Events

The Mental Health Support Specialist (MHSS) course is a 40-hour, participation-based training required for those providing residential and daily living support services to individuals with mental illness in Maine. It covers topics such as understanding mental health and mental illness, trauma-informed care, substance use disorders, recovery and community inclusion, ethical standards, health and wellness, and Maine’s mental health system.  Completion of this course is a prerequisite for MHRT 1 certification. July MHSS Dates: July 20, 21, 22, 28 & 29, 2026  from 9:00am to 4:00pm The July MHSS training will be a virtual training.  Learners must have a device with a […]

As part of the “36-Month Renewal Process”, and to keep your DSP certification active, all staff must attend a 1-hour Live Rights class every three years, along with additional online modules assigned by your agency, CDS Administrator.

The Certified Residential Medication Administration (CRMA) course is a 40-hour training designed for unlicensed workers who wish to work in a variety of assisted living settings. Successful completion of this course satisfies Departmental training requirements for workers who wish to pass medications in certain assisted housing programs. CRMA is taught by a licensed RN. Class Dates for July, 2026: July 23, 24, 27, 28 & 29 9:00am to 5:00pm You must attend all five days to complete this course. Days 1-4 are 100% IN PERSON There is an expectation of the student to practice vital signs (Temperature, Blood Pressure, Pulse, Respirations) […]

This is a two-hour virtual study group to review materials covered in the CRMA recert class and is taught by a licensed RN. Learners must provide a working email address with registration so the virtual link can be provided prior to the start of the review. July CRMA Recert Study Group: July 31, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm  

The State of Maine requires that all CRMA’s complete a recertification course every two years.  This 8 hour recertification course is in-person and is taught by a licensed RN. Class Dates for August, 2026: August 3rd - 9:00am to 5:00pm Class begins promptly at 9:00am and State guidelines do not permit for late students to be allowed into the class room.  Please plan to arrive on time.

Positive Approaches to Crisis Training (PACT) is a 12‑hour program that meets state training requirements for HCBS and PNMI staff supporting individuals who may experience challenging behaviors in residential settings. Learners will receive a PACT certificate upon successful completion of training and certification must be renewed on an annual basis. PACT is grounded in positive, person‑centered approaches that promote safety, dignity, and meaningful support. The training emphasizes communication, relationship‑building, access to meaningful activities, understanding individual stress and overwhelm cycles, and empowering people to develop their own problem‑solving skills. The Physical Skills Assessment is the final component of the training. Staff are […]

The Personal Support Specialist (PSS) course is a 40-hour classroom and 10-hr live skills training for unlicensed entry-level workers who wish to work in residential home settings or home health settings.  PSS provides hands-on assistance and companionship to older adults and individuals with disabilities. They help clients safely manage daily living tasks—such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, and light housekeeping—directly within the client's home or residential facility. Classroom Days: August 5, 6, 7 & 10th Live Skills: August 11th   

As part of the “36-Month Renewal Process”, and to keep your DSP certification active, all staff must attend a 1-hour Live Rights class every three years, along with additional online modules assigned by your agency, CDS Administrator.

Direct care workers in the HCBS residential setting must complete the College of Direct Support (CDS).  This is a blended learning with a variety of online modules that must be completed in addition to in-person training. CDS Day One Live Class experience focuses on bringing online learning to life through hands‑on activities and meaningful group discussion. There is no additional testing during Live Classes; rather, this time is intentionally set aside questions, reflection, and real‑world conversations about supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Upon successful completion of the online modules and the two in person days, workers will meet the criteria […]

PACT is grounded in positive, person‑centered approaches that promote safety, dignity, and meaningful support. The training emphasizes communication, relationship‑building, access to meaningful activities, understanding individual stress and overwhelm cycles, and empowering people to develop their own problem‑solving skills. The PACT– curriculum emphasizes the use of the positive approaches to providing support as the most effective approach in assisting people to learn to manage their symptoms to decrease their challenging behavior. By focusing on communication, boundaries, relationships, attitude, stress and problem solving, supporters will learn ways of offering support that can decrease some of the “lose-lose” situations that could lead to physical harm […]