Training Schedule for 2018 / January - June
Course Descriptions
MANDATORY COURSES
Diversity and Inclusion, Sexual Harassment Prevention and Substance Abuse Policy are an important part of Metro Government’s commitment to each employee and the community we serve. So important, in fact, that All Metro Employees, as established by Executive Order 006, are required to complete these courses upon hire, and regularly throughout one’s career with Metro.
Diversity and Inclusion
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees
The Diversity and Inclusion course is a 2.5 hours course designed to create an inclusive environment that capitalize on today's complex and dynamic workplace by providing opportunities for students to explore the various aspects of Diversity. Attendees of Metro’s Diversity and Inclusion will; learn legal requirements such as Title VII, including the 7 protected classes, and Metro Civil Service Rules; explore the influences of conscious and unconscious bias; discover the importance and need for inclusivity; discuss how to communicate in a diverse community; examine the cultures and customs that make up our diverse workplace and community. Attendees will be encouraged to examine interpersonal behavior in the workplace, discover its impact, and enhance skills necessary to set a positive example and foster a respectful environment that maximizes employee productivity.
Sexual Harassment Prevention
Duration 1.0 Hour
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees
This course builds on the legal foundation of harassment and precedent setting Supreme Court decisions. It discusses the two forms of sexual harassment and unwelcome behaviors in practical terms. It concludes with the explanation of the process for handling harassment and how to make an official claim as stated in Civil Service Policy 3.1.
Sexual Harassment Prevention - Supervisory
Duration 1.5 Hours
Format: Classroom
Audience: Supervisors
This course contains the information in the employee version as well as the additional information and guidance on necessary actions when claims are filed, rules for investigation and the supervisors’ responsibilities.
Substance Abuse Policy
Duration 1.0 Hour
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees
This course provides statistics on substance abuse in the national workplace. A review of the Substance Abuse Policy including prohibitions, the five reasons for drug testing and testing pools, and explanation of test administration. An overview covers Tennessee’s drug situation and key substances of concern for Tennessee and trends of abuse identified in the state.
Substance Abuse Policy – Supervisory
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Format: Classroom
Audience: Supervisors
The supervisory version contains the information on the employee version and adds a discussion on reporting issues and responsibilities.
Metropolitan Management Institute Series
Duration: 32 Hours / Eight courses @ 4 hours each
Format: Classroom
Audience: Supervisors / Managers
Overview of the mmi program
Metro Management Institute Series (MMI) features an in-depth class curriculum designed for supervisory staff. There are eight courses, four hours each, for a total of thirty-two (32) hours of sequential instruction.
MMI is interactive: expect to take notes, participate in exercises, and learn new management techniques. We include instruction on Employment Law and policy, leadership communication, Metro’s performance management system, conflict resolution, perspectives on management, customer service, and workplace safety.MMI provides learners with a rewarding experience.
Enroll in this supervisory series through your department training coordinator. If you have questions, please contact your HR Liaison. The training center is located at Metro Southeast, 1417 Murfreesboro Road (Genesco Park).
MTSU has accredited the MMI series as a course worthy of 3.0 hours of college credit, equal to a course in a typical semester, or 32 hours of CPEs or 3.2 CEUs.
The courses in the series are:
- Class 1: Employment Law & Policy
- Class 2: Safety
- Class 3: Management from a Different Perspective
- Class 4: Leadership Communication
- Class 5: Generations in the Workplace
- Class 6: Performance Management and Coaching
- Class 7: Conflict Management
- Class 8: Customer Service in Government
Course 1: Employment Law & Policy
The Employment Law and Policy course provides an overview of Federal and State employment laws relevant to Metro Government as it relates to employment practices and standards. It discusses the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, ADA, ADEA, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Genetic Information Act (GINA) of 2008, USERRA, Tennessee Maternity Leave Act and Whistleblower law. It presents an overview of the Civil Service Rules and some Civil Service Policies including a review of the key definitions and elements of each CSR chapter content, and how to use the rules and policies as tools to assist supervisory and non-supervisory employees in the workplace.
Course 2: Workplace Safety
Workplace safety reviews the TOSHA and OSHA elements and how they apply to the workplace including methods for enhancing supervisors’ effectiveness in safety, reviewing common workplace hazards, the percentages of occurrences for the most common issues, identifying and dealing with workplace violence and its effects on the employee population.
Course 3: Management from a different perspective
Management from a Different Perspective defines key ways of managing up and myths associated with the process to build a productive environment; discusses principles for building positive management-employee relationships; describes how to provide concrete ways that benefit direct reports; and teaches how a manager can effectively manage time in a busy environment.
