About SHIFT Employment First Education
At SHIFT, our Employment First Education equips professionals with the knowledge, strategies, and practical skills needed to advance competitive, integrated employment as the preferred outcome for people receiving long-term support services.
Our NADSP Accredited curriculum is developed and facilitated by experts in employment systems, long-term support services, and organizational change — ensuring learners gain both foundational understanding and real-world application to drive meaningful employment outcomes.
Employment First Definition:
What exactly is an Employment First approach?
An Employment First approach to services isn’t about pushing people into jobs—it’s the principle that competitive, integrated employment should be considered as one of the first and preferred options in the person-centered planning process.
Employment supports, strategies, and services are designed to decrease dependence on segregated or non-work services, promote autonomy, and encourage self-determination. Employment serves as a meaningful pathway for people to pursue their goals, build relationships, contribute to their communities, and achieve greater economic independence.
SHIFT’s accreditation and education support state agencies, provider organizations, managed care organizations, support coordinating organizations, and others as they make the shift to Employment First. This approach to services is dependent on a person-centered philosophy being firmly established among supporters and embedded within an organization’s or agency’s culture.
Employment First Education
Transform Careers. Expand Employment Outcomes.
The Learning Path
What Every SHIFT Certification Includes
Learner Expectations & Timeline
To support focus, accountability, and meaningful skill development, SHIFT sets clear expectations for all certification learners.
Coursework & Project
SHIFT recommends all fundamental and specialized coursework as well as the experiential learning project be completed within 3 months of enrollment.
Final Exam
Complete all coursework, the experiential learning project, and pass the final comprehensive exam within 6 months of enrollment.
Get Certified
Your SHIFT certification is valid for 2 years. Continue to enjoy access to SHIFT learner benefits.
Certification Descriptions
Explore our Employment First Certifications below:
EFJD | ACRE APPROVED
Employment First Job Developer
Designed for professionals who develop and create employment opportunities for people receiving long-term support services — including current job developers and those preparing to step into this role.
This certification builds both foundational and advanced skills aligned with Employment First principles, combining Employment First Fundamentals, Job Coach coursework, and specialized job-development training. Learners focus on identifying, negotiating, and sustaining competitive, integrated employment opportunities that reflect each job seeker’s interests, strengths, and goals.
Employment First Job Developer certified professionals are prepared to:
- Apply best practices in supported and customized employment
- Align job opportunities with individual interests, skills, and career goals
- Engage employers and build relationships within local labor markets
- Use negotiation strategies to create meaningful employment matches
- Leverage community resource mapping to expand inclusive employment pathways
$599Renews at $299
EFJC
Employment First Job Coach
Built for professionals who support individuals in the workplace, including current job coaches and those exploring job coaching as a career path.
This certification combines Employment First Fundamentals with specialized job coaching coursework, equipping learners with the strategies needed to support people throughout their employment journey — from onboarding to long-term success.
Employment First Job Coach certified professionals are prepared to:
- Provide effective on-the-job support using a variety of instructional strategies
- Build workplace skills while promoting independence and self-advocacy
- Support job seekers through transitions and changing workplace expectations
- Use negotiation strategies to create meaningful employment matches
- Foster long-term employment success and stability
$399Renews at $449
EFL
Employment First Leadership
Created for professionals responsible for leading Employment First culture change within their organization or system.
This certification combines Employment First Fundamentals with advanced leadership training focused on aligning policy, practice, and organizational culture with Employment First principles. Learners gain both a systems-level perspective and a deeper understanding of the hands-on work carried out by employment teams.
Employment First Leadership certified professionals are prepared to:
- Champion Employment First principles across their organization
- Align funding, policy, and practice with employment outcomes
- Lead sustainable cultural and systems change
- Develop and implement a strategic Employment First roadmap
- Support staff and teams in adopting and sustaining best practices
$999Renews at $749
Employment First Foundations
All learning should begin with a strong foundation! This live training is a good introduction for anyone interested in an Employment First approach to services.
Learn More:
Employment First Foundations, accredited by the National Association of Direct Support Professionals, gives staff at all levels of an organization foundational knowledge for an Employment First approach. This course reinforces the fact that everyone is expected to support people with employment outcomes, regardless of the position they hold in the organization.
Learners are asked to consider how they might move beyond compliance to meaningful implementation. Through practical examples and reflection exercises, the training covers key concepts like dignity of risk, person-centered planning, the discovery process, presuming competence, and fading support. Participants will explore how their daily work can support access to competitive integrated employment for all people and an awareness of the history of Employment First.
PRICE
$99 Per Person
Time and Dates
Each session is 1:00 PM-3:00 PM ET See dates below:
Upcoming Sessions
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April 9, 2026
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May 14, 2026
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June 11, 2026
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July 9, 2026
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August 13, 2026
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September 10, 2026
- Pricing $99/per person registered
1-2 sessions with a limited number of attendees per session will be offered monthly, with the exception of some major holiday months.
No refunds will be granted. Customers may request to change the name or session date of a registrant more than 3 business days prior to the registered-for date, and within 1 year from original registration.
Registration closes 3 business days prior to session.
Employment First Foundations will help attendees gain the following:
- What is meant by an “Employment First approach to services” and how it aligns with person-centered practices.
- The principles and values that drive Employment First and its connection to independence, inclusion, and dignity of work.
- The benefits of competitive, integrated employment for people supported, organizations, and communities.
- Best practices and strategies for fostering employment pathways and supporting people in identifying, preparing for, and maintaining meaningful work.
- The roles and responsibilities of team members and partners in advancing Employment First across systems and supports.
Learner expectations are as follows:
- Engaged participation is required meaning Learners must be in a stable location and not attending to other tasks.
- Learners must be punctual and cannot miss more than 15 minutes of the course for any reason.
- Learners must be on an individual computer or tablet with a front-facing camera.
- Cameras must be turned and remain on for the duration of the session.
- Learners should have some means of taking notes.
- Learners must have registered prior to the course.
- Learners’ names on Zoom must match registration.
Ready to Get Started but have questions?
