The major goal for the CRP-RCEP IX (funded for the third cycle, 2006-2011) is to improve the skills of community rehabilitation personnel and increase the capacity of their organizations to provide effective services resulting in quality employment and independent living outcomes for individuals with disabilities in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific jurisdictions. Interwork Institute is committed to using a human resource development model that offers maximum options for career development and consumer involvement.

 

Post Employment Training in Rehabilitation Administration for Community Rehabilitation (PET-CRP)

PET-CRP is a continuing education program designed for rehabilitation professionals who are, or will be, coordinating and managing community rehabilitation programs.  This post-baccalaureate certificate curriculum, consisting of 21-semester hours, includes content areas in organizational diagnosis and development, leadership, human resources management, fiscal management, program evaluation, legal and legislative developments, governance and policy development. The certificate program is designed to serve as a career ramp for rehabilitation professionals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of rehabilitation and who will serve as the future leaders in community rehabilitation programs.

Participants will gain skills in leadership critical to rehabilitation programs and will receive academic credit for coursework completed.  PET-CRP provides participants with opportunities to interact with other leaders in the field and develop partnerships for innovative collaboration.  All courses are part of the graduate curriculum of San Diego State University through the Administration, Rehabilitation, and Post-Secondary Education [ARPE] Department.  Coursework completed during the certificate program may, under some circumstances, be used to satisfy masters or doctoral-level course requirements at SDSU or other universities.

The next PET-CRP program cycle will commence in April of 2007. 

Please contact Mark Tucker (mtucker@interwork.sdsu.edu) for additional information and application forms.

Management Training for CRPs

Overview: Skill Building Certificate for Managers (SBCM)

Six one-day workshops for Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) personnel who are interested in building Management Skills that can be used to facilitate quality work opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This program is designed for both NEW managers who need skills and strategies to be effective in their work environment and EXPERIENCED managers who need to refresh their skills in developing and maintaining positive and productive work environments.

 

Instructors

Instructors for both the Employment Services (ESC) and Skill Building for Mangers (SBCM) Certificates programs are from a broad spectrum of communities within the rehabilitation sector. The instructor bios, experiences and workshops are as follows:

 

Howard D. Twomey

(Program Coordinator) received the majority of rehabilitation training in the private sector with industrially injured workers and was president of his own rehabilitation organization. Experience and areas of expertise include all aspects of vocational rehabilitation including job development, placement, assessment, expert witness testimony, as well as management, human resources, marketing and leadership. Howard is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

 

Education

Doctorate of Education, Leadership Studies-University of San Diego

Masters of Science Counseling, Rehabilitation Emphasis, Sacramento State University

 

Workshops instructed include:

Employer Assessment and Job Matching

Manager Skill Development 

“Change” and Changing Work Responsibilities

Traditional Rehabilitation

Labor Market Analysis, Resume Development, Interview Techniques  

Abuse and Neglect and Developing Employer Relationship 

A Balancing Act: Ethics, Rights/Responsibilities  

Defining Success: Issues & Trends in Mental Health

Supported Employment

Professional Rehabilitation Strategies-Transferable Skills Analysis

Mental Health and Rehabilitation 

Debbie Serban

Presently coordinates the Grossmont Community College Disability Management Services Program and has worked within the Community Rehabilitation Program sector as a manager and director.  Debbie’s experience includes working with adults with disabilities for over 25 year in community and employment settings and as an instructor in the Disability and Rehabilitation sector for over 15 years.

 

Education

Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and Deafness, San Diego State University

 

Workshops instructed include:

Customized Employment: Gaining the Professional Edge, 

Transition Form to School to work

Creating a Positive and Productive Work Environment

Managing Outcomes and Performance

             

Becky Tschirgi

Presently consults and trains Community Rehabilitation personnel throughout California in areas such as CARF accreditation, service coordination and individualized planning, customized employment and job development, staffing, management and budgeting/grant writing. She (is) has significant management and leadership experience as both a Vice President and Executive Director of predominate CRPs in the greater Southern California area. Becky provides personalized training and consultation to organizations that provide services for individuals of all ages who have disabilities.

