Course List
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This class will start on August 25, 2026 and end on November 3, 2026
PSHRA’s Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Program Syllabus
Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible. We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.
Course Material (All you need is on your dashboard)
- Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Program Workbook (PDF and Word Versions)
- Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Program Lessons Summary
- HR20/20 Report
Course Design:
The course spans ten weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 2 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Course Cohort Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 8/25/2026
- Completion Date: 11/3/2026
- Cohort Session 1: 8/26/2026 - 11:00 - 12:30 pm ET
- Cohort Session 2: 9/9/2026 - 11:00 - 12:30 pm ET
- Cohort Session 3: 9/23/2026 - 11:00 - 12:30 pm ET
- Cohort Session 4: 10/7/2026 - 11:00 - 12:30 pm ET
- Cohort Session 5: 10/21/2026 - 11:00 - 12:30 pm ET
- Cohort Session 6: 10/30/2026 - 11:00 - 12:30 pm ET
Course Content:
Week 1 - Introduction
Cohort Session 1: Introduction
Week 2 - Lesson 1: Public Sector Basics
Week 3 - Lesson 2: Recruitment
Cohort Session 2: Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment
Week 4 - Lesson 3: Selection
Week 5 - Lesson 4: Classification and Compensation
Cohort Session 3: Selection, Classification & Compensation
Week 6 - Lesson 5: Benefits
Week 7 - Lesson 6: Labor and Employee Relations
Cohort Session 4: Benefits and Labor Management Relations
Week 8 - Lesson 7: Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity
Week 9 - Lesson 8: Organizational Development
Cohort Session 5: Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization
Week 10 - Lesson 9: Course Summary
Cohort Session 6: Course Summary and Wrap-up
Certificate of Attendance earned upon course completion.
Making public sector work better®.
Isabel Godina-Vergara, PSHRA-SCP
Human Resources Manager
City of Nampa, ID
Isabel serves as the Human Resources Manager for the City of Nampa, Idaho, where she has dedicated over 19 years of her professional life. Isabel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Human Resources Management, as well as the esteemed PSHRA-SCP certification.
As HR Manager, Isabel is responsible for the full spectrum of HR operations—from Recruiting and Employee Relations to Strategic Planning and Team Development. Isabel is passionate about training; she regularly facilitates programs for her internal customers, including DISC training and various communication and leadership workshops.
Dedicated to continuous learning, she is always pursuing additional educational opportunities, which she then translates into valuable knowledge for her peers. She recently started a small business and plans to launch a nonprofit to continue sharing her HR expertise with the wider community.
She has been an active, dedicated member of PSHRA since 2007.
When she manages to step away from the world of HR, Isabel loves enjoying Idaho's scenic views while camping, hiking, off-roading, and paddleboarding, exploring further out. She has also recently developed a love for snorkeling.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 07/28/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
This class will start on July 28, 2026 and end on August 14, 2026
Course Syllabus
Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible. We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.
Target Audience:
- Mid-level HR professionals in the public sector
- Compensation and classification specialists
- HR leaders seeking to modernize rewards strategies
- Agency managers responsible for performance management
- An Intermediate Level Course
Course Design:
- Three Live Virtual Sessions over three weeks
- Pre-Session Readings & Assignments
- Instructor-Led Discussions
- Peer Sharing and Case-Based Application
Time Commitment:
Plan for 1 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Course Meeting Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 7/28/2026
- Completion Date: 8/13/2026
- Course Meeting 1: 7/28/2026 - 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
- Course Meeting 2: 8/4/2026 - 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
- Course Meeting 3: 8/14/2026 - 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Course Recordings: Coming Soon!
Course Content:
Before Session 1 -- Attendees to submit (rewardsystems@sbcglobal.net) their most critical issues related to compensation management and complete readings for Session 1.
