Increasing Equity in Employment Practices to Meet CLAS Standards

This advanced training is essential for those in leadership, human resources, and hiring positions who are interested in effective solutions for advancing health equity through workforce development. CLAS (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services) Standards require hiring and promoting a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce to develop policies and practices responsive to the populations in the service area. This training positions participants to complete the CLAS Self-Assessment, required of all DPH vendors, as well as a corresponding CLAS Workplan with specific goals and action steps.

Part I: CLAS Standard: Governance, Leadership, Workforce

• Overview of CLAS Standards
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines
• Equal Employment statements that reflect CLAS Standards
• Implicit bias in hiring: what the research says and strategies for preventing bias
• Embedding CLAS Standards in job descriptions
• Developing interview questions that elicit CLAS skills
• Using a rating rubric to prevent bias during the interview process
• Identifying CLAS resources for posting jobs to reach culturally and linguistically diverse applicants

Part II: CLAS Standard: Engagement, Continuous Improvement, and Accountability

• Overview of annual CLAS Self-Assessment
• Assessment strategies for identifying diversity strengths and gaps
• Developing a strategic workplan to meet CLAS Standards
• Developing SMARTIE goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timebound, Inclusive and Equitable)
• Developing partnerships with organizations serving marginalized communities

Learning Objectives : By the end of this training, participants should be able to:

• Identify at least 3 benefits of implementing CLAS Standards
• Identify at least 3 CLAS competencies to include in a job description
• Create at least 3 interview questions to identify CLAS competencies in job applicants
• Identify at least 3 practices to advance CLAS Standards in recruitment
• Identify at least 2 common pitfalls to avoid when trying to diversify the workplace
• Identify at least 3 forms of data to use for the CLAS Self Assessment
• Develop a CLAS workplan with a minimum of 2 goals and 6 objectives