Course 4: Leadership Communication
Leadership Communication builds upon the previous course, using object lessons to discuss the building blocks of communication; transitions to discussing the personal attributes of well-known leaders, which contributed to their success; reviews basic communication skills, examines styles of influence, leadership, communications, social and work styles.
Course 5: Generations in the workplace & Coaching
Generations in the Workplace explores the characteristics of four generations in today’s workplace; discusses recognized issues and situations that have influenced work habits, communication styles, preferences and motivation; identifies practical techniques to improve performance and job satisfaction for multigenerational teams. The course also reviews the steps of coaching and utilizing mentors in the workplace.
Course 6: Performance Management and Documentation
Performance Management and Documentation explores how one can effectively complete performance evaluations; discusses elements and goals including advantages and pitfalls; discusses coaching techniques for three types of employees and how to deliver a successful evaluation; recommends method for documentation and writing content; and highlights elements of motivation and coaching employees.
Course 7: Conflict Management
Conflict Management identifies the positives, negatives, reasons, and sources of conflict; discusses the principles of building effective communication using the social-business model and caring responses. The course explains the different types of listening and the barriers to dynamic listening; and leads learners through practices demonstrating how to relate effectively with difficult types of employees, which can create a toxic environment.
Course 8: Customer Service
Customer Service discusses how tobuild a better understanding of our role in providing good customer service; the steps involved in creating a professional approach of excellent service; and provide learners with the opportunity to practice and demonstrate quality service from the manager’s perspective in real life business situations through use of case studies.
Special Interest Courses
The Defensive Driving Courses are mandated by Ordinance 12.08.120 and applies to all metro employees who meet those standards and identified by their respective departments. The ordinance states that … “no person shall operate a vehicle owned by the metropolitan government, or a vehicle the operation of which is reimbursable…unless and until such person has completed the defensive driving course of the National Safety Council”.
DDC6
Duration: 6 Hours
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees as mandated by Ordinance
This is the initial comprehensive course designed to give youthe practical knowledge and techniques to avoid collisions and traffic violations. This highly interactive course helps drivers to choose safe, responsible and lawful driving behaviors through a self-assessment risk survey, a series of learning activities and discussions, and videos with real-life driver simulations and hazard recognition scenarios.
DDC4
Duration: 4 Hours
Format: Classroom and Online
Audience: All employees as mandated by Ordinance
This abbreviated yet engaging course reinforcing good driving skills and habits. This 4-hour course makes an ideal refresher course. It offers practical strategies to reduce collision-related injuries, fatalities and costs associated with motor vehicle crashes.
Records Management
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Format: Classroom
Audience: All metro employees
The Division of Records Management offers this course on the fundamental concepts of records management in Metro government. It includes the purpose of management, records series and schedules, the role of Records Officers, the Public Records Commission, Metro Records Center and the Metro Archives. Participants learn how to identify and handle public records in context of Metro government and how to utilize schedules and proper records destruction.
Successful Supervisors
Duration: 2 Hours
Format: Classroom
Audience: All supervisory employees
This is an interactive, two-hour course for first time or new supervisors. This course requires participants to identify the tools necessary to move from being a peer into the supervisory role. Participants work through a series of activities where they demonstrate they understand the basics required of a skilled supervisor. Topics include how to handle difficult conversations, the documentation process, how to fill out safety forms along with contacts needed when involved in the such issues, as well as, how to respond professionally both to the public and direct reports.
Ninja Coordinators
Duration: 2.0 Hours
Format: Classroom
Audience: Department HR Coordinators or Departmental HR Staff
This series purpose is to improve knowledge of various HR topics and programs. The topics cover a wide range of issues including FMLA, HIPAA, IOD, Investigations, etc. The specific topics of choice will change each term based on special interest and need. Various Subject Matter Experts will present the sessions.
Retirement 5 Years and Out
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Format: Classroom
Audience: Potential Metro Retirees
Preparing for retirement is unknown territory for most Metro employees. Professional financial planners tell us that we should be exploring all the options and gathering information when we are about five years from our expected retirement date. This class is open to Metro employees who want to begin to prepare for retirement. Topics covered include factors that go into your Metro pension calculation both for General Government and Police & Fire pension plans; DROP plan elections; Insurance benefits for Retirees; the application process and information about other considerations during this exciting and critical decision making time. A VOYA Financial representative will be attending to answer questions about your 457 plan, as well. There will be time devoted to answering your questions and materials geared for potential retirees available at these sessions including a helpful booklet from our Pension Benefits area entitled “Retirement Guide-Division B.” Many employees find it helpful to attend this session more than once, especially when they get the information and begin to think of specific questions later.
