WOA 100: Introduction to Supported Employment, Discovery and Person-Centered Employment Planning

Washington State Registration

Course Description:  This course is an exciting and impactful introduction to the field of supported employment which will energize people new to the field and re-energize those already working in it.  It will engage and activate your abilities to support people with disabilities to create lives of their own choosing.  It will provide a full review of the values and practice of employment for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, instruction on how to perform Discovery with an employment candidate, and will familiarize you with Person-Centered Employment Planning to inform and strengthen action plans.

Learning Objectives:

• Be familiar with Supported Employment history, the current state of the field, and your place in it
• Be familiar with the Discovery Process, be able to perform Discovery with an employment candidate, and be able to write a Vocational Profile as the basis for Employment Planning, and
• Be familiar with Person-centered Futures Employment Planning and able to use it in assisting in developing Employment Action plans.

This Course is part of the Wise Online Academy Customized ACRE-certified Employment Specialist Core Training Series.  Read more about the series and ACRE certification by clicking here.  * Those completing all four ACRE courses after June 1, 2021 will earn a Customized ACRE Certificate.  Those who completed one or more courses prior to June 2021 will earn a Basic ACRE Certificate.

US Webinar Dates and Times (shown in Pacific/Eastern time adjust for your time zone)

• Orientation: March 28, 2023 1:00pm to 2:00pm Pacific
• April 4 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm Pacific/4:00-5:30pm Eastern
• April 6 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm Pacific/4:00-5:30pm Eastern
• April 13 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm Pacific/4:00-5:30pm Eastern
• April 20 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm Pacific/4:00-5:30pm Eastern

The total expected time to complete this course, including offline skill-building activities, is 12 hours. 

Your Training Team:

Jaimie Laitinen, TA and Training Director, Seattle

Jaimie found her way to Wise as a student at Western Washington University in 2005, and since then she has enjoyed a wide range of roles and experiences in working toward getting people with disabilities into the workforce. In her current role at Wise, she specializes in working with schools and agency partners in supporting students and their families in the transition from school to adult life. On any given day, you will find Jaimie coordinating and facilitating all phases of conference planning, coordinating technical assistance, and facilitating Person Centered Plans. Her passion for this field is nurtured by being part of a determined community that shares the belief that each person has value to contribute and that everyone can work. She holds a BA in Human Services, is CESP certified through APSE, and completed the Highline College Employment Certification Course. When Jaimie is not working, you can find her volunteering on the Washington State APSE Board of Directors, enjoying time with family, exploring neighborhood parks, and making salads for her two pet bunnies.

Katherine Titus, Senior Program Managers, Spokane

Katherine Titus has 18+ years of experience working with individuals who are planning for work. Katherine has worked with individuals, families, Counties, the Developmental Disability Administration, DVR, employers, and schools to promote equity and empowerment in lives, opportunities, and employment for all. Some of the work Katherine is experienced with include facilitating person-centered employment plans, working with service providers and individuals in WA state and North Dakota to expand person Centered Planning practices, training to groups of 40+ on both Person Centered Planning and self-determination. Katherine also works with employers in Spokane who are looking to expand their work force. In addition, Katherine is a part of the event planning team at WISE, working on conferences around the state that provide information to anywhere from 100-1000 people.

Katherine’s strengths include supporting individuals through system navigation, person-centered planning, and advocating side-by-side with other advocates. She believes in working at a high level of optimism, discipline, and energy in all areas of life.  Katherine enjoys spending free time with her family and large family of friends, is immersed in college football (Roll Tide) and will jump at any opportunity to travel and see new places.