1. Implementing Supported Education - The First Six Months After Program Implementation
Thank you all for being on the call today! This is our first Supported Education Statewide Conference Call. We will continue these call quarterly. I am Vanessa Taylor- a statewide trainer for the Oregon Supported Employment Center for Excellence. My background and expertise is in Supported Education as I developed a Supported Education program and worked as an Education Specialist.
A few house keeping details. You should be able to see the PowerPoint on the webinar, we also have some supplemental materials for you: the Oregon Integrated SE/SEd Fidelity Scale- Version 1, the SEd Training Manual and two additional tools we will discuss later in our call: New supported education specialist: planning ideas for the first few months and an Example workflow for Supported Education.
I would like to thank Allyson who is on this call supporting me today- if you do have questions throughout the call, please feel free to message her via the webinar chat function or you can or call me after the presentation.
I would like to foster a learning environment, I know I learn something new each time I present. I am going to try to use first person language today however, you notice language choices, or would like to bring something else to my attention, or if you have suggestions/feedback on content- please feel free to contact me or me after this presentation. We do have a lot of information planned for today, so let’s dive on in!
Presented By:
Vanessa Taylor
OSECE Statewide Trainer

2. Presentation Overview
SEd Overview
Implementing SEd: The First Six Months After Program Implementation
Technical Assistance for SEd
Questions
Next SEd statewide call date: June 28th 3-4pm
Review what we will cover-
I am going to spend the first 15 minutes with an SEd Overview. For some Education Specialists that have been around for a while, you may have attended several SEd trainings that covered similar information. But as SEd programs grow throughout the state, we have new specialists that haven’t had the same level of training. I am going to cover the information in the overview very quickly so we can get to our main topic. This PowerPoint will be available again after the conference call on our website so you can review the slides at your convenience along with the audio of the call. The initial presentation is word heavy to help review information after the call. This will be a lecture style call for the overview section. If you have questions during this section feel free to message Allyson via the chat option on the webinar.
The second section of this call, implementing SEd- the first 6 months, will be more interactive and I will ask for your participation and questions.

3. Individualized Placement and Support (IPS)
IPS supported employment helps people with serious mental illness work at regular jobs of their choice.
IPS stands for individual placement and support.
The acronym “IPS” indicates the evidence-based approach rather than generic employment services.
OSECE uses the terms IPS and Supported Employment interchangeably in reference to the evidenced-based practice.
Need a foundation in IPS/SE to understand the integration, similarities and differences in IPS and Supported Education. I encourage Education Specialists to get to know the IPS model and expectations for Employment Specialists to better understand the Oregon integrated SEd Model.
For more information about IPS visit: OR

4. Differences In IPS Education supports & SEd
Most SE programs in Oregon provide limited educational support services as an element of the IPS Supported Employment model.
Education is a part of the IPS model.
In IPS, work is the main goal. There may be a need for education to achieve the work goal.
Often people in IPS are still looking for work or have a job while exploring or completing education.
Shorter term educational programs, certificates, a couple classes, etc.
IPS model doesn’t give specific guidelines for specialists around delivery of educational services.

5. OSECE: SEd Development
OSECE collaborated with consultants, Karen Unger and Trevor Manthey, to develop a crosswalk from the 25 items of the IPS SE fidelity scale to an equivalent 25 item best practice SEd fidelity scale. Creating SEd guidelines for service delivery!
Karen Unger: Wrote A Handbook on Supported Education, Providing Services for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities, available on Amazon.com.  She has recently completed An Implementation Guide for Supported Education, funded by Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, part of the ToolKit Series to promote evidence-based practices.
Trevor Manthey: Lead developer of the University of Kansas Supported Education Fidelity Scale. Trevor has conducted several fidelity reviews on SEd.
SAMHSA:

6. What is Supported Education?
Helping people with mental illness participate in an education program so they may receive the education and training they need to achieve their learning and recovery goals and become gainfully employed in the job or career of their choice.
Individuals in SEd still have a career goal they are working towards but education may be a larger focus or take longer to complete than the typical educational supports in the IPS model.