SESSION 1 — Instructor will review attendee submissions of issues - Topic: Evaluating the agency's context and formulating its value proposition: Compensation Philosophy and Compensation Strategy
Before Session 2 -- Attendees to draft and submit (rewardsystems@sbcglobal.net) their compensation philosophy and complete readings for Session 2
SESSION 2 — Instructor will review submitted compensation philosophies - Topic: Compensation planning and Compensation program design
Before Session 3 -- Attendees submit (rewardsystems@sbcglobal.net) questions and more information on Module 2 material. Plus related insights or questions Readings for Sessions 3
SESSION 3 — Instructor will review submitted - Topic: Administrating compensation programs: Evaluating compensation programs.
Recommended Readings: The readings provide a more in-depth discussion of the topics
- Session 1 - Rewarding Performance in Public Sector Organizations and Compensation Philosophy
- Session 2 - Effectively Managing Pay Budgets, Pay Structure and Pay Rates and Public Eye Article: Pay Equity
- Sessions 3 - Recognition as Rewards, Base Pay Management, and Evaluating Rewards Management Systems
Certificate of Attendance: You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.
Making public sector work better®.
Robert Greene, Ph.D.
Consulting Principal
Pontifex Consulting
Bob is a Consulting Principal with Pontifex Consulting and faculty for DePaul U. in their MSHR and MBA programs. He has four decades of experience, has published four books and authored over 300 articles. He was a principal designer for the SPHR and PHR certifications for SHRM and the CCP and GRP certifications for World at Work. He was the first recipient of the Keystone Award for attaining the highest level of excellence. He holds the CCP, CBP, GRP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR and GPHR certifications.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 07/29/2026 at 11:30 AM (EDT)
This class will start on July 29, 2026 and end on August 12, 2026
Course Syllabus
Course Overview:
Learners will move from understanding conflict, to applying resolution strategies, to practicing those strategies through realistic public sector scenarios. By the end of the course, learners will have a practical framework they can use immediately when responding to employee disputes, supervisor-employee tension, interdepartmental conflict, communication breakdowns, and situations where emotions are high but professionalism still matters.
Audience: This comprehensive learning program is designed for public sector HR professionals, employee relations professionals, HR managers, department leaders, supervisors, and public agency professionals who are responsible for addressing workplace conflict, coaching managers, supporting employees, and helping maintain a healthy and productive workplace culture.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common causes and early warning signs of workplace conflict in public sector environments.
- Distinguish between performance issues, behavior issues, communication breakdowns, personality conflict, and systemic workplace problems.
- Apply practical de-escalation, active listening, and mediation techniques to reduce defensiveness and move conversations toward resolution.
- Explain HR’s role in balancing neutrality, empathy, accountability, policy compliance, documentation, and organizational risk.
- Use structured conflict-resolution tools to prepare for, facilitate, document, and follow up after difficult workplace conversations.
- Practice conflict-resolution strategies through public sector case studies, role-play scenarios, and facilitated group discussion.
Course Structure:
Session 1: Understanding Conflict in Public Sector Workplaces This session focuses on what conflict is, why it happens, how it escalates, and why public sector workplaces have unique conflict dynamics. Participants will explore common root causes such as unclear expectations, poor communication, perceived disrespect, role confusion, inconsistent supervision, workplace silos, and fear of speaking up. We will also discuss public sector pitfalls such as political sensitivity, public scrutiny, hierarchy, union or labor considerations, and the tendency to avoid conflict until it becomes formal.
Session 2: Resolving Conflict — HR’s Role, Tools, and Frameworks This session focuses on what HR, managers, and leaders can do once conflict is present. Participants will learn practical tools for de-escalation, active listening, reframing, mediation preparation, meeting structure, ground rules, policy alignment, documentation, and follow-up. We will also discuss how to balance empathy and accountability, how to stay neutral without becoming passive, and how to help employees move from positions to interests.
