StaffUp ASAP FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about StaffUP ASAP
Program Overview
StaffUp ASAP is a new, accelerated training program designed to help VR professionals and partner organizations build the foundational skills, confidence, and tools needed to help people with disabilities find and keep meaningful work.
Training covers essential VR skills such as disability awareness, ethics, case management, communication, counseling, career guidance, and employment services. Participants gain the practical knowledge needed to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities and strengthen their agency’s overall capacity.
The program is divided into themed domains that focus on specific areas of VR practice. Each domain includes interactive lessons and applied exercises that build toward a digital badge demonstrating competency in that topic. The five StaffUp ASAP domains are Foundations of Vocational Rehabilitation, Characteristics and Adjustment to Disability, Consultation and Counseling, Career Guidance, and Caseload Management.
Yes. Accessibility features include captions, transcripts, keyboard navigation, screen-reader support, high-contrast visuals, mobile access, and low-bandwidth viewing options. Your progress saves automatically.
Strong foundational training strengthens your whole team. When staff understand VR processes, feel confident working with diverse customers, and know where to find resources, agencies can serve more people more effectively.
StaffUp ASAP offers:
- Short, structured online learning pathways
- Training aligned to real job roles
- Nationally recognized credentials and digital badges
- High-quality content created by workforce and disability employment experts
Currently free (funded by the U.S. Department of Education)
Role-specific – Vocational Rehabilitation professionals, Community Rehabilitation Providers, and Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) partners each have tailored learning paths
Self-paced with short lessons designed for busy schedules
Modern and practical, developed by VR and workforce experts to meet today’s service delivery needs
The curriculum is developed in partnership with VR professionals and reflects current workforce needs, best practices, and emerging challenges. The curriculum is based on a needs assessment gathered from VR leadership nationally.
Yes. We’d be glad to connect. Reach out through our contact form, and we’ll set up a virtual meeting that fits your schedule. (Link to demo coming soon!)
Participation & Requirements/How the Training Works
There are no prerequisites to take the StaffUp ASAP training. The first training program is designed for current vocational rehabilitation staff who want to expand their skills and credentials as well as individuals preparing to enter the vocational rehabilitation workforce. Future training programs will launch in 2026 or 2027. These future trainings will be available to a wider range of participants.
No. StaffUp ASAP provides foundational courses for newcomers. But also is a nice refresher for those who have previous experience in VR.
Course Structure & Delivery
Training is dividing into 5 topic areas:
- Foundations of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Characteristics of and Adjustment to Disability
- Counseling Skills
- Career Guidance
- Case Management
The entire program is 15 weeks long and takes approximately 3 hours per week. The course has a specified start and end date but is largely asynchronous; therefore, participants can work at their own pace. The course is broken down into domains on specific topics after which participants will achieve a digital badge.
Training is offered fully online for accessibility and flexibility, with interactive content, scenarios, and applied learning.
Participants have access to instructor guidance, discussions, and optional networking sessions that connect them with professionals and peers across the VR field. Instructors are professionals who have worked in Vocational Rehabilitation, both as counselors and in training capacities.
Credentials & Career Impact
Yes. Participants who complete the training earn a competency-based micro credential that demonstrates mastery of vocational rehabilitation skills. There are five badges: Foundations of Vocational Rehabilitation, Characteristics and Adjustment to Disability, Consultation and Counseling, Career Guidance, and Caseload Management. Once all five badges are earned, the participant will be granted the Vocational Rehabilitation Essentials Certificate.
Although they are not our target audience, even experienced professionals gain value from updated content that reflects new practices, technologies, and service models in the VR field. This could also be an opportunity to refresh your knowledge and skills.
Yes, CRCs will be provided.
Earning StaffUp ASAP micro credentials demonstrates commitment to professional growth and can support advancement into leadership, specialized VR roles, and other employment advances.
We’re currently working on how the StaffUp ASAP badges could tie into credit for prior learning (CPL) possibly toward a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. This feature will be coming soon. Please subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on any changes!
The training helps agencies build a more skilled, confident workforce that delivers consistent, high-quality services to job seekers with disabilities, ultimately improving employment outcomes and organizational performance.
Enrollment & Cost
The program is grant-funded by the Department of Education, making training accessible at no cost to participants or agencies during the cycle of the grant.
Applications are now open for our pilot program as well as Cohorts 1 and 2. The pilot will begin on January 5, 2025, and the start dates for the regular cohorts will be announced shortly. To begin the application process, a staff in a leadership or supervisor position should complete the agency application form.
No, enrollment is now open for the VR Professionals training track. Additional training tracks will open in the coming years. This project is funded through fiscal year 2029.
No. There’s no cap on participation. States are welcome to enroll as many staff as they need, whether it’s a few individuals or a full statewide team.
There is a cap of 30 students per course.
Yes, we would like staff to have the support of their supervisors and leadership teams. If any managers would like updates on how their staff are doing in the course, please reach out to our instructors. This will be an individualized process we can discuss with leadership teams during registration/onboarding.
Technology & Support
A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access. Low-bandwidth options are available for slower or shared connections.
All course materials and resources are provided digitally.
Yes. StaffUp ASAP provides full technical and content support throughout your training. If you need help with logging in, navigating modules, or understanding content, our team is here to assist. Contact us anytime.
As this is a grant, we will be collecting information from participants (demographics, knowledge/skill gains, survey responses, etc.). This information is stored in Qualtrics with limited access amongst the evaluation team. Private information is de-identified in all reports.
We’re here to help. Reach out anytime through Contact StaffUp ASAP.