Voyage into your Future: First 5 Years of Employment
Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees with less than 5 years of employment
Employment value is more than just a paycheck. Information about the total of Metro’s benefits for employees is a critical factor for determining what the total package of working with us looks like. During this class, we explore your benefits and fringe benefits and show what all of these are really worth to you. It is important information even if you are not vested because you will want to know what you are really worth to Metro already. Your investment in yourself is a focus with a VOYA representative to talk about our 457 Retirement plan. Come ready to ask any question you may have Metro’s benefits—the more you know, the better Metro will look as an employer and may just be the deciding factor in employee’s deciding to stay long term.
VOYA & Vesting – 10 Years and Beyond
Duration: 2 Hour
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees with 10 or more years of service with Metro employees
Ten years is a milestone in your Metro employment. It means that you are eligible for some benefits even if you leave your employment with us. What have you earned? A pension benefit, for one. Depending on the total number of years, you work some medical benefits after retirement. Information about these benefits may be a factor in how you plan your future. What would your dependent children or spouse be entitled? We will explore your benefits and fringe benefits and make sure you get information about investing in your future with VOYA and get answers to questions that will factor into how we determine your full benefits package. Be proactive, informed and better prepared for your future and join us for these informative sessions.
VOYA
VOYA is the deferred compensation vendor of Metro Nashville Government. This company offers a variety of courses which on a rotating basis.
Social Security
Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees
When and how you take your Social Security benefit can be one of the most important financial decisions you will make during your lifetime, and it pays to get it right. This seminar explains the how the program works and can help you get off to a strong start.
Estate Planning
Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees
This seminar helps educate individuals about the basic aspects of an estate plan, considerations for getting started, and the value that an advisor brings to planning for all facets of life, including legacy.
Retirement Planning for Women
Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees
This seminar helps educate women on the special considerations and strategies to “be ready” for retirement, offers simple steps to retirement planning, and describes the ways Voya Financial Advisors can help.
Understanding the DROP
Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees
This seminar will help you understand how to manage your income throughout retirement. You will learn about various retirement income sources including social security. Learn how to use those options to cover any gaps in your income goals.
Investment Concepts Simplified
Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Classroom
Audience: All employees
You do not need to be an expert or a stock market whiz to put an investment strategy into place. This engaging seminar will explain investing concepts in plain English and provide simple, practical ways to help you invest with confidence.
HR Training Division - Information and Practices
DDC Classes:
Defensive Driving classes (DDC-6 and DDC-4) begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. Those who are tardy more than 10 minutesmaybe denied entrance and will need to reschedule their session. Employees should arrive by 8:15 a.m. and bring their driver’s license for admittance to DDC training. This is a requirement of the National Safety Council. Please note that DDC classes are not in the traffic school section of the MSE building. Employees should enter on the south side of the building under the awning labeled “MAIN ENTRANCE”.
Per Metro Ordinance, if an employee drives a Metro vehicle, or if the employee uses a personal vehicle for governmental business and claims mileage reimbursement, he / she must take Defensive Driving (DDC-6) initially, and complete DDC-4 every three years. Metro Ordinance 12.08.120 states …”no person shall operate a vehicle, the operation of which is reimbursable...unless and until such person has completed the defensive driving course of the National Safety Council...and is in possession of proof of such completion".
Class size limits:
Most classes are limited to 35 while some are set for smaller groups. It is very important that those with direct access to the database scheduling not overbook the classroom. The limit is set to comply with safety guidelines for room use. Online classes are not limited to 35 enrollees.
Inclement Weather Policy:
Classes are cancelled when Nashville/Davidson County Schools close for snow or inclement weather. Check for school closings on local television channels. It is the responsibility of the employee to confirm with their department to register for any make-up session. If schools delay opening due to weather, the training classes will not delay and begin at the scheduled time.
Registration for Courses:
Register for classes by sending an email to your departmental training coordinator. For those departments without training coordinators, you or your supervisor should send in the request to the HR Training Requests mailbox ().
Training Center Location:
Metro Southeast is located at 1417 Murfreesboro Pike (Genesco Park). Enter the main driveway and pass the four-story building nearest Murfreesboro Pike. Parking is available to the right or left of the driveway. Enter the building through the south entrance under the awning that is marked “Main Entrance”.
Directions to the Metro Southeast Training Facility