Current IEI Trainings
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IEI Trainings are designed for mental health, behavioral health, vocational rehabilitation service providers, and mental health consumers. They are offered throughout *southern New Jersey. A wide range of topics from basic skills to advanced practice are available each season and are taught by experienced IEI staff.
*Currently, our trainings are being offered through Zoom and are open to anyone interested.
Our trainings are split into prevocational and career services. These interactive trainings give you the tools to facilitate preparatory activities for use with individuals or in a group setting.
There is no fee required for these trainings, however pre-registration is required. Registered participants will be notified in advance of any changes or cancellations via email or phone.
You can view the training offerings below. Offerings are updated seasonally.
NOTE: If a training has less than 3 attendees present, it will be canceled.
Career Services Trainings:
These interactive trainings are designed for practitioners working in vocational services and other rehabilitation and behavioral health settings to improve career services outcomes. This series also includes trainings that cover topics and resources for employee and student wellness.
Currently these trainings are free to anyone, but in the future, there may be a cost to attend if you are out of the state of New Jersey.
IEI Trainings are designed for mental health, behavioral health, vocational rehabilitation service providers, and mental health consumers. IEI webinars may be eligible for most professional license and certification post approval continuing education credits. Please follow up with your specific license or certification body for additional information. A fee may apply for your specific credential.
Earn Continuing Education Credits
Our July 2024 trainings are eligible for CRC/CEU credits offered by the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Participants MUST attend the entire training to apply for these credits.
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July 24, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingRecovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) offers a holistic approach that integrates cognitive behavioral therapy principles with a focus on personal recovery and individual empowerment. In this session, participants will learn how to apply CT-R techniques to help job seekers and postsecondary students overcome barriers, set meaningful career aspirations, and achieve sustainable employment outcomes. Attendees will gain practical interventions to enhance their practice and empower individuals in their journey towards fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.
*CRC CEU eligible*
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July 25, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingPostsecondary students and job seekers with mental health conditions encounter numerous systemic barriers that hinder their access to employment and educational opportunities. Achieving true inclusion and equity for these individuals requires a multifaceted approach that dismantles these barriers and promotes collective action. Join IEI for this 90-minute synchronous webinar session that explores the intersection of disability rights, social justice, and employment/education equity, with a specific focus on addressing the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions. This webinar will provide participants with valuable insights and practical strategies for advancing social justice and disability rights in both the workforce and educational settings, particularly for those affected by mental health conditions.
*CRC CEU eligible*
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July 31, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingWork works! Research indicates the positive impacts of obtaining and maintaining desired roles such as student and worker for individuals living with mental health conditions. In this session, we will dive into Peggy Swarbrick’s 8-Dimensions of Wellness model, as adopted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), with a focus on how the attainment of vocational goals impact each of the 8 dimensions. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of the holistic 8-Dimensions model and will be provided with resources to support the wellness of job seekers and students.
*CRC CEU eligible*
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September 11, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingLet’s consider how our programs and practices can support the Transitional Age Youth and Young Adult (TAYYA) population in their shift from secondary school to post-secondary education. In this session, we will review the differences in accessing academic support and accommodations in high school as compared to college and/or post-secondary training. Strategies for supporting skill development for TAY students in self-advocacy and disclosure will be discussed, including an overview of common accommodations for students in post-secondary education. Attendees will build skills and identify resources to promote success for TAY students in their transition to post-secondary opportunities.
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September 12, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingThis session will explore the common goals that clinical and vocational providers share, review the role of clinical staff in the return-to-work process, and discuss approaches to increase collaboration between employment programs and clinical staff.
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September 18, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingDid you know you can record your class lecture or important work meetings with a pen? Come and try out some of the technology that’s making the workplace and classroom more accessible. This interactive course will provide a look into accommodations and assistive technology used to improve performance in work and school. Various types of Assistive Technology and smartphone apps will be demonstrated and participants will get hands on opportunities to try some of the technology. An overview of pertinent legislation and community and web resources for assessing individual needs will be discussed.
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September 19, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingExplore employment for persons who experience both a mental illness and substance use disorders. The session will review the impact of alcohol and drugs on psychosocial functioning. Strategies for working with individuals with co–occurring disorders who are seeking employment will be reviewed.
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September 25, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingCareer satisfaction and success begin with a good understanding of one’s own characteristics, talents, and preferences as well as the specific requirements and features of the many careers. This webinar will provide an overview on how to assist job seekers in assessing information about their values, interests, skills and preferences, and use the information to explore different occupations and relevant labor market information in selecting an occupation.
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September 26, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingUnfortunately, individuals with PTSD and additional mental health conditions have been observed to have worse employment outcomes, lower rates of competitive work, fewer hours worked, and fewer wages earned than those without PTSD. Employers also observe increased rates of employee absenteeism, decreased work performance, and decreased productivity in relation to employees with PTSD. The impact of trauma on employment goals can be profound and is often left unaddressed. This session will review common trauma responses and how to implement Trauma Informed Care (TIC) in career services.
