Bootcamp Courses

In-Person Intensive Skills and Strategies Bootcamps

Jump to Section:

Overview Bootcamp Details

Custom Bootcamp Option

To arrange for one or more bootcamps to be provided in your state, please contact Kimberly J. Osmani by email at kosmani@cornell.edu or by phone at (405) 410-5296, to discuss contract, pricing, travel, and specific content needs.

Learn more about custom learning options here.

Overview

These in-person, 2-day bootcamps emphasize skill building/enhancement and direct application of the material through a variety of interactive and applied activities. They can be offered in multiple locations in your state to meet the needs of your participants and to alleviate significant travel.

Partners seeking bootcamps from DWDC should plan to secure all the following:

Accessible training locations/facilities with required technology (e.g., LCD projectors, screens, microphones, audio)
Parking details/passes
Any provided food/beverage service, and local food options
Onsite learning accommodations, such as CART captioning and ASL interpreting
Communication with registrants about location, times, materials, accommodations, and other needs prior to the bootcamp
The issuing of any certificates of participation/completion should attendees need or request that documentation

DWDC will ensure that all bootcamp materials are 508-compliant to be accessible for all participants and will disseminate materials to all registered participants electronically prior to the start of the bootcamp. Upon completion of each bootcamp, the DWDC team will send to the participants a follow-up survey, and send to the contracting partner a list of all registrants, a list of actual participants, and a summary report from the training evaluation.

In addition, the DWDC team is available for personalized technical assistance and/or to host office hours support following each bootcamp, which can be added to the contract.

Bootcamp Details

#1 Back-to-Basics Bootcamp for New Employment Service Professionals

This two-day, in-person bootcamp is designed to equip an employment service professional (ESP) who is fairly new to their position (or as a refresher for experienced ESPs) with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively support individuals with disabilities working toward achieving their career goals.

Through hands-on/interactive sessions, case scenarios, and practical exercises across three modules, new ESPs will learn and practice skills related to choosing and conducting assessments, using results to drive planning and service needs, conducting job searches, aligning to interests and skills, the art and science of job development, and providing job coaching supports during employment.

Topics:

Module 1: Orientation to Employment Services
Module 2: Assessment and Employment Planning
Module 3: Foundations of Job Development
Module 4: Foundations of Job Coaching

#2 Advanced Skills Bootcamp for Employment Service Providers

This two-day, in-person bootcamp is designed to equip all employment service professionals (ESPs) with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively support individuals with disabilities who are navigating the job search process. This bootcamp is more task-based and strategy-focused than the Back-to-Basics Bootcamp and is recommended for those who want to put their knowledge and skills to practice hands-on during the event. Please bring a laptop, tablet, or other device to this bootcamp.

Through hands-on/interactive sessions, case scenarios, and practical exercises across four modules, ESPs will enhance their ability to support career exploration and development, career readiness, and navigating the hiring process for people with disabilities. This bootcamp also dives into how ESPs can facilitate community engagement and coordinate services to help job seekers achieve their goals.

Topics:

Module 1: Career Exploration and Development
Module 2: Career Readiness: Preparation for Success
Module 3: Community Engagement and Service Coordination
Module 4: Beyond the Offer: What to Do Once They Get the Job

#3 Conversations That Count: Mental Health, Disability, and Workplace Success

This two-day, in-person bootcamp is designed to equip all employment service professionals (ESPs) and their supervisors with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively support individuals with disabilities who are navigating the complexities of mental health (MH) in the workplace. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of common MH symptoms, including those associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and personality disorders, and learn how these symptoms can impact job performance and conduct. The bootcamp will also focus on developing strategies for engaging in challenging conversations, promoting emotional regulation, and integrating MH-informed techniques into employment practices.

Through interactive sessions, case scenarios, and practical exercises, ESPs will enhance their ability to create supportive and inclusive employment environments. Note, this bootcamp can also be provided to other audiences engaged in employment services and supports, such as vocational rehabilitation counselors and supervisors, and direct care staff and supervisors, across behavioral health, juvenile justice, child welfare, developmental disability, etc.

For training provided directly to vocational rehabilitation (VR) staff, DWDC may submit for CRC credits for any bootcamp if the contract specifies the submission for CRC approval and is in place within the two-month window before delivering the bootcamp.