Compassion Fatigue is an occupational hazard, but nobody tells us that when we get hired. This cost of caring brings reduced productivity, increased stress, and dampened motivation. It can even lead to anxiety, depression, and job loss.

In this talk we’ll learn how to recover from and care for compassion fatigue, be it in the past, present, or future. We’ll approach this process with humor and lightness, respect and sincerity. Together we’ll get a chance to laugh at what isn’t working, while discovering new ways to be good to ourselves.

Did you know you have a secret superpower? Grab your cape and join Danielle Baker in her dynamic presentation on the "Power of Body Language.”

In a world so focused on the words we say, most people are missing out on how we say those words, the nonverbal behind the verbal. You have the ability to harness the power of nonverbal communication! 

Danielle teaches people to bridge the gap between verbal and nonverbal communication. She is passionate about helping every single person discover their inner power through the fascinating science of body language. Danielle is certified through the Science of People, a human behavior research lab in Portland, OR. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or somewhere in between, you have the power to harness the way your body communicates your thoughts, feelings and intentions and to understand and develop your own personal brand of nonverbal communication.

www.daniellembaker.com 

The German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche once said: “he who has a why, can endure any how”. Our participants have many struggles in their lives and our role as a helper is more complex than it has ever been. How we choose to come to the conversation, what we choose to say and do as a helper affects their motivation to take the steps toward the life they want for themselves.

Let’s come together for this interactive and experiential session to creatively explore both our own why and how we can even more effectively collaborate to build our participant’s why to support change and the maintenance of change. With everything that is coming at us, at the end of the day, we are the only ones who can decide what being the helper we want to be means for us.  

Heather believes in the value of human connection and the importance of words. She currently practices as a VR Counselor Specialist in Motivational Interviewing out of the Central Oregon branch and is passionate about sharing The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing with others in the hopes that we all may experience compassion, empathy and autonomy support without judgement. Heather holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.

Providing Trauma Informed Service (Part I & II)

Juliana Wallace

Unity Center for Behavioral Health

To understand the benefits of a trauma informed system it is necessary to understand how trauma impacts individuals and families. Participants will learn about trauma informed care, the impact of trauma and how trauma affects consumers’ access to services. Participants will begin to identify how service systems, often unknowingly, retraumatize survivors of complex trauma. The discussion will include the neurobiology and epigenetics of trauma. Participants will also learn the difference between trauma specific services and trauma informed care.

Juliana Wallace is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) she studied Social Work at the University of Central Florida and graduated from the Yoga Conservatory at Yoga Refuge. Her professional career has been focused in social justice, anti-oppressive practice, and supporting vulnerable community members in Portland. Currently the Director of Services at Unity Center for Behavioral Health and a private practice created to provide individual counseling, supervision, training, and consultation. A lifelong learner and regional teacher of Trauma Informed Care her current clinical practice is grounded in the connection of trauma and cultural stress to coping skills. Using self-reflection, mindfulness, harm reduction and promotion of safe spaces to practice vulnerability.

Navigating the Individualized Education Plan for Agency Partners

Kriss Rita and Josh Barbour

Transition Network Facilitators

Are you curious about navigating the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as a community partner? Participants will learn ways to utilize information from the IEP to inform your practice and paperwork. Also, learn ways to be an active member of the IE

Kriss Rita is a Transition Network Facilitator for Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam counties. Previously a Learning Specialist and Transition Coordinator for the Centennial School District working with students ages 16-21.

Josh Barbour is a Transition Network Facilitator for Linn, Benton, Lincoln and Lane counties. Josh was a Transition Teacher for the Connections Program in the Eugene 4J School District for 11 years.

The Pretty Facts About Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services)

Toni DePeel

Pre-Employment Transition Coordinator

Vocational Rehabilitation

Nicole Perdue

Pre-Employment Transitions Coordinator

Vocational Rehabilitation

During this interactive session you will acquire tools to work with students in the classroom or one on one. Gain knowledge in the 5 Pre-ETS and learn how to request services in your region for youth, and enhance your transition program.

Toni is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator and a veteran Youth Transition Specialist. She currently works as a Pre-ETS Coordinator for VR in the Portland Metro area.

Nicole is Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor and has spent the past few years partnering with schools in supporting students with finding and sustaining employment. She currently works as a Pre-ETS Coordinator for VR in Central and Eastern Oregon.

Oregon’s Economy and Workforce - The Past, the Present and the Future 

Bob Uhlenkott

Director

Oregon Employment Department - Research Division

Bob will share a host of economic and social metrics on Oregon’s workforce and economy. He will discuss how it has matured over the last several decades, how it is currently performing today, and what the future might hold in the short and long-term.