7. Job of an Education Specialist
Clarifying education and career goals.
Finding education programs consistent with these goals.
Navigating the application process & school system.
Securing financial support.
Finding education supports and accommodations to help ensure student success in meeting academic requirements.
SEd specialist develop connections inside the school to make sure navigation and assistance is as smooth as possible.
Example:
Supported Education specialists help make the dream of college and completing college a reality. Education specialists assist with the navigation loan procedures making sure individuals are able to receive financial aid. We connect students to the campus by introducing them to advisors, accommodations and campus resources to make sure they know where and how to access those services. We support students by reviewing classes, majors and the person’s career interests, as well as discussing schedules and workload. As needed we assist in withdraw process so it hopefully won’t effecting financial aid or the ability to re-start classes when that person is ready.

8. KEY PRINCIPLES Eight Principles of Supported Employment
Every person who wants to work is eligible
Supported employment is integrated with treatment
Competitive employment is the goal
Consumer preferences are important
Rapid job search
Systematic job development
Follow along supports are continuous
Personalized benefits planning
Principles of Supported Education
Eligibility is based on client choices
Services begin soon after person expresses interest
Supported education is integrated with services
Individual preferences guide services
Individualized follow-along supports are ongoing
Services are community based
Supported education is strengths based and promotes hope and recovery

9. Supported Education: We’re Growing!
Oregon has been proactive in developing Supported Education services with three programs established in 2008, and a fourth in These programs used a variety of different SEd models.
In April of 2016 OSECE released the Oregon Integrated SE/SEd Scale and training manual to programs around the state.
Currently we have 8 SEd programs using the Integrated Model and 6 programs are using the billing code modifier.
7 additional agencies are interested in developing Supported Education programs!

10. SEd Developments
OSECE is now starting to conduct integrated/concurrent SEd & IPS Fidelity Reviews for programs around the state.
Continued collaboration and consultation with Trevor Manthey regarding the scale and expansion.
Fidelity Scale
Training Manual
Data Collection
Fidelity Manual Development
Collaboration and Funding
Sources: Vocational Rehabilitation & EASA
Training Opportunities

11. 25 items in three sections & 125 points possible
The Oregon Supported Employment/Education Fidelity Scale: Version 1: Ins & Outs
25 items in three sections & 125 points possible
Three sections:
Staffing
Organization
Services
* SEd Items are integrated with Supported Employment. A color key is listed on the top of the scale. SEd items are listed with SE or listed below SE on the Integrated Scale.
The Oregon benchmark for SE (and in the future SEd) is 100 or above to maintain certification.
115 – 125: Exemplary
100 – 114: Good Fidelity
74 – 99: Fair Fidelity
73 and below: Not Supported Employment
*Reference the scale provided on Webinar or website
In 2017 only 2 programs made exemplary status in SE. Many programs are at high side of good fidelity.

12. SEd Scale and Fidelity SEd: This is a promising practice.
OSECE created a 25 item SEd scale from IPS & used the SEd best practices from SAMHSA and other SEd models. (University of Kansas- Trevor Manthey & Karen Unger’s SEd Model)
The SEd Scale: Provides guidelines around delivering SEd services.
Some items are combined IPS or are directly parallel but include educational services.
SEd Fidelity: Provides a principle-driven model.
“Fidelity” in context of SEd refers to the agreement of adherence to the model’s principles.

13. SEd Fidelity and why it is important
Fidelity Review: OSECE does Quality Assurance Reviews (Fidelity Reviews) to measure a program’s adherence to the SEd model.
For SEd, currently the score from the review does not effect funding.
Why is it important?
It helps to measure or gauge areas of success as well as areas for growth and development so a program can strive to increase outcomes for participants.
In Oregon, the fidelity score is tied to funding for IPS programs and may become tied to SEd funding in the future.
Helps OSECE develop trainings and assists with development of SEd tools, manuals, and model development.

