Behavior & Mental Health

Introduction To Positive Behavior Supports & Applied Positive Behavior Supports

Introduction to Positive Behavior Supports

This one-day training will introduce the fundamental principles of positive behavior support to help care providers gain an understanding of the origins of problem behavior. It will include an overview of essential elements of behavior support, the influence of mental health on behavior, development of practical support strategies, and a brief overview of functional assessment. After completing this training, the participant will understand the traditional perspectives that make up Positive Behavior Supports, where problem behavior comes from, how to develop and implement effective expectations for positive behaviors, and how prevention plays a key role in providing support to individuals that display persistent problem behaviors.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.  
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this course.
 
Should you have any additional questions related to this training, please refer to:Positive Behavior Support FAQ
  
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
 
Status Date Time Location Registration
Full April 16, 2025  9:30 am - 3:30 pm

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Event Full
Registration Closed
Full April 23, 2025  9:30 am - 3:30 pm

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Event Full
Registration Closed
Full April 30, 2025  9:30 am - 3:30 pm

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Event Full
Registration Closed
Full May 5, 2025  9:30 am - 3:30 pm

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Event Full
Registration Closed
Open May 7, 2025  9:30 am - 3:30 pm

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Open May 12, 2025  9:30 am - 3:30 pm

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Open May 20, 2025  9:30 am - 3:30 pm

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Applied Positive Behavior Supports: Functional Behavior Assessment and Development of Behavior Support Plans

This course builds on the principles of Introduction to Positive Behavior Supports, as outlined in the foundations course. In many cases, people who engage in persistent patterns of problem behaviors demonstrate complex behaviors with many underlying causes. This training will assist participants in learning to conduct a team-based, multi-component, Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to systematically assess these behaviors and identify the underlying function or motivation. The second phase of the training will illustrate how to use this information to develop effective intervention plans to address ongoing behavior and mental health needs and support quality of life.   
 
Note:This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.  
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Prerequisite:  Completion of Introduction to Positive Behavior Supports
 
Should you have any additional questions related to this training, please refer to: Positive Behavior Support FAQ
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open April 28, 2025  9:30 am - 3:30 pm

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Understanding and Addressing the Needs of People with Dual Diagnosis

This one-day workshop will review the relationship between mental health and/or mental illness, and problem behavior.  We will look at ways that mental illness may contribute to problem behavior, strategies to support individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses, and coordinating behavior intervention with therapeutic supports.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.  
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this course.
 
Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Positive Behavior Supports is strongly recommended
 
Should you have any additional questions related to this training, please refer to: Positive Behavior Support FAQ
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 6, 2025  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Behavior & Mental Health Supplemental

An Introduction to Psychopharmacology in Autism: Looking at Medication and Behavioral Intervention to Address Challenging Behavior

Many individuals with Autism Spectrum disorders engage in challenging and difficult behaviors, including aggression and self-injury, and medications are frequently used in the effort to treat these behaviors. In many cases these individuals are placed on multiple medications over an extended period of time. This can lead to questions about the necessity of being on medication for an extended period of time, the need for multiple medications, and the impact this having on their health and behavior.
This workshop will provide an introductory overview to the use of medications. The presentation will address key considerations for the use of medication including potential benefits, side effects, and other common concerns. The potential impact of effectively using behavioral strategies and environmental accommodations, along with supporting research, will also be discussed. In order to explore the effective coordination of these strategies, a case illustration will be reviewed, which exemplifies both positive impact and limitations for each of these strategies.
 
Note: To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this course.
 
Should you have any additional questions related to this training, please refer to: Positive Behavior Support FAQ
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
 
 
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open June 25, 2025  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Autism and Anxiety: Treatment Recommendations based on Neurological Research

Research has demonstrated a high rate of co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and anxiety disorders.  A variety of clinical and behavior support strategies have been developed based on the traditional theories of social/emotional development within ASD.  This session will provide an overview of recent brain research that has discovered a pattern of brain waves associated with anxiety, that are triggered by classic social demands, such as making eye contact.  Based on this review, potential changes in the manner of clinical intervention that should be considered, along with behavior modification and support strategies will be discussed.  
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this course.
 
