Why Should We Value HMIS User Training?
The recent re-design and re-launch of ICA Minnesota’s HMIS User Training has brought some noteworthy patterns to the surface for our internal Training team. High quality and comprehensive training of our HMIS users is extremely important to us at ICA MN, in part because of the nature of the data being entered into our system.
We are, all of us, stewards of the very personal and private data of highly vulnerable populations in our state - many of whom are going through a difficult time in their lives when we are collecting their information and entering it into HMIS. We take this responsibility very seriously, and the structure and expectations of our HMIS User Training reflects this.
We expect that users who request to be trained in HMIS take this responsibility as seriously as we do, and agree to devote their full attention to the learning content and practice activities. Quality data entry in HMIS requires that users understand and remember important steps and complex workflows - not something that can necessarily be learned quickly.
We ask that agencies support new users in setting aside enough focused and uninterrupted time to concentrate fully on their HMIS training content, activities, and practice work – which we estimate will take about 6 to 10 hours total for most new users to complete. We also want to empower your agency management, and especially supervisors of HMIS users, to educate themselves on what successful HMIS User Training looks like, and arrange for someone at your agency to be available to support your users as they complete their training. The links below can help you familiarize yourself with HMIS User Training structure and expectations:
User Training landing page: CLICK HERE
User Training To-Do Checklist: CLICK HERE
The accuracy and quality of the data and reporting pulled from HMIS is directly connected to ongoing and increased program funding for the vulnerable populations we serve, and to the mission to end homelessness in Minnesota once and for all. The Training team at ICA MN is committed to and enthusiastic about educating and supporting users who are as dedicated to this mission as we are. We encourage you to reach out to the Training team through the MN Helpdesk anytime with any questions or concerns!