14. Fidelity Scale & Funding
On July 1, 2015, a modifier became available to use with the Medicaid supported employment code to denote supported education service provision. The Medicaid service description for this code has been revised to include supported education.
Currently the billing modifier for supported education is available and open to be used by any program without provisional certification from the state.
To use this modifier:
Schedule an initial onsite training (SEd 101)/ or attend a scheduled training
Receive a letter of support from OSECE to use the modifier
Contact Jason Daniels and provide a letter of intent & OSECE support letter
Contact CCO(s) to receive any required authorization you might need

15. How do you know if your program is ready for SEd?
A Few Indicators Might Be:
Clients are interested and there is a known need for SEd services
Available FTE or ability to fund a specific SEd position
Individuals are receiving entry level jobs but there is an interest by clients to move into career level positions
The Executive Team is interested in expanding IPS to serve more individuals through education
Want more information about if your program should consider SEd or first steps towards implementation and service delivery?
Ask OSECE for SEd Technical Assistance!

16. The First Six Months After Program Implementation
Supported Education:
Growth and Development
This next section is going to cover some Tips and suggestions on starting and SEd program. What I mean by saying “after program implementation” is that this presentation will cover tips for programs that have already hired someone or identified a person that will be doing SEd services. They have figured funding for SEd and possibly billing and now they are moving into service delivery.
If you want more information about this pre-implementation stage or pre-service delivery, please contact me or crystal via to discuss a training or phone call for your program.
As we move through the this topic, I am hoping some EdS/SES or SEd programs will share their experiences to hear different or unique ways support SEd program development. I will read through the slides & give a little information and then ask for participation from the group. However, if you have questions or comments feel free to jump in or again message Allyson.

17. Program Development It’s a marathon not a sprint!
Each program looks different!
Different schools, resources, staff, agency guidelines, etc.
Use each other’s knowledge as much as possible.
Ask questions, reach out, & connect.
It’s a marathon not a sprint: Reminder: It takes a long time to get comfortable doing services, connecting services back to the model/scale and building school and other support connections.
Each program looks different: Some of these suggestions will work others won’t- just like IPS you have to develop what is right for your program and area.
If possible try to connect with other SEd programs around the state and do some job shadowing or ask questions.
Please message Allyson via the chat function on the webinar or me if your program would be interested in connecting with other SEd programs around the state or if you are willing to let other Ed specialists shadow your program. We can send out an list to SEd programs and those that are just starting up services.

18. Where To Start? While developing a full caseload, consider these five areas for growth and development:
Workflow - Developing and discussing how services and documentation will flow at your agency.
Education - Learning about the fidelity model & school systems.
Activities - Get out there and find out what it’s like!
Projects - Start creating materials to get yourself/program organized.
Developing Connections - Make connections at the school and get familiar with navigating the campus.
Example documents shared- New Supported Education Specialist: Planning Ideas for the First Few Months & Example Workflow for Supported Education :
Review slide
The planning ideas document goes into more details about tasks that can apply to each of these five areas.
The example workflow is to give you an idea about how to create this- I suggest modifying this for your agency or creating a visual workflow.
Does anyone on the call (EdSs or SES) have other ideas or tools that helped with the development of your SEd program?
Any specific examples of valuable tools or activities? (I found going to the school orientation really valuable because then I knew the process and what students could expect.)
Workflow: Developing and discussing how services and documentation will work. This could include developing how referrals will get to EdS, developing tracking systems for needed data, etc.
Education: Learning about the fidelity model & school systems. There is so much information to learn about the SEd scale- re-read this document and get familiar with what the job entails. educational systems including financial planning. Take time to learn about educational systems and financial planning. Research and ask questions to resources about how a student would navigate the school system as well as financial planning like the FAFSA application, Loans, Pell Grants, scholarships and more.
Activities: Get out there and find out what it’s like! Take tours of the schools, job shadow Employment Specialists, attend student events at the school- orientations/informational sessions, etc.
Projects: Start developing materials and get your self organized. Create promotional materials, coordinate a kickoff even with community partners/schools, develop checklists for students enrolling in school
Developing connections: Make connections at the school and get familiar with navigating the campus: Create a memo of understanding with the dean of students or college president. Make a connection on campus with all the student services departments- Trio, Financial aid, student centers, disability services, Advising, counseling, etc. Attend college meetings if at all possible at least to educate partners about the SEd program.