Should you have any additional questions related to this training, please refer to: Positive Behavior Support FAQ
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.  
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 16, 2025  10:00 am - 11:00 am

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Autism and Co-occurring Anxiety Disorders: A Hidden Challenge in Problem Behavior

Estimates of co-occurring Anxiety Disorders among individuals with Autism range from 15% to 80%. Factors that make this diagnosis difficult and strategies to adapt behavioral supports and treatment to address this co-occurrence will be discussed. This presentation will discuss the importance of looking for signs of anxiety in individuals with ASD, advocating for clinical assessment of these concerns, and looking for ways to adapt daily support planning and behavioral planning in light of the concerns about a potential anxiety disorder. A model for integrating diagnosis and treatment of an anxiety disorder with a Functional Behavior Assessment and Proactive Behavior Support Plan will be presented. Additional strategies for adapting relaxation activities for individuals with ASD and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities will be discussed.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this course.
 
Should you have any additional questions related to this training, please refer to: Positive Behavior Support FAQ
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open April 30, 2025  10:00 am - 11:00 am

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Promoting Relaxation for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

This presentation will introduce why people with I/DD are at greater risk for experiencing stress and anxiety and teach attendees about the need for promoting relaxation across settings. We will review how to set up positive environments that promote relaxation for all, as well as specific strategies to prepare individuals to cope effectively with anxiety inducing situations when there’s a known risk or diagnosis.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this course.
 
Should you have any additional questions related to this training, please refer to: Positive Behavior Support FAQ
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 29, 2025  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Supporting Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities in Trauma Recovery

People with disabilities are likely to experience some form of trauma during their lifetime. The effects and signs of these past experiences may be overlooked or untreated. This session will explore the types of traumatic events that are common and risk factors for people with IDD. Participants will learn strategies to support coping and recovery from trauma, including methods to enhance their own self-awareness and self-regulation skills.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this course.
 
Should you have any additional questions related to this training, please refer to: Positive Behavior Support FAQ
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
Status Date Time Location Registration
Closed April 14, 2025  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Zoom

Registration is closed

Community Supports & Quality

Community Supports And Quality

Personal Outcome Measures®: An Introduction

Human service organizations are charged with developing and implementing supports that help people with disabilities achieve the lives they want as fully included members of their communities. The Council on Quality and Leadership’s (CQL) Personal Outcome Measures® are a powerful tool to ensure these supports and services are truly person-centered. They are used to understand the presence, importance and achievement of outcomes, involving choice, health, safety, social capital, relationships, rights, goals, dreams, employment and more. This workshop provides an opportunity for people receiving supports, family members, and professionals to build an understanding of Personal Outcome Measures® and their use in planning for and facilitating quality supports that lead to valued lives in the community.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.  
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work  
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open April 30, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Open May 22, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Community-Based Instruction

Community-Based Instruction

Community-Based Instruction (CBI) Overview

Community-Based Instruction (CBI) is an evidence-based instructional practice that supports students with disabilities during the transition from school to adult life by promoting positive post-school outcomes in the areas of community living, postsecondary education, and careers. When the community is utilized as a learning environment it provides practical, meaningful opportunities for students to develop skills in authentic experiences thus promoting greater independence, interdependence, and enhanced quality of life once reaching adulthood. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of what Community-Based Instruction entails and the potential benefits it can offer to their students through its instructional approach.
 
Note:This training provides a total of 1.5 hours of professional development.
 
This training currently is ONLY open to NJ school staff.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJDOE Professional Development Hours.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Closed March 31, 2025  9:30 am - 11:00 am

Zoom

Registration is closed
Open May 13, 2025  9:30 am - 11:00 am

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Job Coaching for Career Exploration in Community Settings

This two-day training will focus on equipping paraprofessionals who perform job coaching duties to support students at worksites in the community with essential skills rooted in the Employment First framework. Participants will delve into understanding disability employment realities, clarifying their role within work-based learning experiences, and applying Employment First principles to enhance coaching effectiveness. Through interactive sessions, reflective exercises, and collaborative discussions, participants will gain practical insights and strategies to foster student success in competitive integrated employment settings. This training aims to empower job coaches to align their practices with inclusive employment principles, ultimately supporting students with disabilities in achieving positive postschool outcomes
 
Note: This two-day training provides a total of 8 hours of professional development. Completion of day one is required to attend day two.
 
