Training Tools for the Service Provider Toolbox

COEF has an array of training options for service providers to access in order to obtain needed certifications or to enhance knowledge and skills for elevated service delivery in an Employment First state.

Employment First

Learn about Employment First principles and practices that result in competitive integrated employment. Email info@employmentfirstcolorado.org to request information about available training options.

Customized Employment (CE)

Expand your practice with CE — a cross-disability, evidence-informed employment approach especially useful when other job placement methods have not proven successful. Visit our CE page, please email brian.dean@cuanschutz.edu for more information.

Supported Employment

Supported employment service delivery is often a first-step for employment service providers. COEF has begun offering this training. A new webpage for our Supported Employment training is coming soon. For more information, please email brian.dean@cuanschutz.edu

Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

COEF offers IPS, an evidence-based, international, supported employment approach for people with serious mental illness and expanded populations. Visit our IPS page and, for more information, please email deirdre.sage@cuanschutz.edu.

Benefits Counseling

Savvy service providers seek to understand the impact of employment on Federal and State benefits. COEF offers training on Benefits Counseling — visit our webpage page to read more. And for more information about training options, please email melanie.honsbruch@cuanschutz.edu.

Youth and Families

Effectively working with youth who are often influenced and supported by family members can be strengthened through COEF training. Visit our Youth and Family webpage, and, for more information, please email tiffany.cron@cuanschutz.edu.

Beyond COEF – Additional, National-Level Resources to Help you Get Started

The Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators is a national membership organization for trainers and educators and maintains a national training provider search tool.

Information on the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential for job coaches and employment specialists is available at the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) site

The IPS Employment Center features extensive training and research information, resources, and an international learning community. 

Virginia Commonwealth University and YTIOnline at Cornell University feature information on Benefits Counseling certification options.

Learning Communities

On-going learning communities engage service providers after intensive training wraps up for continued skill development and collaboration.

Highly Skilled Trainers

COEF curriculum developers/trainers come with years of experience and subject matter expertise in the employment topics they lead.

Leading Practices

COEF connects service providers to evidence-based and evidence-informed practices that, when implemented, result in competitive integrated employment outcomes.

Training Cost Reimbursements Available through the State

Costs related to program-required service provider training may be eligible for reimbursement. Check out Senate Bill 18-145 Reimbursement details.

COEF believes a workforce of skilled and confident service providers is key for delivering effective employment support to people with disabilities.

JFK Partner Logo

The Colorado Office of Employment First sits under JFK Partners, the state’s University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, a program of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Its creation was envisioned by Colorado Employment First Advisory Partnership (EFAP), a multi-state agency and stakeholder-led collaborative, and was made possible, in part, by funding from the Colorado Legislature and generously matched through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE).

© 2023 Colorado Office of Employment First. All Rights Reserved.

Subscribe to our Communications

Stay informed on training events and Employment First updates.

    Back to top