Session 3: Conflict Resolution Lab — Public Sector Case Studies and Role Play This final session is application-focused. Participants will work through realistic public sector scenarios involving employee disputes, supervisor-employee conflict, interdepartmental tension, communication breakdowns, and emotionally charged conversations. Through breakout rooms, role-play, group debriefs, and guided discussion, learners will practice using the tools from Sessions 1 and 2 in a safe, structured environment.
Course Design:
The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week. You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings
Time Commitment:
Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans.
Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 7/29/2026
- Completion Date: 8/12/2026
- Meeting 1: 7/29/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm ET
- Meeting 2: 8/5/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm ET
- Meeting 3: 8/12/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm ET
Certificate of Attendance:
You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.
Cancellation Policy:
Professional Development Cancelation Policy
Recertification Points:
PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5
Making public sector work better®.
Dr. Patrick Henley
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management
Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, GA
Dr. Patrick Henley serves as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management at the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, one of Georgia’s largest public water utilities, where he leads award-winning initiatives in leadership development, talent strategy, and workforce planning. With over 20 years of experience in HR and risk management leadership, Patrick brings a wealth of expertise in aligning talent strategy with business goals to drive organizational success.
In addition to his executive role, Patrick is a passionate educator, teaching HR, management, and technology courses at the college level for over a decade. His engaging, research-informed approach blends academic rigor with real-world application, earning him recognition for Best Total Rewards Strategy in 2021 and being a finalist for Best Learning & Development and Talent Management Strategy (Atlanta Business Chronicle and SHRM-Atlanta), and as a winner of the Diversity & Inclusion Award from the Georgia Section of AWWA.
Patrick holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology, an MBA from Troy University, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Kennesaw State University. He is certified at the highest levels of the profession with both SPHR and SHRM-SCP designations. Known for his humor, humility, and data-driven mindset, Patrick is deeply committed to helping organizations and HR professionals navigate change, embrace innovation, and build resilient, high-performing teams. -
Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 07/31/2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
This class will start on July 31, 2026 and end on September 4, 2026
Course Syllabus
Course Description
Learners will explore the foundational components of public sector compensation: compensation elements and strategy, labor market assessment, and internal equity. Appropriate and fair compensation directly impacts employee attraction, retention, motivation, and productivity. A well-structured compensation system that aligns with the organization’s goals helps maintain fiscal responsibility and promotes fair and equitable pay.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- explain key differences between public and private sector compensation systems
- understand basic public sector pay and classification structures
- apply foundational compensation principles
Student Expectations:
- Live attendance and full engagement at all 3 Zoom sessions.
- Respond to each of the instructor’s discussion posts within 3 days.
- Complete weekly readings and assignments.
- Contact instructor if questions arise, jlittle1104@gmail.com.
Instructor Expectations:
- Provide weekly assignments and regular discussion posts for student engagement and learning.
- Prepare for and present course content for live Zoom sessions.
- Respond to any student email inquiries within 3 days.
Week One: Foundations of Public Sector Compensation
- Total compensation
- Public sector compensation strategy
- Private and public sector differences
Week Two: Labor Market Assessment
- Labor markets
- Salary data sources
- Benchmarking jobs
- Compensation structure
- External equity
Week Three: Internal Equity and Fair Compensation
- Internal equity
- Pay increases
- Compensation influences
Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible. We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.
All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.
Course Design:
The course will be delivered over three weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Meetings and Discussions:
- Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
- Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."
Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 7/31/2026
- Completion Date: 8/14/2026
- Meeting 1: 7/31/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
- Meeting 1: 8/7/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
- Meeting 3: 8/14/2026 - 2:30 - 3:30 pm ET
Certificate of Attendance: You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.
Cancellation Policy: Professional Development Cancelation Policy
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5
Making public sector work better®.