19. Meeting with Clients Get out there and start learning on the job.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support or identify that you don’t know the answer- School is a learning experience for everyone!
Learning alongside someone can be the best teaching experience.
What is something that you learned or needed to learn right away after working with clients?
What do you do/say when you don’t have the answer?
Ask for examples of people trying this… How did it feel during that first appointment?
If time: How do you facilitate the first meeting with a client?

20. Supervisor Support Helping to develop relationships at schools:
Building a MOU, field mentoring, problem solving, asking for more partnership with educational institutions, etc.
Fostering agency support:
Develop and communicate a SEd workflow, talk with the agency about the SEd program, share success stories regularly, problem solve programmatic issues, etc.
Training Opportunities!
Advocating for Education Specialists to attend college trainings/staff meetings, other agency trainings (motivational interviewing, WRAP, etc.), scheduling trainings with OSECE, providing direct support with field mentoring.
EdS role can be isolating at times- how can a SE team unit meeting support an EdS?
EdS role can be isolating at times – How can you as the Supervisor support the Eds or involve them in the SE team? How do you plan to add in SEd to the weekly SE unit meeting?
Does anyone have an example or suggestions of how a supervisor can support the growth of SEd program?
What was a supportive thing your supervisor did or is doing to help with SEd? (met with the dean of students, tried to understand the process, helped me think thought if something was a educational crisis or if it could wait)
How could your supervisor support you in implementing SEd?
Supervisors: how do you plan to add/how have you added Supported Education into your vocational unit meeting?
Agency / SE Team

21. SEd Kickoff Celebration
Meet with treatment teams & introduce SEd into your agency.
Invite educational partners to attend/participate in the steering committee meeting.
Create a SEd celebration to begin services! (Try this within the first 6 months of the program starting.)
Invite clients, treatment team members, VR, educational partners, etc.
Have the Executive Director talk about how SEd fits with the mission of the agency.
Discuss SEd and the services/support provided by an Education Specialist.
Offer written information/self referral forms.
Anyone try a kickoff celebration? How did it go? Who attended?
How did you announce SEd services in your organization?
Other suggestions or helpful tips?

22. OSECE Technical Assistance
TA online form for SEd Coming Soon!
or Crystal or Vanessa
Please share SEd success stories with us!
We’d love to receive or hear any SEd success stories!
Have ideas for TA or topics for Statewide SEd calls? Let me know!
If time: What are your top 2 areas of interest to discuss during a SEd statewide call? – Please message Allyson or tell the group.
Possible Training Options:
Pre/early implementation:
Where to start – SEd implementation (two different series)
Indications/readiness of SEd implementation
Differences in SE/SEd educational supports
First steps toward starting an SEd program
Hiring, job descriptions, services provided, Funding, agency support
SEd 101
SEd Development Action Plan
SEd Scale Deep Dive
New program/ Program development:
SEd Data Reporting
SEd Forms & Documentation – Supervisor and ES
SEd Supervisor Training
Supporting the EdS, unit meetings, tracking and documentation, etc.
Pre-Enrollment Planning – Activities & Training
Follow Along Plans & Transition Planning – Activities & Training
Educational Resource Development Training
MOU, Developing questions to ask the right department & introducing a student
Financial Aid Scenarios & Problem Solving
Review Preparation:
SEd Fidelity Action Planning
Integrated Review Planning

23. Questions?
What are your top 2 areas of interest to discuss during a SEd statewide call?

24. Next SEd Statewide Conference Call: June 28th 3-4pm!