FCE Employment Training Specialist Program

What is the ETS Certification Program?
The Employment Training Specialist (ETS) Certification Program is a workshop designed to provide participants with specific skills in supported and community employment, job development, and training for school personnel involved with transition.

Who is an ETS?
An ETS views his/her work as challenging and rewarding; keeps a positive attitude.
An ETS displays flexibility and adapts easily to changing situations.
An ETS demonstrates knowledge of the business community and its resources
An ETS demonstrates knowledges of the systematic instruction, support strategies, and assisting technologies .
An ETS possesses effective communication skills.
An ETS demonstrates effective conflict resolution, negotiation, problem-solving, and advocacy skills, and promotes these skills in individuals served.

Who Should Become an ETS?
Job coaches, employment training specialists, job developers, clubhouse staff, supported employment program coordinators, rehabilitation counselors with supported employment responsibilities, as well as rehabilitation service providers, and school personnel involved in transition should consider becoming certified.

How Do I Get Certified?
To obtain Employment Training Specialist Certification, you must attend all four days of training at a workshop and complete a take-home skill-based test. Certification is available for an additional $50 fee.

What Will I Learn?
You will learn:
Person-centered employment planning
Job development and marketing strategies
Employer negotiations
Job selection/matching
Task analysis
Instructional strategies/data collection
On-going support services
Natural supports

When and Where is the Next Session?
The next session will be held as shown at the top of this page. Each session lasts from 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. daily with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m. the first day.

How Do I Enroll?
To register for the upcoming ETS training program, download, print, and complete the registration form, providing complete participant information, and mail with check made out in the appropriate amount. Registration is limited, so prompt response is important. For additional questions, please contact Cathryn Maddalena or 517-355-0166.

How Much Does the Certification Program Cost?
$345 without certification
$395 with certification

Cost includes workshop, manuals, materials, and a continental breakfast and afternoon snack each day. Please be reminded that certification is optional. Cancellations will be honored if received one week in advance of the workshop. A $25.00 administration fee will be deducted.

Enrollment is limited. Early registration is recommended.

Who Will be my Instructor?
Cathryn Maddalena has been an outreach academic specialist for Michigan State University's Projects for Community Inclusion for 16 years. She assisted in the development of the Employment Training Specialist Certification curriculum that is used to train and certify supported employment personnel. She has collaborated on a variety of research and demonstration projects with the Development Disabilities Institute at Wayne State University and the Institute for Disability and Community at Indiana University. She has presented at both national and international conferences on topics related to employment, inclusion, and person-centered planning.

Future Sessions and Information
If you are interested in attending future seminars or receiving information regarding Michigan State University's Supported Employment Training and Technical Assistance programs, write to:

Michigan State University
Supported Employment Training
and Technical Assistance Program
Department of Family & Child Ecology
125 W. Fee Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824

Send email inquiries to Cathryn Maddalena or call (517) 355-0166.

Job Development Tips and Tactics
Know the company's hiring process thoroughly keeping in mind the following:

How does the company typically recruit?
Who has the authority to hire?
Who is involved in the screening/hiring process?
What is the criteria for which applicants are screened/hired?
What are the minimum qualifications for the position of interest?

Join our Mailing List
If you are interested in receiving information regarding the ETS Certification Program, please email Cathryn Maddalena with your name, address, organization's name, and your email address.