Dr. Tony Luton
HR Director
Town of Prosper
Tony is the current Director of Human Resources for the Town of Prosper. There he leads a diverse and talented team of HR professionals. His HR experience in Texas includes State, City and County Government over the last 15 years. Tony earned his Ph.D. from the Grand Canyon University, his MA from The University of Arizonia, his BA from the University of North Texas and PSHRA-SCP certification. Prior to joining Prosper, Tony served as the Assistant Director of Human Resources for Denton County.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 07/31/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
This class will start on July 21 and end on September 4, 2026
Syllabus: Strategies for Public Sector Leadership Certificate Program
Start Date: July 21, 2026
End Date: September 4, 2026
Welcome:
Welcome to PSHRA's Strategies for Public Sector Leadership. This course will equip you with the necessary tools to shift from a transactional to a strategic role in Public Sector HR by using a competency framework. Your role has evolved beyond merely transactional tasks. Today's HR department in the public sector is pivotal to the agency's success. It involves teaching team building, coaching, conflict resolution, consensus-building, fostering a risk-taking culture, enhancing communication, building trust, and more.
Course Outcomes:
This comprehensive leadership course is designed for mid- to senior-level public sector HR leaders, providing a solid foundation for success.
To achieve this, the course focuses on the following outcomes:
- Assess the impact of HR and human capital management in the public sector and justify HR programs in the public sector.
- Design programs that align with specific competencies within the PSHRA Competency Model, covering three major modules: Leader, Business Partner, and Change Agent.
- Evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses regarding these competencies and create a plan for your individual professional development as an HR professional using the PSHRA Competency Model.
- Plan professional development in accordance with your personal competencies.
You will finish this course with:
- A solid strategic foundation for success.
- A professional development plan.
Certificate of Attendance:
You will earn a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the course.
Course Design:
The course spans six weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. You will receive details about the dates, times, and locations of cohort sessions.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 90 minutes for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans.
Meetings and Discussions:
- Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
- Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."
Online Cohort Schedule (subject to change):
- Cohort #1 – 7/31/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET
- Cohort #2 – 8/14/2026 - 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm ET
- Cohort #3 - 8/21/2026 - 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort #4 - 8/31/2026 - 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm ET
Course Schedule:
Week 1:
Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 1: Introduction
Week 2:
Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 1: Introduction
Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 2: The Role of the HR Leader
Week 3:
No Cohort Session
Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 3: The Role of an HR Business Partner
Week 4:
Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 2: The Role of the HR Leader
- Negotiation: the cohort participants will perform a mock negotiation of a contract or provisions of a rule and have sides. This activity will allow participants to see how people react in these situations and practice skills used to defuse tension
- Emotional Quotient/Intelligence: cohort participants will develop a proposed response modeling EQ based on a stressful leadership/communication scenario
Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 4: The Role of the Change Agent
Week 5:
Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 3: The Role of an HR Business Partner
- Partnered practice scenario performs as a trusted coach or consultant on a challenging people issue such as performance, DEIA, risk management, or leadership coaching (developing) or advising (consulting)
- Partners work on conducting an HR needs analysis
Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 5: Summary
Week 6:
Cohort Session (in-person or virtual) - Session 4: The Role of the Change Agent & Summary
Course Workbook:
The course includes a workbook. You'll use the workbook throughout the course to reflect on what you're learning, record ideas, plan for future personal development, and plan activities for your agency. There are two versions:
- a PDF version - if you'd like to print it and write your answers and ideas and
- an MS Word version - if you'd prefer to work electronically.
The files have the same content - just differences in page layout. You will use the workbook while taking the online lessons and while attending the cohort sessions.
The workbook is available by selecting the Course Materials tab and then Strategies for Public Sector Leadership Workbook.
Making public sector work better™.
Isabel Godina-Vergara, PSHRA-SCP
Human Resources Manager
City of Nampa, ID
Isabel serves as the Human Resources Manager for the City of Nampa, Idaho, where she has dedicated over 19 years of her professional life. Isabel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Human Resources Management, as well as the esteemed PSHRA-SCP certification.
