Orange Grove Center announced that Gail Walker, a staff member of over 33 years and now part-time consultant, has been granted Interviewer Certification in the Personal Outcome Measures by the Center on Quality and Leadership (CQL). The Personal Outcome Measures, bolstered by Interviewer Certification, is a person-centered discovery process that helps organizations find out what really matters to people receiving services, and then improve supports so that people can attain their individually-defined goals.
Orange Grove Center was awarded Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from CQL in 2018, after undergoing a rigorous application process that reviewed programming and suggested improvements for supports and services.
They are delighted to add greater depth to that achievement through Ms. Walker’s Interviewer Certification, which increases the validity and reliability of information-gathering and data collection when conducting Personal Outcome Measures interviews. Those who have achieved this status can help organizations develop person-centered plans, direct services, better allocate resources, and inform strategic plans based on reliable data.
“Orange Grove Center continues to take tangible steps to find out what people with disabilities want out of their lives, and then put supports in place to make it happen,” said Mary Kay Rizzolo, president and chief executive officer of CQL. “Interviewer Certification means that they’re using proven strategies for conducting interviews, collecting information, and then applying it all to help transform lives.”
Ms. Walker’s long and influential career at Orange Grove began in 1988, and has impacted almost every department and service at the center, including Adult Comprehensive Training (ACT), the Industrial Training Center, and Residential Services. Her various roles included client program coordinator, behavior specialist, agency case manager, and residential coordinator. From 2007 onward, she acted as the Director of Supported Living, a position she retired from in October 2021. However, retirement from full-time work did not lessen Ms. Walker’s dedication to Orange Grove’s mission, and she soon carved out a new role as a part-time consultant. In addition to her Adult Measures Interviewer duties, she also works closely with the Residential Services department and assists with Employment and Community First (ECF) training.
As a certified interviewer, Ms. Walker will add another layer to her already extensive knowledge and expertise, allowing her to continue to positively impact the lives of the individuals Orange Grove supports.
Interviewer Certification is a two-year term, and those in the role must conduct at least 20 Personal Outcome Measures interviews throughout their tenure. Additionally, they must take part in at least eight hours of CQL continuing education activities to enhance their skills and understanding in the Personal Outcome Measures process.
“We want to congratulate Gail Walker on this significant accomplishment,” said Angela Rapp Kennedy, CQL’s vice president of systems transformation. “She’ll be key to Orange Grove Center’s person-centered discovery and instrumental in ensuring services help people with disabilities realize their dreams!”