Colorado ACRE Employment Specialist Training Series 

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 first wave 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

Course descriptions and Learning Objectives are available for review.  Presenter photos and bios are also shared via link.  

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. 

Reimbursement may be available with ACRE Basic Supported Employment Certificate through HCPF and DVR.  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 course through Wise and complete the training.  
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

Class Webinar Dates: 

Systematic Instruction: Teaching, Learning and Retaining Jobs:

• May 5, 10:30 am -12:30 pm
• May 7, 10:30 am -12:15 pm
• May 11, 10:30 am - 12:15 pm
• May 14, 10:30 am -12:15 pm

Job Development and Marketing:

• May 12,  11:00 am – 1:00 pm
• May 14,  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
• May 19,  11:00 am – 1:00 pm
• May 21,  11:00 am – 1:00 pm
• May 22,  11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Introduction to Supported Employment, Discovery and Person-Centered Planning:

• May 18, 10 am -12 noon
• May 21, 10 am -11 am
• May 22, 10 am-12 noon
• May 26, 10 am -12 noon
• May 28, 10 am -11 am

Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives: 

On Demand can be completed anytime between March 5, 2020 and May 31, 2020.

NOTE:  Many people prefer to take the SSA On-demand module over the course of several days a bit at a time.  There is a lot of important information to process.  It is recommended that you start the on-demand early to allow time to complete all components of the on-demand by May 31, 2020.

Unable to make every class time?  If you are unable to meet every class time, you may request and view a recording of the individual session in lieu of attendance.  If you are unable to attend a full course from the 3 in the series, contact Robyn Slocom at robyn@gowise.org to see if an alternate course timeline will work with your schedule.  

ACRE Basic Supported Employment Certificate must be submitted to HCPF with an invoice by June 15, 2020 to receive reimbursement.  

 

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 School District

“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

 

 

Register Now!