As HR Manager, Isabel is responsible for the full spectrum of HR operations—from Recruiting and Employee Relations to Strategic Planning and Team Development. Isabel is passionate about training; she regularly facilitates programs for her internal customers, including DISC training and various communication and leadership workshops.
Dedicated to continuous learning, she is always pursuing additional educational opportunities, which she then translates into valuable knowledge for her peers. She recently started a small business and plans to launch a nonprofit to continue sharing her HR expertise with the wider community.
She has been an active, dedicated member of PSHRA since 2007.
When she manages to step away from the world of HR, Isabel loves enjoying Idaho's scenic views while camping, hiking, off-roading, and paddleboarding, exploring further out. She has also recently developed a love for snorkeling.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 08/04/2026 at 2:30 PM (EDT)
This class will start on July 28, 2026 and end on September 29, 2026
PSHRA’s Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Course Syllabus
Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible. We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.
Course Material (All you need is on your dashboard)
- PSHRE Workbook (PDF and Word Versions)
- Public Sector HR Essentials Lessons Summary
- HR20/20 Report
Course Design:
The course spans ten weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 2 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Course Cohort Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 7/28/2026
- Completion Date: 9/29/2026
- Cohort Session 1: 8/4/2026 - 2:30 - 3:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 2: 8/19/2026 - 2:30 - 3:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 3: 9/1/2026 - 2:30 - 3:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 4: 9/15/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 5: 9/21/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 6: 9/29/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
Course Content:
Week 1 - Introduction
Cohort Session 1: Introduction
Week 2 - Lesson 1: Public Sector Basics
Week 3 - Lesson 2: Recruitment
Cohort Session 2: Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment
Week 4 - Lesson 3: Selection
Week 5 - Lesson 4: Classification and Compensation
Cohort Session 3: Selection, Classification & Compensation
Week 6 - Lesson 5: Benefits
Week 7 - Lesson 6: Labor and Employee Relations
Cohort Session 4: Benefits and Labor Management Relations
Week 8 - Lesson 7: Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity
Week 9 - Lesson 8: Organizational Development
Cohort Session 5: Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization
Week 10 - Lesson 9: Course Summary
Cohort Session 6: Course Summary and Wrap-up
Certificate of Attendance earned upon course completion.
Making public sector work better®.
Milton J. Perkins, PhD,, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CF-APMP, CPC
HR Chief Solutions Architect, Educator, Public Speaker
Dr. P has an extensive track record providing insight and overseeing activities related to assessing environments, design, developing, implementing and measuring human capital solutions (talent acquisition, total rewards, performance management, employee engagement/retention, learning & development) aligned with organizational goals and objectives. Most recently he performed these duties as the SVP, ActOne Government Solutions, where he led all efforts for innovative human capital solutions and staffing solutions for
for FED/SLED capture and fulfillment, private-sector, public school, and non-profit clients, worldwide. He is a AI in HR, Workplace Culture, Workforce Planning, HR Strategy, and People Analytics content SME for organizations such as the Society for HR Management (SHRM) and the Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA).
With nearly four decades in the human capital profession, Dr. P has a tremendous wealth of advisory, practical, research, teaching, and consulting experience developing innovative organizational outcomes through people. He has been a CHRO, VP HR, CDO, and Global Talent Management Leader, Talent Acquisition Leader, and is a senior faculty member for SHRM and PSHRA. He has lectured and spoken on various human capital topics (the business of humans, AI in HR, people analytics, HR essentials, HRBP, inclusive workplace culture, HR strategy, bias in the workplace, credible communication for HR, and employee engagement, to name a few), worldwide, at conferences, corporate events, and on podcasts, virtually and in person.
