Education & Professional Development
At Fello, every employee makes mission-critical decisions every day that enrich the lives of the people we support, improve our operations, and maintain our reputation for innovation and improvement.
Our goal is to help you grow here however we can. We strongly believe that there is something for everyone here, and as your professional goals change and life circumstances shift, we can accommodate your new skills and career goals.
Degree-Seeking Programs
Employees embarking on a post-secondary degree (whether for an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree) related to their job are eligible for up to $3,000 per fiscal year (July 1–June 30) in tuition reimbursement for accredited courses. All employees who graduate are eligible for a $500 bonus, regardless of whether your degree relates to your job.
Professional Development
Employees interested in professional development opportunities such as certification, workshops, professional organizations, and improving skills that are related to their position are eligible for up to $2,000 per fiscal year in financial assistance.
How to Apply
To receive financial assistance, employees must complete the Education & Professional Development Assistance Application and send it to People & Culture. Applications must be submitted four (4) weeks prior to the start of the course and will be accepted on a rolling basis.
For more information please scan the QR code below
Years of Service Recognition
Fello is committed to recognizing employees and rewarding dedication and loyalty. As part of Fello’s employee recognition programs, employees are eligible to receive a bonus each year on their service date (work anniversary). The amount of the bonus is determined by the number of years the employee has worked continuously at Fello and is calculated using their most recent date of hire/rehire.
Eligibility
All regular full-time employees (30+ hours per week) and part-time employees (10−29 hours per week) are eligible for the service date bonus program. Temporary, contract, and PRN employees are not eligible. Employees must be active on the payroll date to receive the bonus. Those on FMLA or Paid Family Leave will receive their bonus the month after they return. For further details, refer to the Employee Classification Policy.
Service Date Bonuses
Effective January 1, 2024, employees will be recognized based on the following anniversary categories and designated bonus amounts:
Full-time:
- 2−4 Years: Employees who have completed 2 to 4 years of service will receive a bonus of $500.
- 5−9 Years: Employees who have completed 5 to 9 years of service will receive a bonus of $1000.
- 10−14 Years: Employees who have completed 10 to 14 years of service will receive a bonus of $1500.
- 15−19 Years: Employees who have completed 15 to 19 years of service will receive a bonus of $2000.
- 20+ Years: Employees who have completed 20 or more years of service will receive a bonus of $2500.
Part-time:
- 2−4 Years: Employees who have completed 2 to 4 years of service will receive a bonus of $250.
- 5−14 Years: Employees who have completed 5 to 14 years of service will receive a bonus of $500.
- 15+ Years: Employees who have completed 15 or more years of service will receive a bonus of $750.
For more information please scan the QR code below
DSP Career Ladder Certification Program
At Fello, we’re dedicated to helping our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) advance and thrive in their careers. Our three-tiered DSP Career Ladder Certification Program, in partnership with the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), is designed to recognize your skills, knowledge, and dedication. As you complete each tier, you’ll earn a nationally recognized certification and boost your earnings along the way!
Why Participate?
- Earn More: For each certification level you achieve, you’ll receive a pay increase:
- DSP I: +$1.00/hour
- DSP II: +$2.00/hour total (an additional $1.00)
- DSP III: +$3.50/hour total (an additional $1.50)
- Advance Your Skills: Gain valuable training and experience that proves your expertise as a DSP, helping you
- stand out in your field.
- National Recognition: The NADSP certification is recognized nationwide, giving you credibility and mobility
- within the profession.
Who’s Eligible?
To participate, DSPs need to have been with Fello for at least 6 months, be in good standing, and have completed required training. Eligible positions include Community Coach, Employment Advisor, Personal Support Assistant, and others.
Free Tools & Resources
Fello is committed to your success! We provide free access to the NADSP E-Badge System and Open Future Learning to help you complete your certification. You’ll also have free membership to the NADSP, with access to webinars and additional training opportunities.
Certification Process
It’s easy to get started! Submit an Application of Interest, attend the Introduction to NADSP Code of Ethics training, and start working through the certification tiers. You’ll have support from our Learning & Development team every step of the way with one-on-one and group learning sessions.
Stay Certified
To maintain your certification and continue receiving the pay incentive, you’ll need to complete 20 hours of ongoing training every two years. Fello covers the cost of recertification, making it easier for you to stay on track.