 

Education

Masters of Arts, Rehabilitation Management University of San Francisco

 

Workshops instructed include:

Managing the Finances

Person Centered Planning

Supported Employment

A Balancing Act: Ethics, Rights/Responsibilities  

 

John Filley

Works as a program manager and director for a large non-profit Community Rehabilitation program with office throughout California. He is presently the Director of Training and Quality Assurance at Employment & Community Options. John’s areas of specialization include person centered planning, employment and developing staff to develop skills and knowledge in their work with people who have disabilities. John is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

 

Education

Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and Deafness, San Diego State University

 

Workshops instructed include:

Creating a Customer Service Environment

Defining Success: Issues & Trends in Mental Health       

 

Steve Stover

Serves a wide range of populations including low-income, homeless, veterans and active military with disabilities. His work history consists of working within San Diego County as a Rehabilitation Counselor, Lead Disability Program Navigator (One-Stop Career Centers) and Program Manager.  He is certified through Social Security Administration as a Disability Benefits Planner and is currently working as an independent Rehabilitation Consultant specializing in serving persons who are receiving SSI and/or SSDI."  Steve is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

 

Education

Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and Deafness, San Diego State University

 

Workshops instructed include:

Social Security SSI, SSDI, PASS and Ticket-to-Work

 

 

Linda Seppala

Linda Seppala has over 20 years of experience in supported employment and community integration for persons with disabilities.  Her experience with several national corporate commitments convinced her that employment for persons with disabilities must have a business approach.  Her experiences have also shown that given the right supports, all persons with disabilities can work and participate in the community.  Linda is currently the Chief Services Officer at the Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis.

Education

Master of Science, Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison

Workshops instructed include:

Employer Relationship and Positive Placements

 

Scheduled Trainings 2007-2008

SBCM Class outline

Managerial Skill Development   (HDT)

The workshop focus will be to develop quality managerial skills that influence employee performance by participants recognizing the need for empathy, quality communication and different learning styles in the context of management responsibilities. Fundamental principles will include understanding organizations, setting realistic and attainable personal and staff goals and establishing productive and realistic relationships with peers and subordinates.

 

Introduction to Non-Profits and Budgeting (BT)

The workshop will focus on two areas. The first will be to develop and understand essential non-profit organizational structures, income streams, community function and role of a Board of Directors. The second will be fundamental budget principals including how they are established, controlled, developed and understanding financial statements and cost allocations.

 

Managing Outcomes and Performance (DS)

The workshop will develop skills in the area of Human Resources applied to the Community Rehabilitation Programs goals and needs specific to the industry. These include how to conduct interviews, screening for the right applicant, understanding organizational and individual department needs. In addition, techniques will be taught that develop and set specific and attainable goals, build a dynamic workplace and establishing teams and work-groups.

   

Customer Service 101 (JF)

The workshop will focus on the needs for managers to understand the development of internal and external partnership building that contribute to the establishment of effective and strategic alliances. Skill development will include how to effectively conduct meetings, develop-creative and effective marketing tools, relationships maintenance and the role each team member contributes to effective organizational enrichment and longevity.

 

Managing Change in the Work Environment (DS)

The workshop will contribute to the participant’s ability to effectively work within changing work environment due to changes of organizational position, assigned work tasks and helping others to readily accept change. In addition, participants will develop collaboration and organizational assessment skills to facilitate personal and professional change activities.   

 

Organizational and Communication Skill Development (HDT)

This workshop will speak directly to written and spoken communication within both internal and external service recipients. Specific skill will focus on effective methods to address difficult situations, conflict in the work place and conflicted situations. Skills to better cope with workplace stress, time management and organizational skills will be the focus of the activities.