He has a Ph.D. in Management, an MS in Human Resources Management, and a BS in Management & Computer Information Systems. He is certified in the following areas: IAML Employment Law, SHRM-SCP, HRCI-SPHR, CF-APMP, and NAPS-CPC, and he has
SHRM specialty credentials in DEIA, Human Capital Management Qualified Advising, Leading Workplace Investigations, AI, and People Analytics. Kindle Direct Publishing released his upcoming book, ‘Scratching the DARNSCARSS of Diversity’ in April 2024. He is a member of the Kings and Queens of DEI™, and a frequent co-host of various podcast such as, The AppleOne Show.
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Includes a Live Web Event on 08/10/2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
This class will start and end on August 10, 2026
Welcome!
Thank you for your Power Learning Series registration. We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.
The Power Learning Series offers you a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course.
Learners will examine the key characteristics and attributes of a resilient individual. Exploring how individuals can develop and sustain resilience as an individual and as a team member. All while gaining practical strategies to support employee well-being while keeping operations running smoothly.
Learning Objectives:
- Define and describe resilience in today’s workplace.
- Develop and sustain your resilience both individually and collectively.
- Identify tips and gain strategies to support employee resilience.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Define and describe resilience in today’s workplace.
- Develop and sustain your resilience both individually and collectively.
- Identify tips and gain strategies to support employee resilience.
The course will be delivered over one two-hour session.
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5
Don’t hesitate to contact us - PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org.
Making public sector work better®.
Course Syllabus
Learners will explore the role of public sector HR professionals in building and maintaining resilience in today’s changing environment.
Overview
Participants will examine the key characteristics and attributes of a resilient individual. Exploring how individuals can develop and sustain resilience as an individual and as a team member. All while gaining practical strategies to support employee well-being while keeping operations running smoothly.
Learning Objectives:
- Define and describe resilience in today’s workplace.
- Develop and sustain your resilience both individually and collectively.
- Identify tips and gain strategies to support employee resilience.
The course will take place in one two-hour session.
Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible. We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.
All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.
Course Design:
The course will take place in one two-hour session. You will receive details about the date, time, and the URL for your course meetings.
Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
- Start and Complete Date and Time: 8/10/2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET
Certificate of Attendance: You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.
Cancellation Policy: Professional Development Cancelation Policy
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5
Making public sector work better®.
Dr. Debra Aiken
Training & Development Manager
Denton County Human Resources
Debra is an established Human Resources Professional with over 20 years of experience serving in various HR roles ranging from generalist to specialist, as well as management. She possess a comprehensive understanding of the link between human resources and business strategy, with the ability to develop and execute a wide range of strategies and initiatives to drive organizational performance. Her past experience includes regional human resources oversight for a global international organization spanning across 10 different countries. Areas of concentration include talent acquisition, compensation/benefits administration, performance management, talent and leadership development, and employee relations.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 08/11/2026 at 11:30 AM (EDT)
This class will start on August 11, 2026 and end on October 20, 2026
PSHRA’s Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Program Syllabus
Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible. We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.
Course Material (All you need is on your dashboard)
- Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Program Workbook (PDF and Word Versions)
- Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Program Lessons Summary
- HR20/20 Report
Course Design:
The course spans ten weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 2 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Course Cohort Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 8/11/2026
- Completion Date: 10/20/2026
- Cohort Session 1: 8/11/2026 - 11:30 - 1:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 2: 8/25/2026 - 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET
- Cohort Session 3: 9/8/2026 - 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET
- Cohort Session 4: 9/22/2026 - 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET
- Cohort Session 5: 10/06/2026 - 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET
- Cohort Session 6: 10/13/2026 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
Course Content:
Week 1 - Introduction
Cohort Session 1: Introduction
Week 2 - Lesson 1: Public Sector Basics
Week 3 - Lesson 2: Recruitment
Cohort Session 2: Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment
Week 4 - Lesson 3: Selection
Week 5 - Lesson 4: Classification and Compensation
Cohort Session 3: Selection, Classification & Compensation
Week 6 - Lesson 5: Benefits
Week 7 - Lesson 6: Labor and Employee Relations
Cohort Session 4: Benefits and Labor Management Relations
Week 8 - Lesson 7: Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity
Week 9 - Lesson 8: Organizational Development
Cohort Session 5: Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization
Week 10 - Lesson 9: Course Summary
Cohort Session 6: Course Summary and Wrap-up
Certificate of Attendance earned upon course completion.