This training is ONLY open to New Jersey school staff. When performing the role of job coaching, school-based job coaches must be supervised by a certified teacher who has completed the required courses to coordinate Work-Based Learning (formerly SLE). For more information about work-based learning coordination, please visit the New Jersey Safe Schools Program
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJDOE Professional Development Hours.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 7 & 14, 2025  9:30 am - 2:00 pm

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Quality Career Development: Making the Most of CBI for Career Exploration

Research indicates that quality career development programs and engagement in Work-Based Learning (WBL) before exiting school are critical factors that lead to successful post-school employment outcomes. Participation in relevant career exploration and community-based learning experiences is vital for preparing students with disabilities to achieve competitive, integrated employment (CIE). During this interactive training participants will learn how to implement best practices to enhance career programming for students with disabilities, effectively employ tools for creating authentic and meaningful workplace experiences, leverage diverse supports to guide students along their desired career paths, and explore comprehensive information-gathering techniques that support person-centered planning and promote informed choice, and self-determination.
 
Prerequisite: While it is not a pre-requisite, this training is intended to follow our Marketing Matters: Making the Most of Community-Based Instruction training, which establishes foundational knowledge on relevant employment legislation and initiatives and how to establish and maintain community partnerships to support career exploration.
 
Note: This training provides a total of 3 hours of professional development.
 
This training is currently ONLY open to NJ school staff.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJDOE Professional Development Hours.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 8, 2025  9:30 am - 12:30 pm

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Community-Based Instruction Community Of Practice Events

Community of Practice (VCoP) is a group of individuals who share a concern or passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. The CBI VCoP sessions provide opportunities for practitioners to share resources, experiences, stories, tools, classroom lessons, and problem-solving strategies. The VCoP is intended for educators, administrators, job coaches, support staff and other school staff interested in collaborating, connecting, and sharing information on CBI practices.

CBI Program Showcase

The CBI Showcase is an opportunity to share and celebrate the successes of CBI practitioners from schools and districts around New Jersey. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about CBI implementation experiences and strategies from diverse stakeholders. Time for networking with the community and Q & A with presenters will also be included. Registrants will receive an agenda prior to the event. If you would like to learn more about presenting at the CBI showcase, please send your inquiry to the CBI Project team.
 
Note: This series is ONLY open to New Jersey school staff.
 
This training provides a total of 3 hours of professional development.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJDOE Professional Development Hours.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open June 2, 2025  9:00 am - 12:00 pm

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Virtual Community of Practice (VCoP) Session 3: Exploring AI Tools to Enhance CBI Planning

Join us to explore how AI tools can simplify and enhance planning for Community-Based Instruction. This session introduces user-friendly AI applications to support goal setting, data collection, and the development of instructional materials for educators to implement practical and meaningful lessons that promote student success in the community.
 
This training currently is ONLY open to NJ school staff.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Closed April 1, 2025  9:30 am - 11:00 am

Zoom

Registration is closed

Foundations Of Community-Based Instruction Series For New School Personnel

Schools frequently encounter challenges that may jeopardize the quality of CBI implementation over time including staff turnover, staff reassignments, or increased staffing needs. Schools and districts are more likely to sustain CBI practices if there are available trained personnel to continue utilizing the practice. To address this need, the Foundations of CBI Training Series for New Personnel, is offered annually to support new school personnel from previously established CBI teams to support maintenance and sustainability of existing CBI practices and programming.
 
An individual will not be considered to have been fully trained in the Foundations of CBI until after the successful completion of ALL four days.

Foundations of CBI Day 2: Transforming Post-School Outcomes Using Quality Planning

Participation in community opportunities is vital for the development and growth of personal relationships, friendships, and connections to other areas of adult life, including employment, higher education, and independent living. When students with disabilities receive systematic, authentic, and engaging community-based instruction across all 4 domains (community living, recreation and leisure, career awareness, and career exploration) they are more likely to experience increased access to community-based, integrated activities which not only promote positive post-school outcomes but also quality of life. During this session, participants will learn more about the 4 domains of CBI and understand how to utilize strategic planning, ecological inventories, and stakeholder feedback to prioritize meaningful learning experiences that are relevant to students within their communities.
 
Note: This series is ONLY open to individual school staff who are new to CBI practices and are employed in a district that has been previously trained and has an established CBI implementation team.
 
