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California JPIA to Offer HR Professional Training Series

In the dynamic landscape of municipal administration, human resources (HR) professionals play a vital role in agency functionality, encompassing strategic leadership, talent management, and organizational development. This summer, the California JPIA will offer a blended HR Professional Training Series to help members grow as HR practitioners by expanding their knowledge, improving their professional skills, and strengthening their networks.

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Each training module is structured to start with an interactive online learning component that walks participants through the foundation and basics of the topic. After completing the online portion of the training, participants will gather at the Authority campus in La Palma for a collaborative group discussion and application of those principles to real-world simulations. The online portions of each training module will remain accessible through myJPIA.

“We are confident that this program will be a game-changer for our members,” said Senior Training Specialist Ryan Thomas. “As our first-ever blended training, the hybrid format allows participants to delve deeper into the online learning material through interactive discussions and practical application, combining the strengths of online learning with the power of face-to-face interaction.”

A team of subject matter experts from within and outside the Authority, including member agencies and Authority partner CPS HR Consulting, played an essential role in shaping the curriculum. They focused on identifying essential and emerging topics for HR professionals, encompassing areas such as HR as a strategic business partner, harassment prevention, complaints and investigations, ethics, disability management, diversity, equity and inclusion, onboarding, recruitment, and selection.

“Having a strong knowledgebase of human resources and understanding how it translates into everyday action is one of the foundational components of a healthy workplace, which leads to better risk practices,” said Employment Practices Manager Kelly Trainer Policky.

During the program’s development, the Authority conducted pilot sessions with HR professionals and incorporated the feedback to ensure the content’s relevance and practicality.

“The series is open to HR professionals of all levels, from entry-level to the most seasoned professionals,” explained Administrative Services Director Nikki Salas. “One of our goals is to foster a collaborative environment where our members can connect, create their own networks, share best practices, and learn from each other’s experiences.”

HR issues are ever-present and demand proactive solutions. Whether participants are new to the field or seasoned HR professionals, the program offers valuable knowledge and fresh perspectives. The training will allow participants to delve into core essentials while exploring emerging topics.

“We recognized that there is a need to provide support to our professionals and our organizations, as they are crucial partners in managing employment practices risk,” said Trainer Policky. “We want to equip our members with the knowledge and resources to navigate complex HR issues confidently.”

Stay tuned for announcements about the program in the summer of 2024.

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