Making public sector work better®.
Isabel Godina-Vergara, PSHRA-SCP
Human Resources Manager
City of Nampa, ID
Isabel serves as the Human Resources Manager for the City of Nampa, Idaho, where she has dedicated over 19 years of her professional life. Isabel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Human Resources Management, as well as the esteemed PSHRA-SCP certification.
As HR Manager, Isabel is responsible for the full spectrum of HR operations—from Recruiting and Employee Relations to Strategic Planning and Team Development. Isabel is passionate about training; she regularly facilitates programs for her internal customers, including DISC training and various communication and leadership workshops.
Dedicated to continuous learning, she is always pursuing additional educational opportunities, which she then translates into valuable knowledge for her peers. She recently started a small business and plans to launch a nonprofit to continue sharing her HR expertise with the wider community.
She has been an active, dedicated member of PSHRA since 2007.
When she manages to step away from the world of HR, Isabel loves enjoying Idaho's scenic views while camping, hiking, off-roading, and paddleboarding, exploring further out. She has also recently developed a love for snorkeling.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 08/12/2026 at 12:30 PM (EDT)
This class will start on August 12, 2026 and end on August 19, 2026
Course Syllabus
Learners will explore the legal frameworks, policy development, and best practices for managing remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector.
Overview
As work environments continue to evolve, public sector HR professionals are at the forefront of navigating flexible work arrangements, balancing legal compliance, and fostering engagement and culture. This 2 session virtual course will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks, policy development, and best practices for managing remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector.
Course Schedule
Evolving the Workplace & Legal Foundations
Policy Development & Equity Considerations
Engagement, Performance & Culture
Format:
- Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)
- 1-hour and half live session per week (over two weeks)
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector context
- Identify key legal considerations (FLSA, ADA, FMLA) in flexible work arrangements
- Develop equitable and effective flexible work policies
- Support managers and supervisors in policy implementation
- Foster employee engagement and sustain organizational culture in hybrid environments
Breakdown
Evolving the Workplace & Legal Foundations
- Explore how the public sector workplace has changed since 2020
- Define remote, hybrid, and flexible work arrangements
- Review legal frameworks: FLSA, ADA, FMLA
- Discuss challenges and opportunities in balancing flexibility with compliance
Policy Development & Equity Considerations
- Identify essential components of effective flexible work policies
- Learn a step-by-step process for policy development and pilot-testing
- Examine equity considerations in access and implementation
- Share best practices and practical examples from the field
Engagement, Performance & Culture
- Strategies to engage and motivate employees across flexible work settings
- Tools and approaches for managing performance remotely
- Techniques for sustaining organizational culture in distributed teams
- Discuss real-world solutions and personal strategies
Course Materials
- Weekly slide decks (provided)
- Additional resources (articles, templates) shared during sessions (if applicable)
The course will be delivered over two-weeks with 2 one hour and half weekly online meetings.
Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible. We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.
All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.
Meetings:
- Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.
Course Design:
The course will be delivered over two sessions with 2 one hour and half sessions per week. You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings
Time Commitment:
Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 8/12/2026
- Completion Date: 8/19/2026
- Meeting 1: 8/12/2026 - 12:30 - 2:00 pm ET
- Meeting 2: 8/19/2026 - 12:30 - 2:00 pm ET
Certificate of Attendance: You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.
Cancellation Policy: Professional Development Cancelation Policy
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5
Making public sector work better®.