Mr. Uhlenkott is the Research Director for the Oregon Employment Department. Previously he held that post in Idaho for 17 years. Prior to that he lead research teams in criminal justice and at the US Department of Energy.

CRC Code of Ethics- Applying the Most Recent Updates in Everyday Practice

Heather Lindsey

Education Program Specialist

Oregon Department of Education

Tessa Siebert, MA, CRC

Branch Manager

Vocational Rehabilitation-Springfield

Beginning January 1st, 2017, The CRC Code of Ethics was updated to provide current updates as it relates to the work of a Rehabilitation Counselor. During this session, attendees will learn about the top 10 updates to the code of ethics and how to apply them in your everyday work. Examples and opportunities to problem solve will be welcomed during this session.

Heather Lindsey is the Secondary Transition Liaison for Oregon Department of Education. In this position, she provides technical assistance to school districts, parent organizations, and participating agencies to support to ensure a solid understanding of secondary special education, transition regulations, and implementation of evidence-based transition services. Before joining the Department of Education, Mrs. Lindsey was a Counselor Specialist for Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation.

Tessa Siebert is the Springfield branch manager for Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation. Previous to this position, she held a position as a VR counselor in Lane County with a primary caseload of working aged adults and individuals who experience mental health disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. She is currently on Lane Community College’s Successful Aging Institute Advisory Council and the Workforce Networks Equity and Inclusion Task Team.

Reasonable Accommodations Process and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA)

Carla Waring

ADA Training and Technical Assistance Specialist

NW ADA Center-Oregon Partner

Successful and gainful employment goes a long way in increasing long-term economic stability, community inclusion and confidence for people with disabilities (PWD). This presentation will review the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodation interactive process and provide examples of workplace accommodations including service animals as an employment accommodation. As well as, ADA resources for future reference. Having increased knowledge of the ADA will enable participants to better assist PWD in exercising their rights for employment success.

Carla is the Northwest ADA Center's Oregon state partner. In this position, she provides technical assistance and performs trainings throughout Oregon. Carla plays a significant role in networking with the disability community in her state, including maintaining an active membership with the Portland Commission on Disability. Carla has a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Administration from the University of San Francisco and working on her ADA Coordinator Certificate with the University and the Great Plains ADA Center.

New CIS Tools for You and Your Clients

Laura McCoid

Director

Oregon CIS - University of Oregon

This interactive session showcases the new CIS tools and provides a structure for you to influence future CIS design. Oregon Certificate Sort allows clients to find certificate programs that match their preferences. The Resource Editor allows clients to add local and state resources to their career plans; it can also showcase local employers to clients. CIS is a statewide consortium, and your feedback is important. Participants in this session will participate in a focus group on the new design. CIS has been around for nearly 50 years. Your voice will shape how it grows for the next 50.

Laura McCoid is the director of Oregon CIS. She was recently awarded a National Science Foundation grant to help students with disabilities access STEM career experiences.

Preferred Worker Program – Introduction and Success Stories

Brian Nease

Worksite Modification Consultant

State of Oregon Workers Compensation Division

Preferred Workers have some measure of work restrictions due to a disability resulting from a compensable on the job injury in Oregon. Learn how to identify Preferred Workers among your current and potential clients. Explore the Return to Work benefits available to these workers and how to incorporate them into their employment plans. Discussion of recent worksite modifications and how the Preferred Worker Program has assisted these workers to successfully return to work.

Brian Nease is a Worksite Modification Consultant for the State of Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division. Through the Preferred Worker Program, he provides Return to Work consultation, application, and training to insurers, injured workers, employers, and other stakeholders throughout the state of Oregon. He is a technical advisor for Department of Labor’s Stay at Work/Return to Work Models and Strategies Group, Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network(RETAIN), and is a member of the International Association of Industrial Accident Board’s Disability Management Return to Work Committee. Prior to his work within the Preferred Worker Program, Brian spent the previous 8 years providing workforce development for employers and vulnerable populations within Clackamas County, Oregon.

What is Your Reality? (The Role of Self Talk)

Martha Dodsworth

Vocational Rehabilitation Manager

Vocational Rehabilitation

This workshop focuses on the role of self-talk and how to help your clients with mental conditioning to enhance their opportunities for employment. Many people with criminal histories struggle with interviewing and obtaining employment. Many times, it is not the history that is the barrier. Learn how you can help.

Martha Dodsworth has worked with Vocational Rehabilitation since 2003 working as both a counselor and a manager. She obtained her Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling and CRC in 2004 and is also certified in Addiction Counseling. She has spent her career working with people with criminal histories and this remains a strong passion for her.