Training Calendar

Recruit, Cultivate and Retain (RCR) is a leadership series designed for mid-level managers working in employment and community inclusion service provider agencies. By joining RCR, you will have the opportunity to develop immediately usable skills for developing your own career and promoting increased job satisfaction for staff you manage. In community with other program managers, we will re-energize, create solutions to complex problems and share expertise.

Goals:

• Learn strategies for recruiting, developing and retaining staff
• Increase your leadership skills as a manager and leader
• Develop a plan for advancing your career
• Hone systems and processes for developing staff into leadership positions
• Connect with other leaders that are managing employment and day services
• Deepen and develop relationships across organizations in your community

For more information and to register go to https://www.gowise.org/home/training/rcr/

UMF students can prepare for a career as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with access to the University of Maine at Augusta’s Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician Certificate (SART).

This UMF/UMA collaboration makes preparing for the CADC exam simpler than ever Take up to 15 credits—of the 30 total required for UMA's SART Certificate—online or in person at UMF With your certificate, you can apply for Maine's Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) license.

If you’d like to help individuals with disabilities explore career options, prepare for careers, and support them by serving as a job coach, UMF’s Employment Specialist (ES) Certificate can help you get there—quickly.

Complete just TWO online courses, one of which is paid for by a grant Our flexible, virtual program helps you earn a nationally recognized certificate while continuing to work full- or part-time With your certificate, you'll be ready to start a new, highly marketable career that you can build on.

These are past recorded webinars. You will have access to all the recordings once you enroll. You can earn 1 hour of professional development if you watch the recording and complete the short quiz.

Here is a list of current topics:

Outcome Orientated Planning for Transition Age Youth

Using a 30-Day Placement Plan

Developing Work-Based Learning Experiences for Students and Youth

Best Practices in Job Coaching and Supports

Strategies for Developing Job Opportunities in Maine’s Rural and Remote Communities

Initiatives and Resources for Individuals Considering Self Employment

OADs Self Employment Stories from Rhode Island

Using Progressive Employment

Supporting Challenging Behaviors in the Workplace

Technology Tools on the Job

Best Practices in Social Media

Practicing with Technology Tools

The Art of Disclosure

Creative Strategies for Showcasing Job Seekers: Beyond Traditional Resumes

Supporting Individuals with Complex Needs

The 2025 BIAA-ME Brain Injury Resource Fair is an opportunity for the Maine brain injury community to explore Maine brain injury resources, services and supports. Maine brain injury survivors, family members/caregivers, professionals and anyone else interested in learning more are welcome to attend, the fair is FREE for all attendees but registration is required. They will also have paper registration forms available at the event.

Attendees may participate in the fair anytime between 12:00-4:00pm, but we recommend giving yourself ample time to visit with exhibitors.

BIAA-ME has both exhibitor and sponsor opportunities available. To learn more go to https://give.biausa.org/event/maine-resource-fair/e652466

Critical to the success of individuals with disabilities in employment is successful fading and maximizing the use of natural supports. Topics covered include why fading and natural supports are important for people with disabilities, programs that support them, and businesses that hire them.

You will learn how to identify and use natural supports at the jobsite, when and how to implement systematic instruction and task analysis, and how to build the independence and confidence of the individual in the workplace. The training is appropriate for anyone providing support services to individuals and students with disabilities. Earn 4 hours of professional development time.

This training also counts as part 2 of the: JOB COACH Credential Program. Earning the Job Coach Credential training consists of two parts:

Part 1 — Complete 18 modules of online training from the College of Employment Services (CES). Click on the link and complete the registration form- select the job coaching certificate https://umassboston.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_egSsH92pVUkD8X4?jfefe=new

Part 2 — Attend this Strategies for Fading Supports in the Workplace virtual training

Questions: Contact Lara.enein@umb.edu

Do you work with people with disabilities on career exploration, career planning, job development, and/or job coaching? Would you like to become a Maine Certified Employment Specialist?

You can become a Maine Certified Employment Specialist and get the ACRE National Certificate in Employment Services at the same time with our ACRE Employment Specialist Certificate Training. The ACRE Certificate documents 40 hours of professional development!

This training includes a combination of in-person and virtual training sessions. To get your certificate, you must attend all the sessions listed below, complete the social security online course, and complete the required fieldwork assignments. Space is limited so register today.

Zoom Virtual Live Sessions:

Wednesday, April 9, 9am–12pm

Thursday, April 10, 9am–12pm

Wednesday, April 16, 9am–12pm

Thursday, April 17, 9am–12pm

In-person Sessions at the University of Maine, Augusta:

Wednesday, April 30, 9am–4pm

Thursday, May 1, 9am–4pm

Wednesday, May 7, 9am–4pm

Thursday, May 8, 9am–4pm

You must make any accommodations requests at least three weeks before the training begins.

To learn more about the ACRE Certificate, visit: www.acreducators.org Questions about the training? Contact lara.enein@umb.edu

Join us for this webinar to explore how artificial intelligences (AI) can enhance employment services. This session provides practical tools and strategies for professionals, including:

• A beginner's guide to using AI
• Maine-specific AI guidelines around privacy and approved programs
• Common uses of AI in employment services for people with disabilities
• Techniques for refining prompts to achieve more precise results
• Utilizing ChatGPT for job matching, crafting cover letters, and optimizing resume keywords

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how AI can transform your approach to supporting individuals seeking employment. Questions should be directed to kelly.wanzer@umb.edu. This webinar is appropriate for any staff or educators who are assisting individuals to find or maintain competitive employment. Earn 1 hour of professional development credits.

This state and national-level conference will provide a chance to showcase innovations in delivery of services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or autism as well as those with conditions such as cerebral palsy, or seizure disorder, or other similar conditions. Registration information coming soon.

This conference will:

• Showcase local and national-level innovations and new thinking
• Explore how to manage change
• Feature a Tech Expo so attendees can see try out and learn about new technologies and resources

Schedule:

• Keynote speakers will be announced in the fall of 2024,
• A call for presentation proposals will be announced in September of 2024
• Conference registration is expected to open in January 2025.
• If you would like to be on the mailing list for potential presenters, vendors, or attendees, please email: HCBS.DHHS@maine.gov

Advocacy Day on the Hill & Employment First Gala:
Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Regular Conference:
Thursday, June 12 - Saturday, June 14, 2025 Grand Hyatt
Washington, DC

The National APSE Conference provides access to top-tier training and networking opportunities to Employment First professionals across the country. Bringing together the very individuals and organizations working toward and impacted by Employment First—people with disabilities and their families, service providers, universities, rehabilitation counselors, as well as, state and federal agency representatives.

Call for Presentations- Due by Feb 28, 2025

In addition to connecting to the conference theme, each session must promote competitive, integrated employment. This year we are particularly interested in hearing about programs and strategies to reach underserved populations and/or that incorporate equity, diversity and inclusion principles. https://apse.org/2025-conference-rfp/