Shelvia Ashford
Senior Employee Relations Consultant
Wake County, NC
Shelvia Ashford is the Senior Employee Relations Consultant at Wake County. With 20 years of experience in Human Resources, primarily within state and local government. Shelvia is a dedicated HR leader, trainer, and consultant. She also serves as a trainer with the National Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA), contributing her expertise to the development of HR professionals nationwide. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for the NCPSHRA (North Carolina Public Sector Human Resources Association).
Shelvia holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Western Carolina University (2024) and a bachelor’s in business administration and organizational development from Mount Olive College (2013). She is highly credentialed and has earned several industry-recognized certifications, including:
Certifications & Credentials
- PSHRA-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) – Public Sector Human Resources Association
- PSHRA Public Sector Executive Leadership Instructor
- Certified Executive Leadership
- NC Notary
She is the owner of the recently started business, “Led to Lead LLC, a professional development company founded in 2023. Led to Lead provides the necessary tools and resources for employees or individuals so that they may be effective & successful in their roles.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Shelvia enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach, building relationships, and spending quality time with family
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 08/21/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
This course is open from August 18, 2026 - October 2, 2026
Public Sector HR Executive Leadership Certificate Program Syllabus
Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible. We want to make sure you have the best possible learning experience.
Course Materials (All you need is your dashboard):
- Executive Leadership Certificate Program Workbook (PDF and Word Versions)
- HR20/20 Report
Meetings and Discussions:
- Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
- Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."
Course Design:
The course spans six weeks with 4 cohort meetings and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 2 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Course Cohort Session Schedule (Subject to Change):
Course Start: 8/18/2026
Course End: 10/2/2026
Cohort #1 – 8/21/2026 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
Cohort #2 – 8/28/2026 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm ET
Cohort #3 - 9/18/2026 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET
Cohort #4 - 10/2/2026 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET
Course Schedule:
Week 1:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 1: Introduction
Course Introduction.
Week 2:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 2: Assess Your Skills Through the Critical Lenses
Learn more about business acumen; innovation; strategic orientation; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Cohort Session (virtual)
Session 1: Introduction and Assess Your Skill Set
Reviewing and discussing the content from the first two lessons.
Week 3:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 3: Assess Your Skills Through the Areas of Focus
Learn more about leadership, culture, talent, technology, and communication.
Week 4:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 4: Your Role as a Trusted Advisor
Learn about executive presence, leading with empathy, and how to build trust to drive collaboration.
Cohort Session (virtual)
Session 2: Area of Focus Skills and Being a Trusted Advisor
Reviewing and discussing the content from the third and fourth lesson.
Week 5:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 5: Creating a Personal Development Plan
Take all that you've learned in the online lessons and cohort sessions and create a personal development plan.
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 6: Leveraging Your Skills
Create a plan to influence agency strategy and short-term projects based upon the skills learned in this course.
Cohort Session (virtual)
Session 3: Personal Development Plan and Leveraging Your Skills
Reviewing and discussing the content from the fifth and sixth lessons.
Week 6:
Cohort Session (virtual)
Session 4: Course Wrap-up
Review of course and opportunity to ask final questions.
Certificate of Attendance earned upon course completion.
Making public sector work better®.
Braxton T. Casey, MPA, PSHRA-SCP, SHRL
People Operations Manager
Braxton Casey is the principal consultant of Thrive Management Solutions, LLC, a small business where his staff provides HR training and development, career coaching, and consulting services. He also offers various organizational development services with his 20+ years of Federal HR, Leadership, and Business Operations experience.
Braxton is a proud Fayetteville State University graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, a Master's in Public Administration, Doctoral studies at George Washington University, and several HR certifications. He is a certified member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches, the Association for Training and Development, the Society for Human Resource Management, Harvard Business Analytics, the Human Capital Institute, and the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (now PSHRA).
Braxton is a graduate of the Harvard Business Analytics Program (HBAP) and the SHRM People Analytics Program.
Braxton's mission is to be a resource for professional transformation and motivation through training, coaching, and consulting.