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PART 1: October 2, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingPART 2: October 9, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingHow do you provide job coaching support outside of a person’s job site? In this two-part session, we will explore this question through interactive discussion, skill building and scenario-based application. Attendees will gain knowledge and skills to promote individuals’ success and satisfaction on the job from behind the scenes.
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October 3, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingCompleting a postsecondary education program is hard work, especially for students managing chronic health conditions. This synchronous webinar focuses on equipping direct service staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively provide support and education coaching to postsecondary students with mental health conditions. The training aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the unique needs and experiences of students with mental health conditions, while also offering practical strategies and techniques to build support for wellness and educational goals.
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October 10, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingEmployment success is often related to the quality and type of supports individuals receive on and off the job. Oftentimes, job seekers with mental health conditions are unaware of the types of job supports and accommodations that would mitigate potential barriers to employment success and improved tenure. This lack of awareness may result in limited job options and career advancement opportunities. In this session, attendees will identify methods to assess the employment implications of mental health conditions, explore ways to determine the need for accommodations and other supports/skill development, and apply accommodations to address specific work– related support needs.
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PART 1: October 17, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingPART 2: October 24, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingProviding on the job support, such as job coaching, may be necessary for some job seekers to be successful on the job. At times, Employment Specialists may express concern and uncertainty with how to best provide these supports in the most respectful and least intrusive way. This webinar provides tips and resources on how to effectively provide on-site supports and job coaching while also encouraging the use of natural supports, such as co-workers and others on the job.
Part 2: This session offers the opportunity for attendees to apply the strategies and techniques learned in the first session. Additional resources will be provided for further development of this skill.
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October 23, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingFinancial wellness has a tremendous impact on overall quality of life. In this session, we will explore the domain of financial wellness (one of the eight dimensions in Peggy Swarbrick’s 8D Wellness model, adopted by SAMHSA). For many individuals, increasing financial wellbeing goes hand-in-hand with attaining desired roles as a worker or a student. This session will explore the impact of financial wellness on all other wellness domains and will provide tools and resources useful for building skills in financial wellness.
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October 30, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingAs practitioners, cultivating an antiracist counseling identity is essential for fostering inclusive and equitable environments. This webinar is designed to equip practitioners with the tools and strategies needed to develop an antiracist counseling identity. Through a focus on broaching skills, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to decolonized services, participants will gain valuable insights to challenge racism and promote equity in their professional practice.
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November 11, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingVocational staff are often challenged by job seekers that disengage from services or experience significant delays in pursuing their vocational goals. In this session we will explore best practices for supporting vocational staff in building job seekers commitment and motivation to their employment goals. We will review how to use Motivational Interviewing to enhance vocational outcomes.
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November 13, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual Training -
PART 1 November 13, 2024
1 PM – 2:30 PM EST
Virtual Training
REGISTER FOR PART ONEPART 2: November 20, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual Training
REGISTER FOR PART TWO -
November 14, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingThis training addresses Motivational Interviewing (MI) in career services settings. Specifically, this training will include an overview of MI and the stages of change model as well as demonstration and practice of skills and strategies to implement MI in your work. We will also review different approaches to match your interventions to job seekers’ stage of change.
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December 4, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingThe creator of the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, Jon Kabat-Zinn, defines mindfulness as: “awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally”. In this session, we will explore mindfulness as a practice, with a focus on the utilization of mindfulness techniques and strategies in our work to support the vocational goals of individuals living with mental health conditions.
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PART 1: December 5, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingPART 2: December 12, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingMany of us at some point in our lives decide what type of information and how much to tell others. We may not formally sit down and consider this decision but we nevertheless weigh the pros and cons of what we would want our peers to know about us. Researchers in this area (McGahey et al., 2014) describe this type of disclosure decision making as developing a plan for managing personal information (PMPI). This workshop will provide resources and strategies to assist students in developing a PMPI in higher education, including assessing the need for and requesting reasonable accommodations.
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December 11, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual TrainingMental Health crises significantly impact a person’s employment. Mental health crises include an increase in symptoms, feeling extremely overwhelmed, loss of productivity, increased absenteeism, and being not able to work or perform at work. This training will explore situations that lead or contribute to a crisis and discuss warning signs of a mental health crisis. Finally, the training will focus on developing a crisis plan, using the SAMHSA Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery tool that helps to identify 1) how the person feels when well, 2) symptoms, 3) supporters, 4) health care providers, and medications, 5) treatment, 6) planning for care treatment, 7) treatment options, 8) what the person needs from others, and 9) recognizing recovery.
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December 17, 2024
10 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Virtual Training
Prevocational Services Professional Development:
This series is designed for NJ practitioners working in supported employment, supported education, vocational services, partial care/partial hospitalization, and other behavioral health and rehabilitation settings. The focus is on preparatory activities designed for use with individuals or in group settings. The series starts in the Fall and continues through the Spring of each year.
