Communities of Practice and Safety Support, or COMPASS, is a unique
training program offered to homecare and personal support workers that focuses
on workers’ safety, health, and well-being. It was developed in partnership
with Oregon Health & Science University and SEIU, Local 503.
The peer-led program offers homecare and personal support
workers the opportunity to learn and problem-solve together, support one another,
share best practices, set goals, and make healthy changes in their personal
lives, and at work.
COMPASS participants work together over the course of seven
meetings (every two-weeks) to learn new skills. Each meeting is 2-3 hours long.
Attendee will receive a scripted guidebook. Topics include:
- Action planning
- Reducing hazards and injuries
- Healthy eating
- Healthy spine postures
- Functional fitness
- Healthy hobbies
- Using tools to prevent on-the-job injuries
- Communicating to reduce hazards and challenges
- Mental health and coping with stress
Participating in
COMPASS is a great way to fulfill all 5 hours of Safety Skills Courses required
to earn the Professional Development Certification. Participants may also be
eligible to receive a training stipend for each meeting.
To learn more
about COMPASS, take a moment to watch this quick YouTube video.:
You can also
learn more by visiting Oregon Healthy Workforce Center with OHSU.
How to
register for COMPASS
- Check
the Elevate Newsletter to find when and where
COMPASS is offered.
- Create
an iLearn account (instructions and
tips are found in the Elevate Newsletter).
- Register
for the course on iLearn.
- Commit
to attend all seven meetings (attending the first meeting is mandatory).
Additional Information
Power Point Presentation (PDF)
Compiled PSW Research Report (PDF)