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

Customized career planning is crucial for people in search of meaningful and fulfilling employment. But how can employment professionals stay organized and keep everyone working toward the job seeker’s goals? One strategy is to use a 30-day Job Development Action Plan.

Join us to learn:

• components of an effective plan
• when and why to implement a plan
• how to keep support teams engaged in the process

Who should attend?

This webinar is for staff or educators who assist people with disabilities to find competitive employment.

These practical strategies and case studies will help employment professionals provide structure and direction for job seekers.

Questions? Contact Kelly.Wanzer@umb.edu.

Become a Career Planner! Learn the skills needed to work with people one on one, engage with businesses to connect people to companies, capture and organize accurate information, and develop written Career Plans.

This training consists of three (3) webinars that are each 2 hours long, and one in-person day in Augusta.

Dates for the full Certificate Series:

• February 5, 9-11am (Zoom webinar #1)
• February 12, 8:30am-3:30pm (Live session at the DHHS, OADS Office; 41 Anthony Avenue in Augusta; please arrive at 8:15 am)
• February 26, 9-11am (Zoom webinar #2)
• March 5, 9-11am (Zoom webinar #3)
• March 12 (back up day, if needed)

Course Requirements:

• You must be fully certified as a Work Support Professional or an ACRE Employment Specialist to attend this training.
• You must attend all sessions and complete an evaluation to receive the certificate.
• You must complete assigned homework between sessions.

Registration information:

• Registration is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The class will be limited to the first 20 enrollees.
• For questions, contact: Lisa.D.Sturtevant@maine.gov

Successful job development for people with disabilities is about uncovering employer unmet needs and aligning them with the strengths of job seekers.

This one-hour webinar will focus on practical strategies for customizing jobs by identifying opportunities within workplaces and approaching employers with confidence. You will learn how to:

• Efficiently gather information to uncover unmet employer needs
• Approach employers confidently to pitch and negotiate customized job ideas

Join us to explore how customizing jobs can create meaningful employment opportunities while meeting business needs.