This training provides a total of 4 hours of professional development.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJDOE Professional Development Hours.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Closed April 9, 2025  9:30 am - 2:00 pm

Zoom

Registration is closed

Foundations of CBI Day 3: Best Practices in CBI Implementation Across Domains

Participants will learn to incorporate CBI into their instructional routine as a complement to the in-school instruction provided. In-school instruction alone is often insufficient for teaching students with disabilities who need additional opportunities to practice and apply skills in meaningful experiences. Functional skills reliant on the application of academic knowledge and social skills are best taught through systematic instruction in naturally occurring community environments (traditional or virtual) that provide students with authentic and rewarding learning opportunities. This training includes strategies and techniques for using systematic instruction in the classroom and community, as well as prompting systems, data collection strategies, incorporating technology, reinforcement considerations, and planning for maintenance and generalization.
 
Note: This series is ONLY open to individual school staff who are new to CBI practices and are employed in a district that has been previously trained and has an established CBI implementation team.
 
This training provides a total of 4 hours of professional development.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJDOE Professional Development Hours.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 21, 2025  9:30 am - 2:00 pm

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Foundations of CBI Day 4: Supporting and Sustaining Leadership and Logistics

Due to the unique management and logistical challenges related to implementing CBI, schools may struggle when establishing or planning substantial growth of this practice. During this session, participants will learn about major programming areas including stakeholder involvement, budgets, policies and procedures, master planning including the training and coordination of personnel, selecting activities and locations, curriculum development, and the use of systematic instruction to ensure CBI is consistently implemented with quality. Participants will have the opportunities to assess their school/district’s current CBI practices and determine how they will contribute to existing CBI Action Plans.
 
Note: This series is ONLY open to individual school staff who are new to CBI practices and are employed in a district that has been previously trained and has an established CBI implementation team.
 
This training provides a total of 4 hours of professional development.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJDOE Professional Development Hours.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open June 5, 2025  9:30 am - 2:00 pm

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Employment

Employment Specialist Foundations: Basic Knowledge And Skills

Employment Specialist Foundations: Basic Knowledge and Skills is the recently redesigned certification series for New Jersey employment specialists/job coaches. It is a regularly updated four-day series of interactive, competency-based workshops designed for beginning Employment Specialists working for a DVRS Supported Employment Vendor and/or DDD Community Service Provider offering Supported Employment Services. The content would also be beneficial to school job coaches and transition coordinators. Participants will learn best-practice, evidence-based approaches to all phases of supported employment services (assessment and discovery, job development, job coaching, and follow along for job retention). The course is designed to prepare otherwise qualified staff for The Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) exam by providing an overview of the five core areas identified as crucial for ability to work as a supported employment specialist.
 
While staff will benefit most by participating in the four training days sequentially, the series is designed so that each day’s content exists as a distinct, stand-alone learning experience. For each day, participants will receive a certificate of completion. An individual will not be considered to have met the DDD/DVRS vendor requirements for competency in supported employment services until after the successful completion of all four days. It will be the responsibility of the agency to ensure staff meets the four-day participation requirements.

Employment Specialist Foundations Day 1: Assessment/Discovery Phase

An overview and history of community-based employment and how-to strategies for effective job seeker assessment/discovery phase to maximize future job matching.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work, CRCC, NJDOE
Status Date Time Location Registration
Full April 7, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Zoom

Registration is closed
Open May 13, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Open June 4, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Employment Specialist Foundations Day 2: Job Development Phase

An introduction to job development including marketing strategies, negotiating with employers, analyzing worksites and customizing employment to facilitate good job matching.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work, CRCC, NJDOE
Status Date Time Location Registration
Full April 9, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Zoom

Registration is closed
Open May 15, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Open June 6, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Employment Specialist Foundations Day 3: Job Coaching Phase

An examination of learning styles, direct and systematic instruction on the job site (task analysis, hierarchy of prompts, teaching to natural and artificial cues, error correction, etc.) and data collection.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work, CRCC, NJDOE
Status Date Time Location Registration
Closed April 14, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Zoom

Registration is closed
Open May 20, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Open June 16, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Employment Specialist Foundations Day 4: Long Term Follow Along Phase

