Medical Aspects of Vocational Rehabilitation

Medical Aspects

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: DR. MATT MARKVE

I focus on a customizing training that covers a variety of disabilities, and meets agency needs. We explore vocational issues and strategies surrounding specific diagnoses, and common accommodations.

This training can be delivered in-person, via a series of webinars, or as technical assistance.

Dual/multiple diagnoses and substance abuse

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: DR. MATT MARKVE

This session will explore contemporary issues in substance use and accompanying mental health disorders. Participants will be exposed to a variety of substance abuse assessment strategies and tools, approaches for counseling individuals with substance abuse/MH issues and explore vocational issues and strategies surrounding SA and MH.

Technical assistance is also available.

DSM-5 changes

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: DR. MATT MARKVE

Overview: The DSM-5 is a result of a decade long collaborative process incorporating the efforts of over 1,500 individuals (APA, 2013). This course is designed to highlight some of the most important changes that have emerged in this, the first major revision to the DSM in 20 years. This session will focus on major diagnostic changes in the DSM, as well as changes in the organization and structure of the document. We’ll also discuss coding issues surrounding the DSM-5 and its relationship to the ICD-10-CM.

Participants will:

Explore the major diagnostic changes in the DSM-5 along with some of the controversies surrounding these changes.
Gain an understanding of the relationship between codes in the DSM-5, ICD-9-CM and upcoming US transition to the ICD-10-CM.
Understand the changes in and rationale behind the new organizational structure of the DSM-5.

The class offered valuable insight into the topic.

Brain injury employment: Accepting the Challenge

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: D R. SCOTT SABELLA

This training is geared toward orienting employment specialists to the challenges of employment for people with brain injuries. It explores dynamics between clients and employers in successful job placement, research on brain injury and employment, and promising employment strategies for vocational rehabilitation.

Resource Facilitation for People with Brain Injury

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: JEFF HUGHES

The challenge of returning to work for survivors of brain injury is an old problem receiving recent attention through the media. A program, using the principles of Resource Facilitation, has been developed to address this challenge. This Resource Facilitation model uses a coordinated effort of case management, community building, and medical management, resulting in a Return to Work rate of 66% (proven within two studies conducted by a major Indiana hospital). Having been on the team that developed and implemented the original model, Mr. Hughes eventually conducted statewide training on Resource Facilitation while acting as liaison to the Resource Facilitation program for several years. Prior to his leaving the state agency, Mr. Hughes successfully led efforts to refine and redesign the Resource Facilitation model to allow for state-wide implementation and financial stability. This model is in use today. If your agency would benefit from a discussion of the resource facilitation model, or from technical assistance in developing a similar model, we can help!

I was able to earn CRC credits from my office – no travel time involved.

Working with Individuals with Borderline Personalities

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: SIGRID ADAMS

Working with Individuals with Borderline Personalities is a course predominately for counselors and other staff who help VR customers.

Participants will learn how to:

Assess unproductive or toxic situations
Distinguish personality traits from personality disorders
Recognize how counselor responses may inadvertently contribute to the challenging situation
Develop practical strategies to minimize workplace drama and reduce personal stress

I have had a good deal of professional experience in working with people with Borderline Personality Disorder, and the challenging behaviors that often accompany the diagnosis. I have learned a great deal from this experience, and enjoy sharing what I have learned.

Technical assistance on this topic is also available.

Working with Difficult Behaviors

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: DR. SCOTT SABELLA

Everyone who has direct contact with clients has the potential for being in situations where they have to cope with clients who are escalated. These situations can leave the person feeling bad about themselves, their clients, and their jobs. This session will attempt to increase understanding of why clients may exhibit aggressive or difficult behaviors so that we can better respond without feeding into the escalation. Additionally, strategies and techniques will be described for trying to de-escalate clients during different levels of the aggression progression.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: ROBERT FROEHLICH

This training provides an overview of psychiatric disabilities and then examines contemporary, evidence-based approaches available for consumers and vocational rehabilitation counselors to use collaboratively toward successful employment outcomes. Please note this training can be tailored to specifically address current needs within an individual agency.