Unit 2 Training and Career Advancement Opportunities
Council 93 is pleased to share training and professional development opportunities being offered to Unit 2 Members to support skill development and career advancement! These programs provide members with valuable opportunities to enhance their knowledge, strengthen workplace skills, pursue certifications, and prepare for future career growth. We encourage all eligible members to take advantage of these resources as an investment in both their professional success and the continued strength of our workforce.
-Department of Developmental Services LPN Certificate Program 2026
The DDS Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate Program is designed to support DSWs, Recreation Therapists and Residential Supervisors to advance in their careers by becoming LPNs.
For DSWs, Recreation Therapists and Residential Supervisors who have worked in good-standing full-time with DDS for 2 years or more, the program provides the opportunity to receive an LPN certificate -- fully funded by DDS up to $20,000 while receiving paid educational leave. Spots are limited for this program to 30 statewide.
The LPN certificate program provides:
- TUITION AND FEE COVERAGE DDS will cover the cost of your education at one of the 19 approved LPN certificate programs in the Commonwealth, up to $20,000.
- PAID EDUCATIONAL LEAVE Paid educational leave (32 hours per week) to support your full-time program education while maintaining full DDS benefits and salary. Work only one shift per week while enrolled in the program. Residential supervisors to work one weekend shift and two four-hour shifts scheduled per week.
Learn more and registerHERE
-Unit 2 Training and Career Ladder Program
The Human Resources Division provides a number of online free courses to Unit 2 members through our collective bargaining agreement, and are optional to attend. New trainings are added regularly. Learn more here: Training and Career Ladder Program.
If your selected courses take place during work hours, please ensure that your supervisor has agreed and approved your course/program attendance prior to registering for the training. Managers and agencies may approve or decline requests based on their operational needs.
Learn more and registerHERE
-Required License Reimbursements
AFSCME Council 93 and SEIU Local 888 (Unit 2) bargaining unit employees can submit reimbursement requests for licenses and certifications that they are required to hold as a condition of employment (excluding basic driver’s license). Employees will be reimbursed for the full cost of all required licenses and certifications paid for between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
TCL Reimbursement forms are available on the HRD's Training and Career Ladder Program webpage. Forms must be completed by any Unit 2 member who wishes to be reimbursed for licenses or certifications that they are required to have for their job. To be considered all requests for reimbursement must be received by your Human Resources Office by May 31, 2026 with June 2026 renewals no later than June 18, 2026.
In addition to reimbursement for required licenses, we may also have funds available for reimbursement for renewal of licenses and certifications that are not required. The dollar amount of the reimbursement that members will receive for each non-required license or certificate, coursework to support license and certification, and the number of licenses and certificate that will be reimbursed to each member will be determined based upon the number of members who request reimbursement. Failure to provide the needed information may result in your request for reimbursement being denied. Please note: Non-Required License reimbursement requests will not be paid until the end of the fiscal year (June 2026).
This can be done in three steps:
- Collect your receipts, and copy of your license renewal
- Navigate to the Training and Career Ladder Program page, and download your reimbursement form: Training and Career Ladder Reimbursement form
- Submit to your local HR Department or follow directions for EOHHS.
Further information is available on the Training and Career Ladder Program