Community of Practice Monthly Webinar: Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

The Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP) Community of Practice (CoP) Webinar Series is structured to augment the technical assistance areas of primary focus in Employment First systems change (Capacity Building, Provider Transformation, School-to-Work Transition, Employer Engagement, and Policy/Funding Alignment). CoP participants will benefit from national subject matter experts (SMEs) presenting information and resources to support Employment First efforts.
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Topic: Training and Retaining Staff
During this webinar, participants will learn how investing in staff development is critical to the success of provider transformation, expanding competitive integrated employment programs, and a positive impact on staff retention. Participants will learn how the advent of Employment First, the HCBS Rule, and WIOA are increasing the demand for a more proficient and versatile network of employment specialists. By expecting a nationally recognized credential such as an ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) Certificate or CESP (Certified Employment Support Professional) through APSE, providers develop a more skilled community of practice and funders gain partners with demonstrated skills and knowledge. Dale Verstegen, President of the ACRE Board of Directors and Todd Culver, CEO of MARO, (Michigan's Provider Association), will discuss various ways to develop staff skills using competency based training and sustainable training models.

Webinar Objectives:

• Discuss best practices in staff development;
• Discuss competency based training and national certification;
• Contrast staff development to staff training;
• Review the Survey of the Michigan Manager’s Train the Trainer Community of Practice (COP); and
• Review promising practices in staff orientation and development by COP participants

Special Guests: Dale Verstegen and Todd Culver
Dale Verstegen, a Senior Research Associate at TransCen since 2007, is assigned to a range of research, training and technical assistance projects related to transition and employment services in various parts of the country. Dale provides consultation and training in the areas of program development, performance management, marketing and job development. Dale has developed curriculum and provided training on supported and customized employment for a wide range of universities and state agencies. Given his business background and having been an employer, Dale has focused his research, writing and training on the provision of employment services to the employer community. Dale has provided field based technical assistance to hundreds of Employment and Transition Specialists throughout the country in the area of job development and employer partnerships. Dale has his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and is currently the President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE).

Todd Culver is the Chief Executive Officer of MARO, Michigan’s statewide network of mission driven businesses promoting community access and inclusion. In addition to his role as CEO, Todd serves as Fund Administrator for the MARO Self-Insured Group Workers’ Compensation Fund. He has been with MARO since 1995, also serving as Project Director and Assistant Director. Todd is part of the Core State Team for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP). Todd serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Nonprofit Association, and the BOOM (Be Our Own Motivation) Awards, a statewide recognition program for individuals with disabilities. He holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English Language and Literature from The University of Michigan.

Webinar Procedures 

1. In advance of the webinar, we strongly recommend you test your connection and review the Adobe Connect Instructions and Troubleshooting Tips.
2. On the day of the webinar, enter room here: http://econsys.adobeconnect.com/efslmpcopwebinars/.
3. In the GUEST field, enter your first and last name followed by state abbreviation (i.e., Jeff, Smith, DC).
4. To connect your audio, follow the prompts to enter your phone number (direct line), and the system will immediately call you back (see step-by-step instructions).
5. If you are unfamiliar with Adobe Connect, please review these tips before participating.

 
Meeting Materials
Materials will be distributed closer to the event.

Unable to Attend
EFSLMP Webinars are recorded and the link will be distributed to the list serve within two business days following the webinar. Share this announcement with your colleagues! If they are not a current subscriber to ODEP's EFSLMP mailing list, they can register here.