Allies Introduces Employee Development Specialist-Career Navigator to Support Employees with Professional Development Goals

At Allies, we believe that a strong and dedicated workforce is the backbone of the programs and services that we offer to those we serve. The strength of our workforce is directly correlated to how we develop and invest in our employees. One way that we’re investing in our employees, and supporting their professional goals, is through our new Employee Development Specialist-Career Navigator.

Anita Bogdan, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Allies, remarked, “The Human Resources Department was very excited to introduce our new Employee Development Specialist-Career Navigator, Theresa Wilson-Fall. Theresa’s primary role is to connect employees with our Tuition Assistance perks, as well as support them with any assistance that they need in navigating the collegiate system. This includes support with research on associate and bachelor programs, the application process, financial assistance, certifications, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and more.

Theresa has had a dynamic career in the human services field. Before joining Allies, she worked as a Direct Support Professional, Support Manager and a Program Manager. She brought her wealth of experience to Allies in 2012, as a Program Manager for the Old Bridge Apartments. She later served as a Quality Assurance Director for several regions, and also shared her talents working as Assistant Training Director within our Training Department.

“I am so happy to be in this new position, working with the Human Resources team to support the education and development of our employees. I feel that this new role is what I have been working towards my entire life.  Empowering employees to obtain an affordable education, while saving them money, and in turn, improving the quality of life of the individuals that we support is my passion.  I’m proud that I’m able to play a vital role in helping them to learn, grow and pursue their individual career goals,” said Theresa.

Another facet of Theresa’s scope of work is focused on Allies’ new DSP Certification Program. The Social Innovations Lab, sponsored by the Woods’ Foundation, served as a catalyst for the DSP Certification program, as well as the creation of the new Employee Development Specialist-Career Navigator position.

The DSP Certification Program is a self-enrichment program that supports current Community Support Staff and Community Integration Support Staff who would like to gain additional knowledge in the field, enhance professional skills beyond required training, and learn about themselves along the way. Theresa worked closely with Darren Garansi, Senior Vice President of Continuous Quality Improvement, on developing the program which is currently launching. Employees will have the opportunity to earn additional wages and potential college credits upon completion of the program.

Anita said, “Allies is committed to becoming an employer of choice. Within our system of services there are many pathways to career growth. We encourage our employees to take advantage of educational opportunities such as our new DSP Certification Program, so they can continue advancing within the agency.”

In addition to the DSP Certification Program, some of the professional development perks that Allies is proud to offer employees include:

• Tuition Assistance: Allies provides up to $2,000 of tuition assistance per calendar year to full-time employees who have completed 3 months of satisfactory employment.
• Capella University: A 40% tuition discount for employees and their immediate family with several degree options available*.
• Harcum College: A 37.5% discount tuition for employees; Associates of Arts Degree in Human Services or Behavioral Health Science*.
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine: A 50% tuition discount, plus tuition assistance, for Master of Science Degree in Non-Profit Leadership and Population Health Management and Certificate Programs.
• Rowan College at Burlington County: In-county tuition rates (regardless of where you reside); one-on-one assistance; free online application*.
• Berkeley College: A 30% tuition reduction for employees and their immediate family with several in-person and online degree options available*.

 *Discount is before the Allies tuition assistance.

“I look forward to connecting with Allies employees to answer their questions and making their college research and application process a much smoother and easier task for them. With so much information available, it can become overwhelming at times. I want everyone to know that the Employee Development Specialist-Career Navigator is here to help with any step of the process that they need assistance with. Education opens the doors to new opportunities, and I can’t wait to see what doors open for my fellow employees in the years ahead.” 

For more information about Allies’ professional development programs and perks, call Theresa Wilson-Fall, at 609-689-0136, extension 8918, or email her at tfwilsonfall@alliesnj.org.

Theresa-Wilson Fall, Allies’ new Employee Development Specialist-Career Navigator.

Allies, Inc. is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, meaningful employment and recreational activities to people with special needs in the communities of their choice. To learn more, visit www.alliesnj.org.