Supporting Meaningful Employment Series (SME) Overview
Training Location:
All sessions will be held in-person at the Sherlock Center on Disabilities. Download the SME Training Flyer and Schedule  for complete details. The Sherlock Center follows RI College in-person COVID guidance. In the event of a COVID resurgence, masks may be required and/or training will revert to an online format.
Learner Time Commitment:
Each in-person training module is 3.5 hours. Learners are also required to participate remotely in an orientation session (1 hour) and three mentor / fieldwork sessions (1 hour each), in addition to satisfactory completion of fieldwork assignments.
To support course completion, learners are expected to begin fieldwork during the course and meet projected assignment due dates. Learners are encouraged to access 1:1 fieldwork support offered through the Sherlock Center.
Learner Technology Requirements for Online Mentor/Fieldwork Sessions:
Learners will participate in instructor-led sessions using Zoom. To participate, learners will need a computer, laptop, or tablet with reliable internet access with sufficient bandwidth and a camera. It is recommended that learners have dedicated time and space when attending sessions.
It is recommended that learners install a free version of Adobe Reader (https://get.adobe.com/reader/) on the device that will be used to participate in the course. It will be the responsibility of the learner to download or print materials to complete assignments.
ACRE Certificate
The Sherlock Center offers two paths to earn an ACRE Certificate. The recommended path is to register for the full ACRE series, which allow learners to complete the required modules, mentor/fieldwork sessions, and fieldwork assignments within as little time as five months or up to 12 months.
The alternative path is to build an ACRE Certificate by completing the three SME mini-series and required fieldwork assignments within a 24-month period. See information below regarding the mini-series requirements.
Modules:
View Module Descriptions
Note: Each module is conducted over two remote sessions; each session is 1.5 hours.
Module 1 |
Foundations in Community Employment Services and Supports |
Module 2 |
Work Incentives to Support Employment and Retention |
Module 3 |
Vocational Assessment I - Getting to Know the Job Seeker |
Module 4 |
Vocational Assessment II- Person-Centered Employment Planning Process |
Module 5 |
Vocational Assessment III- Strategies for Community Exploration and Individualized Job Search Planning |
Module 6 |
Employment Law, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Disability Disclosure |
Module 7 |
Job Development I - Job Search Practices to Support Meaningful Employment |
Module 8 |
Job Development II - Employer Assessment and Individualized Approach to a Job Match |
Module 9 |
Job Development lll - Employer Relationships and Negotiations |
Module 10 |
Job Retention and Coaching l - Foundations in Job Retention Success |
Module 11 |
Job Retention and Coaching II - Teaching the Job- Task Analysis and Systematic Instruction |
Module 12 |
Job Retention and Coaching III - Fading Support, Quality Services and Career Development |
The SME curriculum is approved by the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) for a Basic Certificate in Employment Services. ACRE is a national organization of training providers and professionals. Employment Services curriculum is reviewed by ACRE to meet competency based standards. Completers of ACRE training are listed in a national certificate registry. |
SME Mini-Series Opportunities
Learners may register for one or more SME Mini-Series to earn a certificate in a specific skill area - Vocational Assessment and Employment Planning, Job Development, or Job Retention and Coaching. To receive a certificate, the learner will complete specific modules (as indicated below) and satisfactorily complete the required fieldwork assignments within 12 months from enrollment.
SME Mini-Series certificates are not ACRE Approved certificates. However, participants can earn an ACRE Certificate by completing all three SME Certificates, along with the required fieldwork assignments, within a 24-month period.
|
Certificate |
Requirements |
Vocational Assessment and Employment Planning Certificate |
Orientation session, modules 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, mentor / fieldwork session, and satisfactory completion of fieldwork assignment. |
Job Development Certificate |
Orientation session, modules 1, 6, 7, 8, & 9, mentor / fieldwork session, and satisfactory completion of fieldwork assignment. |
Job Retention and Coaching Certificate |
Orientation session, modules 1, 6, 10, 11, & 12, mentor / fieldwork session, and satisfactory completion of fieldwork assignment. |
Note: Some modules are applicable to more than one certificate
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Registration
Please use the online registration form to register for any of the SME Training Series options, including Module Make-up sessions.
Space is limited. First priority is given to BHDDH DD provider organizations and Self-Directed Support staff/representatives.
Sessions are offered free of charge to participants working for a RI organization, which includes Self-Directed Supports staff/representatives..
Fees apply for participants working for out-of-state organizations/locations. The full ACRE Series is $500; Mini-Certificate sessions are $200 per certificate.
Registration deadlines vary by session. Refer to the training schedule for specific registration deadlines.
The Sherlock Center reserves the right to cancel any session due to low enrollment.
Accommodations Requests
If you need a reasonable accommodation (e.g. ASL Interpreter, large print, closed captions) or information in a language other than English, please make your request known when you register or contact Elaine Sollecito.
ACRE Certificate Registry
Registration Support
If you need help or have questions regarding the schedule or registration, please contact Vanessa Hollands or call (401) 456-8072.
If you have questions regarding the training content or requirements, contact Vicki Ferrara.
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W3C approved.