12-10-2023 Top Workplaces - Flipbook - Page 11
continuing education opportunities.
Among them is the National Alliance for
Direct Support Professionals’ E-Badge Academy. This nationally recognized certification
program offers such workers the opportunity to
demonstrate their skill sets, highlight professional achievements and showcase the value
they bring to their respective employers. At
Richcroft, any direct support professional who
successfully completes the certification receives
a $1,000 bonus.
Solanke participated in the first E-Badge
Academy class offered by Richcroft, which
led to the White House honor. She has since
completed an additional, and higher, certification.
“We encourage professional development
at every level and have a general philosophy of
promoting from within,” Jones said.
To that end, the company launched what it
dubbed “Richcroft University,” implementing
specialized training for front-line supervisors.
Ongoing education is provided to improve the
management skills of employees, with a goal of
reducing turnover and increasing engagement
among the workforce.
Richcroft also recently instituted a formal
mentorship program. Jones indicated they have
partnered on this initiative with Associated
Black Charities, a Baltimore-based nonprofit,
to train midlevel managers how to identify and
guide staffers who exhibit leadership qualities
and have interest in career growth opportunities.
Meanwhile, to elicit overall employee feedback, Richcroft hosts biannual town hall meet-
ings and has begun bestowing awards on staffers
who have hit milestone years of service.
“Employees received a gift and were recognized at a special lunch hosted by the CEO,”
Jones said.
For Solanke, the perks are deeply appreciated.
“This is a beautiful company — top-notch,”
she said. “I have never had an experience like
this.”
Moreover, she feels a deep sense of purpose,
particularly when seeing the positive strides
made by her clients. Long-term, she aspires to
return to school and become a nurse, building
upon the skills she’s acquired and Richcroft has
encouraged.
“Helping people is why I have chosen this
path,” she said. “It gives me fulfillment and satisfaction on a daily basis.”
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