 

For more information please contact:
Howard Twomey, Ed. D.
SDSU Interwork Institute
3590 Camino del Rio North
San Diego, CA 92108
916/564-7275
htwomey@interwork.sdsu.edu

Essential Rehabilitation Practices

In order to meet the needs of "front line" staff, associate degree level courses are being offered throughout Region IX, customized according to local needs. The five core courses of the Disability Professionals Services Certificate courses (15 unit) are available online for California students. Using a variety of "hybrid" models of instruction utilizes expertise of local CRP staff in order to build capacity within the organization. For example, a number of CRP program managers were hired directly by a community college after having co-taught courses with SDSU instructors (supported by CRP resources). Program managers with staff enrolled in the GCC program serve as co-instructors with San Diego faculty to support their employees completing the courses by distance. This series of courses is applied toward the Disability Services Management Certificate at Grossmont Community College, a 30-unit certificate that may be applied toward an Associate of Arts degree.  Students can complete the degree at GCC or transfer the units into other CA community colleges.

 

Collaborative Efforts

We have been collaborating with other CRP-RCEP staff from across the country and with the Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE) in order to offer a certificate program in Employment Services, endorsed by the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE).

The 40-unit certificate is designed to meet competencies that all CRP personnel should know in order to provide quality services to individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment. Participants are required to complete the following six sessions in order to earn the certificate.  A registry of those who complete the series is posted on the ACRE website.

 

Employment Services Certificate (ESC)

Overview: Employment Services Certificate (ESC)

Six one-day workshops for Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) personnel who are interested in building Employment Development skills that can be used to facilitate the creation of healthy work opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This program is designed for new and experienced Rehabilitation service providers including job developers, supervisors, managers, administrators and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.

Session 1- Employer Assessment and Job Matching
The workshop’s focus will include assessing employers, developing positive job leads, and maximizing successful job placements. We will review the social and psychological aspects of disability leading to society’s negative perceptions of persons who have disabilities and will explore positive strategies to develop healthy work environments.

Session 2- Social Security-SSI, SSDI, PASS and Ticket-to-Work
This workshop will focus on Social Security Incentives, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Benefits Planning including how to determine the effect of work on Social Security recipient’s benefits. PASS, Ticket-to-Work, IRWE programs will be discussed including hands-on case practices to familiarize participants with how each program works. 

Session 3- A Balancing Act: Ethical Standards versus Rights and Responsibilities
This workshop will center on assessing employers’ and client needs when developing placements to include attainable goals and standards. Developing outcome and performance measures in employment programs, supports networks and implementing ethical standards while balancing stakeholder rights and responsibilities with the employment sector will be the workshop focus. 

Session 4- Defining Success: Issues & Trends for Workers with Mental Health Issues
This workshop will focus on the impact of psychiatric disabilities and related mental health issues in employment settings. The content will include: accommodations and support strategies; supported employment approaches; job matching to accommodate employer expectations; developing natural supports; facilitating interagency collaboration; and assessing workplace culture as it pertains to positive work/workplace experiences.

Session 5- Employer Relationship Development and Positive Placements
This workshop will include employee and employer assessment to promote positive placements. Meaningful insights will be developed that promote positive and worthwhile employment opportunities and employer benefits for hiring persons with disabilities within the private sector including customer service skill development, and retention strategies. 

Session 6- Customized Employment: Gaining the Professional Edge
This workshop will focus on maintaining positive employer relationships and placements.  Topics will include creating a professional presence, maintaining professional boundaries, implementing teaching strategies, handling conflicts professionally, developing and understanding ethics and values, and developing cultural awareness and competence. 

For Employment Services Certificate (ESC) general information, please contact:

Patricia Borbon
SDSU Interwork Institute
3590 Camino del Rio North
San Diego, CA 92108
619/594-4262
619/594-8807 (fax)
pborbon@interwork.sdsu.edu

For Employment Services Certificate (ESC) scheduling of trainings, please contact:

Howard Twomey, Ed. D., CRC
SDSU Interwork Institute
3590 Camino del Rio North
San Diego, CA 92108
916/564-7275
htwomey@interwork.sdsu.edu