Metro and PCC launch noncredit micro-credential training for frontline housing workers

Michael Lee, a regional capacity program manager at Metro, and Malia Dieters, a program coordinator, described a new two-course training developed with Portland Community College to teach housing-first principles, case management essentials, HMIS/data basics and housing navigation skills across the Tri-County region.

"If you complete both of these 2 classes, so 1 20 hour course, 2nd 20 hour course, you receive a micro credential from PCC," Dieters said, noting the training is noncredit, free for the first cohort, and yields a paper certificate and PCC record. Lee said the fall cohort will be small (about 24), with priority for newer hires and county representation; learners with outstanding PCC balances may audit but would not receive the micro-credential until balances are resolved.

Presenters stressed that the curriculum was developed with frontline staff and that courses emphasize scenario-based learning and collaboration with Multnomah and Clackamas County staff. Metro said links to an interest form will be posted in chat and that organizers will select cohorts at the end of August.