Outside resources for training and staff development may be used where individuals
require professional or technical study which will make them more valuable in terms
of accomplishing the disability determination function. Outside resources should not
be used where it would be uneconomical, or otherwise impractical for the DDS to conduct
training and other employee development activities.
Staff development using outside resources should be granted to an employee because
of its educational value to the staff member and because it benefits the program (e.g.,
the course of study makes the employee a more valuable staff member to the agency
in terms of accomplishing the disability determination function).
It is not required that the training lead to an academic degree or certificate of
any kind. However, if it meets the “job-related” criteria outlined above, the fact
that the contemplated training may be part of an academic program leading to a degree
or certificate need not be a factor in approval or disapproval of the study.