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This course explores best practices that guide employment professionals in delivering high-quality, person-centered services. Participants will examine how an Employment First mindset shapes discovery, planning meetings, and job development by focusing on individual strengths, interests, and employment conditions. The training highlights effective employer engagement, including preparation, relationship building, communicating supports, and following through. Learners will review pre-placement activities such as non-traditional interviews, onboarding, applications, and preparing for the first day. The course also introduces job coaching strategies that presume independence, build on success, enhance company training, and encourage flexibility and creativity. Finally, participants will learn how to fade support gradually, prioritize communication, and leverage natural supports to promote long-term success for both the employee and the employer.
Objectives
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe the steps of person-centered employment, including discovery, the planning meeting, job development, job skills training, and fading.
- Document services using required case note components, including who, what service, where, follow-up, objective language, and protection of sensitive PII.
- Apply strategies to develop natural supports and implement a plan for fading that prevents trainer dependency while maintaining communication with the employer.
About the presenters:
Peggy Schmidt is Associate Director at UNT WISE; Peggy brings over 25 years of experience in supported employment and disability services. She has led statewide programs, managed federal grants, and championed initiatives like pre-ETS work readiness classes and HHSC Vocational Apprenticeships. A dedicated advocate, Peggy serves on the Rehabilitation Council of Texas and holds a B.S. in Sociology and Criminal Justice.
Dr. Paula Fuller is a Sr. Program Project Coordinator at UNT WISE. With extensive experience in training, facilitation, and program development, Paula has been a professional educator and trainer for multiple years. Her specializations include utilizing data and instructional technology to drive program development.
