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

The Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician (SART) program is a collaborative training initiative offered by the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) Mental Health & Human Services Program and the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) Rehabilitation and Human Services Program.

The online 10-course SART Certificate Program provides students with the necessary coursework to meet the education requirements for entry-level licensure in substance use disorder treatment in Maine. Whether you’re interested in becoming a substance use treatment counselor, pursuing a degree in a related field, or looking to enhance your existing qualifications, the SART certificate offers a comprehensive educational foundation.

Earn 1 hour of professional development by watching the recordings and completing the short quiz.

Current topics include:

• 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
• Supporting Individuals with Brain Injuries to Meet their Employment Goals

Join us for this unique, instructor-supported, 40-hour online training course to become a Certified Employment Specialist and earn your ACRE certificate. The courses and fieldwork are available online 24/7 and there are no in-person meetings required. Log in and complete the work at your convenience!

You will also attend three mandatory live webinars on Zoom to enhance your online learning experience and network with other professionals. Instructors are available via email and during the live webinars to answer your questions and provide support.

Complete the required courses through the College of Employment Services by December 31, 2025. Submit fieldwork assignments in an easy-to-navigate learning management system by February 11, 2026.

When are the mandatory webinars?
• Monday, November 3, 2025, 10–11 am — Orientation Webinar
• Monday, December 15, 2025, 10–11am — Fieldwork Discussion
• Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10–11am — Implementing ACRE Best Practices

Traumatic brain injury may result in a decrease in community integration, including meaningful employment, social participation, home management, and leisure pursuits. In this evidence-based clinical webinar, Dr. Steven Wheeler will explore factors impacting successful and satisfying community participation and identify person-centered intervention approaches to support functional independence. Emphasis will be placed on the role of executive cognitive functions in TBI recovery.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify factors that impact successful and satisfying community participation following TBI.
2. Apply functional approaches to address recovery challenges related to executive cognitive functions.
3. Discuss family-centered approaches to support long-term outcomes.

The employment service professional typically comes to this work because of a desire to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. This mission-driven work is critical to the successful job match and job retention efforts, but it is only half of the equation. The employer IS the other key partner in this work, yet employment professionals often admit they struggle with the tasks of job development and business engagement as they attempt to integrate job seekers with disabilities into the workforce. Successful employer engagement often involves a paradigm shift for our field that treats the employer as an equal partner in this process. Just as we do with the job seeker, we must assess the preferences, conditions, challenges, and needs of the employer customer. This can be a significant paradigm shift for our field, yet it is also a strategic imperative. This session will provide an overview of some of the key elements of effective employer engagement.

This webinar is intended for employment service professionals (ESP) and vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRC) with employer engagement responsibilities.

CRC credits have been approved for this webinar.

Although often stated, when life becomes too busy and chaotic, many individuals sacrifice their own needs or allow others' needs to take priority. This training will discuss the requirements in the CRCC Code of Professional Ethics (2017) Section D: Professional Responsibility for rehabilitation counselors to "engage in self-care activities to maintain and promote their own emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to best meet their professional responsibilities," as well as other applicable sections. Participants will explore the importance and impact of self-care practices on their personal and professional health, roles, responsibilities, and relationships. Participants will also have the opportunity to assess their current levels of wellness and supportive practices, as well as self-care areas and activities which they prioritize.

This webinar is intended for employment service professionals (ESP) and vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRC).

CRC ethics credits have been approved for this webinar.

This training provides an in-depth overview of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, designed to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive, integrated employment. Participants will learn about the core components of VR, including eligibility criteria, available services, and the collaborative role of employment service providers. Through real-life case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will gain practical insights into how VR can transform lives and foster inclusive workplaces.

This webinar is intended for K-12 education professionals, higher education professionals, and employment service professionals (ESP) who support students, youth, and adults with disabilities.

Working with youth can present unique opportunities and challenges for VRCs. Ethical considerations for working with youth are complicated by the age of and support systems connected to the individual being served. A clear understanding of the relevant CRCC Code of Ethics standards and utilization of a sound ethical decision-making model are essential for the provision of appropriate services. Participants in this training will discuss potential ethical dilemmas related to working with youth and review recommendations to assist in the provision of effective, ethical, and supportive employment services.

This webinar is intended for employment service professionals (ESP) and vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRC).

CRC ethics credits have been approved for this webinar.

This training delves into the core components of informed choice as it relates to supported employment services. We will explore the values and cultural differences that can impact our perception of informed choice as well as its impact on ethical decision making. We will review ethical violations and dilemmas and apply an ethical decision-making model to a practice scenario.

This webinar is intended for employment service professionals (ESP).