A familiarization with the purposes, strategies and documentation of long term follow along supports to boost retention as well as an introduction to employment and the ADA, benefits and employment, and “typicalness” research and employment.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work, CRCC, NJDOE
Status Date Time Location Registration
Full April 16, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Zoom

Event Full
Registration Closed
Open May 22, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Open June 18, 2025  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Employment Specialist Supplemental

Employment Specialist Supplemental: Business Advisory Committees: Networking Support for Job Development

Business advisory committees are not a new concept, they have been used in community-based employment programs for decades. A well-constructed business advisory committee with a clear mission can make job development easier. Developing job opportunities for individuals with disabilities requires making connections with employers and developing strategies to create and expand community links. Starting and maintaining a business advisory committee often takes a backseat to the more pressing needs of day-to-day agency and program operations. Using a number of knowledgeable resources, we will discuss a framework for developing an effective and productive business advisory committee and how to keep it going.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 5, 2025  10:00 am - 12:00 pm

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Employment Specialist Supplemental: Elevating Conversations with Employers - A Job Development Workshop

Diving deeper into language and effective communication is essential for building strong relationships with employers. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of how language shapes interactions, strategies for crafting compelling messages, and techniques for building rapport in initial meetings. Through interactive discussions and activities, this session will help participants develop the confidence to connect with businesses and create meaningful employment opportunities. Please note that working technology—camera, microphone, speakers, and access to breakout rooms and chat—is required for full participation.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open June 30, 2025  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Meaningful Days

Meaningful Days Leading To Fulfilling Lives: Reimagining Our Approach To Supports And Services

This dynamic two-day training is designed to help provider agencies deliver services that reflect the true preferences of the people they support while meeting the HCBS Settings Rule requirements. Participants will learn how to empower individuals through services that embrace choice, dignity, and inclusion while fostering meaningful connections and quality of life. The training invites participants to think creatively and critically about their role in redefining what’s possible for the people they serve. Through a mix of discussions, hands-on activities, and practical tools, participants will leave inspired and ready to take action.
 
Note: This is a training series and taking both Day 1 and Day 2 will be the mandatory pre-requisite to taking any further trainings under the Meaningful Days category offered subsequently.

Day One: Laying the Foundation for Community-Based Supports

Day one focuses on the key principles and federal mandates that shape service delivery, including the HCBS Settings Rule. It connects these requirements to the broader disability rights movement, showing how they can advance equity, inclusion, and self-determination.
 
Participants will explore concepts like meaningful participation, community integration, and self-direction. Activities will prompt reflection on current agency practices and their impact on individuals’ opportunities to live valued, connected lives in their communities.
  
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
This is a training series and taking both Day 1 and Day 2 will be the mandatory pre-requisite to taking any further trainings under the Meaningful Days category offered subsequently.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Full April 28, 2025  10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Zoom

Event Full
Registration Closed
Open June 23, 2025  10:00 am - 2:00 pm

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Day Two: Tools and Strategies for Person-Centered Supports

Day two provides actionable tools and strategies for elevating service quality. Participants will learn about person-centered planning approaches, including Charting the LifeCourse, and discover how to design supports that reflect each person’s unique goals and values.
 
Practical methods like community mapping that helps identify local resources and create opportunities for meaningful participation will be shared. Activities will focus on designing intentional, engaging activities that align with person-centered principles.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
This is a training series and taking both Day 1 and Day 2 will be the mandatory pre-requisite to taking any further trainings under the Meaningful Days category offered subsequently.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open April 30, 2025  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Open June 25, 2025  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Meaningful Days Leading To Fulfilling Lives: Reimagining Our Approach To Specific Services

Participants will build on the foundational knowledge gained in Meaningful Days Leading to Fulfilling Lives: Day One and Day Two by applying it to service-specific trainings offered here. Each session provides opportunities to develop targeted, service-defined strategies that enhance the implementation of person-centered practices.

