Colorado ACRE Employment Specialist Training Series 2020-2021 

Have you heard?  Colorado is now an Employment First state.  Leaders are committed to meeting the Employment First goals quickly.  That includes building capacity to provide quality traditional and customized supported employment to many more job seekers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.  So, they are investing in you! 

Here is a chance for you or your staff to receive nationally recognized ACRE credentials to provide these expanding supported employment services and potentially be reimbursed for the cost!  Be a part of the early starters rather than working to catch up later! 

Why would you want to complete an ACRE credentialled course like the Colorado Wise Online Academy? Colorado supports your professional development and wants to insure you have the most up to date information as everyone works together to the Employment First goals quickly.  The ACRE Basic Supported Employment Certificate recognizes you nationally as having the training, knowledge and skills to provide those services.  More importantly, you will be prepared to immediately meet the increased need for qualified providers locally. 

This series will cover the ACRE basic core training areas for Employment Specialists, including:

• Introduction to Supported Employment, Discovery and Person-Centered Planning - Webinar Series & Online Coursework
• Job Development and Marketing - Webinar Series & Online Coursework
• Systematic Instruction: Teaching, Learning and Retaining Jobs - Webinar Series & Online Coursework
• Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives - On Demand Module & Quizzes

Students participating in the Colorado ACRE Employment Specialist Training Series will be expected to participate in all webinars, complete all online coursework, view on demand module, and complete quizzes.  Only one hour of webinar time can be missed per topic series.  Recordings can be made available and reviewed, if emergency situations arise, in lieu of attendance.  

Students will earn certificates for each of the courses and an ACRE Basic Supported Employment Certificate upon completion of the full series. 

Students may register for any of the above listed classes that meet their schedule with a promo code (see below) between now and June 2021.  Available class options and course descriptions are available in the link.  Downloading the document will make the registration links active.  Once all of the courses are completed and an ACRE Certificate Basic is earned, then reimbursement request may be sent.  Pre-approval is required to obtain reimbursement (see below)

Reimbursement may be available with ACRE Basic Supported Employment Certificate through HCPF and DVR.  Apply here for the full course series at $600 for consideration for reimbursement.  If approved for reimbusement, you will recieve a promo code to use when registering. If not, your registration will be refunded.You will also need to complete the HCPF reimbursement preparation process in advance.   Here is the process:

1. To apply for reimbursement, go to the following website   https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/supported-employment-program  and complete the pre-approval form in the section labelled "Provider Training/Certification Reimbursement Process".  
2. There is a link to upload the form or email it to hcpf_supported.employment@state.co.us
3. Purchase the courses through Wise and successfully complete the trainings.  
4. Once you have obtained your ACRE Basic Supported Employment Certificate, send an invoice for the amount approved along with the certificate to HCPF by June 15, 2020.  
5. The agency will be reimbursed within 30 days.  Up to $1,200 can be reimbursed.  
6. If you have any questions about this process email hcpf_supported.employment@state.co.us

ACRE Basic Supported Employment Certificate must be submitted to HCPF with an invoice by June 15, 2021 to receive reimbursement.  

"I just want to tell you how much I appriciate all of you. The training was awesome learned so much. Can't wait to move forward.  Thank you to the whole team"  Mary James, Colorado

"I am currently enrolled in the Colorado ACRE employment specialist training series. I am finding the course very informative and beneficial"  Bridget Kirby, Employment Program Manager, Colorado

"I also just wanted to let you know that the training I received for supported employment through WISE was impactful.  The vision of what is possible, after going through these classes and what is happening in the states of Washington and Oregon is inspiring.  I know there is an overwhelming need in our community for supported employment help for people with disabilities as I have met with the staff at DVR.  I believe that what I have learned will be of help in our organization and DVR.  I appreciate the assistance in helping us with the resources to make this happen." Doug Sorter, Senior Vice President, Rural Colorado

“I loved the enthusiasm of the presenters! It made sometimes seemingly redundant information, interesting and relevant.”  Emily, Employment Consultant, Bend, Oregon

“I look forward to using my new skills!”  Angie Parr, Senior VRC, North Dakota

SSA On Demand:  “The modules are really well done and I like the short time frames which enable the user to absorb the material in bits and pieces to get to the whole.  I was in an IEP meeting and a parent asked me about SSI and I was able to answer the question in more detail than I would have before taking the modules!  ; o )”  Karen Shu-Minutoli, Special Ed Teacher and Instruction Professional, Auburn Washington School District

 

Register Now!