PROGRAM

A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.
 
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  OUTREACH

Contact initiated by a provider to identify persons in need of services, to provide information to them about services and benefits, and to encourage the use of appropriate services.
 
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  SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.
 
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  SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

The theoretical framework that describes and explains an organization's approach to service.
 
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  ELIGIBILITY

The degree to which an individual, family, group, or community meets the specific criteria and qualifications required to receive goods, benefits, or services.
 
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  CRITERIA

Systematically developed, objective, and quantifiable statements used to assess the appropriateness of specific decisions, services, and outcomes.
 
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  PROCEDURES

Written instructions that outline the steps for performing a task(s) or operationalizing an administrative or service delivery process. A procedure can be written as a step-by-step set of instructions or as a narrative description of a process. A procedure tells someone how to do something not just what to do.

Unlike policies, procedures do not need to be approved or reviewed by the governing body, and need not be associated with a specific policy. For example, whereas a broad anti-discrimination policy requires grievance or other procedures in order to be operationalized within an organization, assessment procedures do not require a governing body approved assessment policy.

Note: Procedures are sometimes referred to as administrative policies.

 
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  CLIENT

See service recipient.
 
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  CASE REVIEW

A regular and periodic examination of a consumer's service needs, service delivery goals and objectives, intervention plans, prognoses, and the timelines required to achieve them. The direct service provider and supervisor frequently conduct the case review, but it may also involve others, as in an interdisciplinary or inter-organizational case conference. The client, or the parent or legal guardian in the case of a minor, are included in his/her periodic case review by the team.
 
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  SUPERVISION

Assumption of responsibility for directly overseeing and evaluating the work or work products of personnel within an organization. Also includes inspecting the act or process of accomplishing a function or activity.
 
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  PROGRAM PERSONNEL

All direct service and administrators or supervisors of direct services that are involved in the operation of the organization's social service programs. "Program personnel" does not include MIS, accounting, facilities, clerical, or other staff that are not involved in the provision or oversight of direct services.
 
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  VOLUNTEER

An individual who performs services for an organization for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered. Such service must be offered freely and without pressure or coercion, direct or implied, from an employer. If the individual is otherwise employed by the same employer for which s/he volunteers, the individual cannot volunteer to perform the same type of services that s/he is paid to perform as an employee.
 
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  TRAINING

Instruction so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient in a skill or body of knowledge.
 
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  JOB DESCRIPTION

Explicit obligations and specific tasks required of personnel as a condition of employment. Such descriptions are in writing and may include educational, experiential, and skill requirements associated with the job.
 
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  PERSONNEL

The body of employees and/or volunteers that carries out the organization's tasks under the organization's administration and/or supervision. This definition does not include foster parents who are specifically referenced in relevant standards
 
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COA
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Ways to Work
 
Private Org Public Agency  
Service Narrative (WtW):
 

Part 1: Program Information

Organizations may complete one template for all programs, or a separate template that addresses each program being reviewed under this section. Provide responses in the boxes located in the Service Narrative template.

Organizations being accredited for the first time: Please provide information for the last year.

Organizations being reaccredited: Please provide information for the period since the last accreditation review.

1. Describe any significant changes, challenges, awards received, changes in funding, or obstacles faced by the organization.

2. Provide an overview of the different program(s) being accredited under this section. The overview should describe:

  1. the programs' service philosophy and approach to delivering services;
  2. eligibility criteria;
  3. any unique programs or special services provided to specific populations;
  4. major funding streams; and
  5. any additional information referenced in the Table of Evidence.

3. If service components are provided to persons and families through contract in cooperation with other organizations or through a formal, coordinated service delivery system provide a list that identifies the providers and the services for which they are responsible. Do not include services provided by referral.

4. Provide any other information your organization would like the peer review team to know about these programs.

Attachments

  1. A list of all program sites, including the following information for each program site: a) name of program/site director; b) address; c) phone number; d) hours of operation; e) number of FTEs; f) average monthly number of clients served; and g) directions or a map to each program site from the main organization office
  2. A demographic profile of persons and families served by the program(s) being reviewed under this service section with percentages representing the following: a) racial and ethnic characteristics; b) gender; c) age; d) major religious groups; and e) major language groups. Include an explanation of how the program ensures that it is providing culturally competent services
  3. As applicable, a list of groups or classes including, for each group or class: a) the type of activity/group; b) whether the activity/group is short-term or ongoing; c) how often the activity/group is offered; d) the average number of participants per session of the activity/group, in the last month; and e) the total number of participants in the activity/group, in the last month
  4. A list of any programs that were opened, merged with other programs or services, or closed
  5. Two quarterly reports from the client file review process conducted for this service, with any related corrective action plans (See PQI 4.02/4.03)
  6. Two quarterly reports of accidents, incidents, and grievances related to this service (See RPM 2.02)
  7. All COA-approved NA Requests

Part 2: Program Outputs and Outcomes

Provide a response in each box describing how the program is making progress toward achieving its aims, and achieving better results for participants.

1. A summary of where the organization is in the development of its program for measuring program quality and outcomes, specific to the service.

2. A list or description of program outputs and desired outcomes and any outputs and outcomes being measured including measurement tools used. Note: Program outputs shouldinclude loan volume, loan delinquency, and loan defaults and can also include consumer satisfaction, number of clients served, number of visits, etc.

3. An overview of the organization's process for analyzing data.

4. Examples of program improvements made based on the outcomes data.

Attachments

  1. Outcomes measurement/data collection procedures
  2. Outcomes results reported for the previous two quarters
    Self-Study Documents On-Site Documents On-Site Activities
WtW 1
Access to Service
 
  • Outreach strategies and informational material
 
  • Interview
  1. Program director or program supervisor
  2. Direct service staff/Loan coordinator
 
 
WtW 2
Service Philosophy
   
  • Interview
  1. Program director or program supervisor
  2. Direct service staff/Loan coordinator
 
 
WtW 3
Service Initiation
   
  • Interview:
  1. Program director or program supervisor
  2. Direct service staff/Loan coordinator
 
 
WtW 4
Services and Support
  • Referral procedures
  • Procedures for documenting client contact
  • Procedures for following-up on late payments
  • Procedures for montly open case review
  • Include a description of the program's financial literacy component in Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information
 
  • Referral directory
  • Documentation of open case review
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director or program supervisor
  2. Direct service staff/Loan coordinator
  • Review client files
 
 
WtW 5
Personnel
  1. name
  2. title
  3. degree held and/or other credentials
  4. FTE or volunteer
  5. length of service at the organization
  6. time in current position
  • Table of contents of training curricula
 
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director or program supervisor
  2. Direct service staff/Loan coordinator
 
 
   
 
Fundamental Practice Standards:
  Essential Life and Safety Health and Welfare Client Rights
    WtW 3.02