Day Habilitation and Community Inclusion Services

This training focuses on the service descriptions of Day Habilitation and Community Inclusion, exploring both their similarities and differences. Participants will gain a clear understanding of each service and engage in hands-on practice to create strategies and activities tailored to their unique requirements.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
 
Prerequisite: Meaningful Days Leading to Fulfilling Lives: Reimagining Our Approach to Supports and Services Day One: Laying the Foundation for Community-Based Supports and Day Two: Tools and Strategies for Person-Centered Supports
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 2, 2025  10:00 am - 12:00 pm

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Open June 27, 2025  10:00 am - 12:00 pm

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Prevocational Training Services

This training delves into the service description of Prevocational Training, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the service and its essential components for successful implementation. Through interactive activities, participants will practice designing strategies and activities that align with the goals of Prevocational Training.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey CBVI, DDD, and DVRS, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, DVRS approved vendors, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
 
Prerequisite: Meaningful Days Leading to Fulfilling Lives: Reimagining Our Approach to Supports and Services Day One: Laying the Foundation for Community-Based Supports and Day Two: Tools and Strategies for Person-Centered Supports
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 2, 2025  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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Open June 27, 2025  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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PCAST - Person-Centered Approaches In Schools And Transition

PCAST – Community Of Practice Events

PCAST: Annual Statewide Innovation Swap Meet

Our 11th annual PCAST Innovation Swap Meet sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, in partnership with Rutgers/The Boggs Center on Disability And Human Development. This event is an opportunity for participants in the PCAST project to showcase their efforts related to implementing person-centered approaches and network with other educators, students, and family members.
 
This training currently is only open to Cohort Schools.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 29, 2025  9:30 am - 2:00 pm

LRC - Learning Resource Center Central | Directions
Web Site
200 River View Plaza -1st Floor
Trenton, NJ     08611
609-376-3955
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People With DD And Families

People With DD And Families

A Workshop for Families: Understanding Behavior Change

This training will introduce the fundamental principles of Positive Behavior Support as families navigate behavior change. It will review a brief overview of behavior support, the influence of mental health on behavior, and practical support strategies to prevent challenging behavior.   
 
Note: This training is intended for unpaid family members of people with disabilities and not for professionals /agency employees.  This training cannot be used to fulfill DDD's Intro to PBS training requirement.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Closed April 15, 2025  10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Zoom

Registration is closed

Building Partnerships in Planning through Charting the LifeCourse and Person-Centered Thinking

People with disabilities, families, and support coordinators collaborate to map a vision for life, define outcomes, and select the services and supports to help achieve them. The Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework, developed by the University of Missouri Kansas City, Institute for Human Development, was created to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want. Through engaging activities, this workshop will describe this framework and demonstrate how it can be used to develop plans that are authentically person-centered
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to Employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, Support Coordination agencies, Supports Brokerage Providers, individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open June 11, 2025  10:00 am - 12:30 pm

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Supports Brokerage

Supports Brokerage

Orientation to Supports Brokerage

Supports brokers are the linchpin of the self-directed service model, fostering independence, social engagement, and choice. This orientation provides an overview of self-determination, self-direction, and the basic principles of person-centered thinking and planning. Participants will learn how Supports Brokers collaborate with the person receiving supports, Support Coordinators, the Fiscal Intermediary, and Self-Directed Employees to bring the service plan to life. As part of this two-day training, future Supports Brokers will build skills in the areas of recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising Self-Directed Employees in partnership with those receiving supports. Building community connections and identifying supports outside of the formal service system will also be discussed.
 
Note: A test will be given at the end of the course. In addition to full participation in the class, the test must be passed with an 80% or higher. If the test is not passed the class must be completed again until successful.
 
This training currently is ONLY open to Employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Support Brokerage agencies and those interested in pursuing approval, NJ support coordination agencies, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
 
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open June 4 & 5, 2025  10:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Boggs Center | Directions
Web Site
335 George Street
Third Floor
New Brunswick, NJ     08901
732-235-9300
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Support Coordination

Support Coordination Orientation

Support Coordination Orientation: Person-Centered Planning & Connection to Community Supports

Support Coordinators play an important role in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. They are professionals that help to identify the supports the person needs, plan for the life the person wants, and connect the person to services that will help him/her achieve a quality life in the community. In order to do this support coordinators need to have a working knowledge of the disability system and current models of support, be skilled in person-centered planning, be able to identify a wide array of available community services options, and effectively monitor the quality and effectiveness of supports on an ongoing basis.
 