Completion of all modules in the Prevocational Series will result in a Certificate of Completion, which is required for mental health agencies by The Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS) and Medicaid.
NOTE: The Pre-Voc trainings are for New Jersey providers ONLY. Please do not register for these if you are from out of state. If you have questions, email us: iei@shp.rutgers.edu
Registration for the Pre-Voc Series Group is CLOSED.
NOTE: ONLY register for this series if you are a NJ practitioner!
This is a 12 session series from September to April. You will receive a certificate of completion when you complete all 12 sessions. This certificate is required for mental health agencies in NJ to ensure staff competency.
Registration for the next cohort will open up in Fall 2024.
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September 5th, 2023
10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual TrainingAttendees will examine the importance of recovery, explore the relationship of work and recovery, and identify empowerment strategies that promote work and careers. Additionally, attendees will learn information to counter common myths about work and mental illness and describe the benefits and barriers of returning to work.
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All sessions from 10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual Training
The S1 communication series is inclusive of skills that are essential to know for the remainder of the series; it’s important for attendees not to miss a part.9/12: Part 1 – Relationship Building & Engagement
9/19: Part 2 – Active Listening & Reflecting
9/26: Part 3 – Readiness Development
10/3: Part 4 – Putting it all Together; Skills Application
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October 10th, 2023
10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual TrainingThis session focuses on assisting job seekers with developing career goals and objectives. We’ll review the importance of developing goals that are consistent with job seekers’ interests, preferences, and career-related values as well as identifying the elements of SMART goals. Additionally, we’ll practice developing SMART goals. Please come prepared with a goal in mind, either your own or a job seeker’s, so that we can apply SMART goal planning during the call. We will also review strategies to include consumers as an integral part of identifying the information that should be included in the overall recovery and career goal planning.
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All sessions from 10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual Training10/17: Part 1
10/24: Part 2This two-part session will explore employment development from a career-oriented perspective in order to assist people in achieving productive job matches. It will include approaches to facilitate the process for people who are determining their values, interests, preferences, and in increasing their knowledge of the work world.
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All sessions from 10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual Training10/31: Part 1
11/7: Part 2These workshops will look at supports from two perspectives. First, participants will learn why family members are invaluable resources and how they can engage family members through the vocational process. Second, you will learn about community resources that are available to assist people with mental illness overcome barriers to work.
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All sessions from 10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual Training11/14: Part 1
11/21: Part 2Explore employment for persons who experience both a mental illness and substance use disorders. These sessions will review the impact of alcohol and drugs on psychosocial functioning. Strategies for working with individuals with co-occurring disorders who are seeking employment will be reviewed.
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January 9th, 2024
10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual TrainingAs employment specialists and job developers, we provide assistance in the job search while also supporting individuals in learning and using key job seeking skills, such as completing applications, resume writing, interviewing and locating employers. This session will provide resources and strategies to support job seekers’ self-directed job searches. Discussions will clarify the employment specialist’s role in supporting independent job searches as well the tools to promote job seekers’ engagement in the job development process.
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All sessions from 10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual Training1/16: Part 1
1/23: Part 2Oftentimes, consumers are unsure about returning to work because of concerns regarding the impact of work on Social Security and other entitlements. This training provides an overview of the definition of disability according to SSA guidelines and distinguishes between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In addition, trainees will examine how work may impact SSDI and SSI recipients’ benefits and the resources available to support job seekers in understanding work incentives and Social Security planning.
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All sessions from 10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual Training1/30: Part 1
2/06: Part 2
2/13: Part 3These trainings provide an overview of the six dimensions of wellness and discusses strategies to maintain health in each dimension. We will introduce the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) as a self-directed recovery tool that is created by an individual to pursue their path to recovery as well as discuss other relapse prevention strategies that can be utilized to increase employment success.
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February 20th, 2024
10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual TrainingThis session will explore the common goals that clinical and vocational providers share, review the role of clinical staff in the return-to-work process, and discuss approaches to increase collaboration between employment programs and clinical staff.
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All sessions from 10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual Training2/27: Part 1
3/05: Part 2
This training will examine the benefits and challenges of offering employment support groups, provide information on how to start a group, and offer tips on making the groups effective and interesting for participants.
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All sessions from 10 AM – 11 AM EST
Virtual Training3/12: Part 1
3/19: Part 2
3/26: Part 3This training will examine how skills groups differ from support and other types of groups (e.g., psycho-education, mutual self-help). Learn group leadership skills for successful employment skills groups as well as the steps for teaching skills in effective and interesting groups.
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If you are unable to attend our regular training series due to work conflicts, we offer the following options:
- Joining Your Team Meetings: Our trainers can join team meetings at your organization and present on a scheduled topic.
- Monthly Professional Development Seminar: These can be scheduled monthly or as-needed. You have the option to choose one of our offered topics or work with IEI to create something custom for your organization.
- Lunch & Learn: Get some skill and professional development in during your lunch hour. For more information on any of these options, email us at iei@shp.rutgers.edu