years of combined service!!!
Answer to "Who was CCFL's first FTS?": Shelly Johnson is believed to be the first FTS from way back in 2000!