As a part of the required support coordination orientation, this two-day training will introduce participants to current disability philosophy, best practices, and the roles of a support coordinator. Through a series of engaging activities participants will learn how to develop the person centered planning tool and NJ Individual Service Plan. Strategies to develop personally defined outcomes and goals will be practiced, and concepts related to connecting the person to community-based supports and services will be presented.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to New Jersey Support Coordinators and Support Coordinator Supervisors.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Prerequisite: All participants MUST complete all 4 Lessons found in DDD Support Coordination - Prerequisites on the College of Direct Support a week prior to training date.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
 
 
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open April 21 & 22, 2025  10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Open May 20 & 21, 2025  10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Open June 17 & 18, 2025  10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Support Coordination Workshops

Building Partnerships in Planning through Charting the LifeCourse and Person-Centered Thinking

People with disabilities, families, and support coordinators collaborate to map a vision for life, define outcomes, and select the services and supports to help achieve them. The Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework, developed by the University of Missouri Kansas City, Institute for Human Development, was created to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want. Through engaging activities, this workshop will describe this framework and demonstrate how it can be used to develop plans that are authentically person-centered
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to Employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, Support Coordination agencies, Supports Brokerage Providers, individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open June 11, 2025  10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Zoom

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Coaching Session: Assistive Technology and Apps for Supporting Employment

This coaching session is designed to enhance Support Coordinators' knowledge and expertise in the Assistive Technology and apps available to support people with disabilities in their employment pursuits. Support Coordinators play a vital role in identifying and implementing the right tools to build success in the workplace.
With a wealth of technological solutions at their disposal, it is essential for Support Coordinators to build a strong knowledge base and actively share insights, strategies, and success stories with colleagues. By doing so, they contribute to a broader awareness of best practices, ultimately empowering people to achieve their goals with greater confidence and efficiency.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to DDD/Medicaid Approved Support Coordination agencies and Employees of DDD.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open April 23, 2025  10:00 am - 11:00 am

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Coaching Session: Balancing Important To and Important For in Planning

Support Coordinators play a critical role in helping people with disabilities and their families develop a vision for one’s life .One of the key person-centered concepts involves thinking about what is “important to” the person and what is “important for” the person.  Support Coordinators will share real-life examples  based on case study of intentional person-centered approaches.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to DDD/Medicaid Approved Support Coordination agencies and Employees of DDD.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open June 10, 2025  10:00 am - 11:00 am

Zoom

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Coaching Session: Conflict Resolution Tips and Strategies

Support Coordinators assist people with disabilities as they explore their hopes and dreams and forge a path to achieve goals by connecting to needed supports. This can be a deeply personal and challenging process. Often support coordinators need to navigate conflicting perspectives between people with disabilities, their families, service providers, and others on the team. Through this coaching session, Support Coordinators will share with one antother, strategies to prevent conflict and successfully facilitate resolutions when it does occur.   
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to DDD/Medicaid Approved Support Coordination agencies and Employees of DDD.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 6, 2025  10:00 am - 11:00 am

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Coaching Session: Health - The Support Coordinator’s Role in Lifelong Care

Support Coordinators play an integral role in planning for all the important things in life with the people that they support. Health is an important area where people may need support to get connected to health care practitioners, navigate the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, and engage in preventative health practices. This session will be a discussion of the ways that Support Coordinators can best support people through this area of their lives.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to DDD/Medicaid Approved Support Coordination agencies and Employees of DDD.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open July 10, 2025  10:00 am - 11:00 am

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Navigating Conflict for Support Coordinators

Support Coordinators assist people with disabilities as they explore their hopes and dreams and forge a path to achieve goals by connecting to needed supports. This can be a deeply personal and challenging process. Often support coordinators need to navigate conflicting perspectives between people with disabilities, their families, service providers, and others on the team. Through this training, Support Coordinators will learn how and why conflict happens, along with strategies to prevent conflict and successfully facilitate resolutions when it does occur.       
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to Employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Support Coordination agencies, and Support Coordination agencies authorized by DDD to move forward with the training required in qualifications.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work  
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open June 12, 2025  10:00 am - 12:30 pm

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Behavior Support Overview for the Support Coordinator

One of the roles of Support Coordinators is to identify when supports to address challenging behaviors are needed, and to partner with the person, family, and all those providing support to ensure behavioral needs are met. This training will provide an overview of challenging behavior and related supports, with an emphasis on the Support Coordinator’s role in identifying needs and monitoring for quality and effectiveness of supports. Participants will learn to identify when mental health and behavior supports are needed, educate people with disabilities and their families on what to expect from providers, and monitor the effectiveness of behavior support services.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to Employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Support Coordination agencies, and Support Coordination agencies authorized by DDD to move forward with the training required in qualifications.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work  
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 13, 2025  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Developing Person-Centered Outcomes: Technical Assistance Workshop for Support Coordinators

The development of personally-defined outcomes is the cornerstone of a quality individual service plan (ISP). Information support coordinators gather throughout the planning process helps to describe what the person would like to achieve and the supports and services needed to make this a reality. The role support coordinators play in facilitating conversations with people with disabilities and their families is crucial to helping people describe their vision for life, define outcomes, and select the services and supports that will help them to achieve this. Through the use of a presentation and guided practice, this workshop will teach participants techniques useful in the identification of person-centered outcomes.
 
In order to participate, Support Coordinators need to bring a print out of a completed PCPT and NJISP of a person she/he is currently working with (names and identifiers blacked out). These documents will be used throughout the workshops.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to New Jersey Support Coordinators and Support Coordinator Supervisors.   
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Prerequisite:  Completion of SC Orientation and actively working with a caseload for at least 30 days. Support Coordinators that have taken the SC Orientation fewer than 30 days prior will not be registered and should attend a workshop at a later date.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work  
 
 
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open May 7, 2025  10:30 am - 1:00 pm

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Workforce Development & Frontline Supervisors

Workforce Development

College of Direct Support Administrator Training

These trainings are designed for staff provider agencies designate as their College of Direct Support Administrators. Participants may include: administrative assistants, human resources staff, and agency trainers. Participation in these trainings will help agencies meet the minimum requirement of tracking Pre-Service training and use the optional state of the art continuing education opportunities available through the College of Direct Support. In these trainings, administrators will learn how to enroll new staff into the CDS system using the DDD required fields, release CDS course/lessons to staff, track Pre-Service and other agency training, and generate reports on an individual and agency basis.     
 
Given the hands-on instruction provided in this training, all participants must use a laptop or desktop computer in order to toggle between the Zoom and a web browser. Alternate devices such smart phones, Tablets, iPads and Kindle Fire are NOT acceptable.   
 
In advance of the training, participants must download the CDS Adminstrator Manual and print or have available on an alternate screen (e.g. second screen, phone, tablet) to refer to as needed throughout the training and use after successful completion.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD and DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers.  
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Status Date Time Location Registration
Full April 22, 2025  10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Zoom

Event Full
Registration Closed
Full April 29, 2025  12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Zoom

Event Full
Registration Closed
Full May 6, 2025  10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Zoom

Event Full
Registration Closed
Full May 13, 2025  12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Zoom

Event Full
Registration Closed
Full May 20, 2025  10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Zoom

Event Full
Registration Closed
Full June 10, 2025  12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Zoom

Event Full
Registration Closed
Open June 17, 2025  10:00 am - 1:30 pm

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Open June 24, 2025  12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

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Frontline Supervisors

Frontline Supervision Series: Hiring and Onboarding

Frontline Supervisors play an integral role in promoting successful practices for hiring and retaining quality Direct Support Professionals. This course focuses on building skills to improve organizational personnel practices, including staff recruitment, selection, hiring, and onboarding. Participants will learn effective strategies for: recruiting and interviewing DSPs, implementing hiring practices that involve the individual who will be receiving supports, and enhancing retention through orientation and onboarding.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
Status Date Time Location Registration
Open April 17, 2025  10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Zoom

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Frontline Supervision Series: Supervision, Leadership, and Promoting Professionalism

Frontline Supervisors are leaders and supporters, enhancing the capacity of their team to work together toward common goals. This course focuses on building skills to ensure competence, accountable performance, continuing professional development, and support for those supervised. Participants will learn strategies for: promoting professional relations and teamwork, building effective teams, facilitating collaborative problem-solving, managing conflict, and reviewing performance.
 
Note: This training currently is ONLY open to employees of New Jersey DDD, DDD/Medicaid Approved Providers, and individuals with disabilities and family members.
To meet the training needs of the entire state, there is a limit of participants per agency for this training.
 
Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.
 
Continuing Education Credit: NJ Social Work
Status Date Time Location Registration
Full May 29, 2025  10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Zoom

Event Full
Registration Closed