Join the UMA Admissions team and UMA Mental Health & Human Services Faculty on Zoom for a series of information sessions about UMA certificate programs in substance use disorders, mental health and employment support.

These informal Zoom sessions are designed for working professionals and adult learners who want to build new skills or advance in their current roles. Meet faculty, learn about program pathways and have your questions answered.

No registration is required. Participants may drop in to any session.

Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders Information Sessions

Thursday, April 2
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Learn about Â鶹APP six-course graduate certificate designed to expand knowledge and skills for professionals working with individuals impacted by substance use. Faculty will discuss program structure, career pathways and how the certificate supports professionals serving Maine communities.

Certificate in Employment Specialist Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 15
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Discover how this certificate prepares professionals to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment. The program aligns with national certification standards through ACRE.

MHRT/C Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 22
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Learn about the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community certificate and how it prepares professionals to support individuals living with mental health conditions in community settings.

All sessions will be held on Zoom. Find links on the .

For more information, contact umaadm@maine.edu.

The Â鶹APP (UMA) and the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) have completed a three-year workforce initiative that strengthens Maine’s behavioral health and recovery workforce by reducing financial barriers for aspiring counselors and employment specialist services.

Funded through a $325,332 award from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, the initiative was supported by the University of Maine System’s share of funding designated for workforce development. The Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, proposed by Gov. Janet Mills and approved by the 130th Maine Legislature to invest the state’s share of federal American Rescue Plan relief funds.

Through this investment, UMA and UMF supported career development support and job training assistance for 400 people statewide. The project also provided direct financial support to 105 Â鶹APP and University of Maine at Farmington students pursuing credentials in substance use disorder counseling and employment specialist services. Employment specialists are trained professionals who help individuals in recovery, people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment secure and maintain meaningful work.

Maine continues to face shortages of qualified professionals in mental health, substance use recovery and human services. The initiative focused on expanding access to these high need professional pathways and reducing financial and logistical barriers that often prevent adult and nontraditional students from advancing to licensure. 

“Our goals were to increase the number of students preparing to work as employment specialists and substance use disorder treatment counselors,” said Associate Professor of Mental Health and Human Services Wendy St. Pierre. ”We targeted reducing barriers to access by covering tuition costs, as well as the cost of taking the national exam and accessing study guides. I am proud of the work my colleagues and I have done to support students with the grant funds we received.”

Funding was allocated to the University of Maine System through the office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation.

“Supporting Maine’s behavioral health workforce is central to Â鶹APP mission and our commitment to meeting the needs of the state,” UMA President Jenifer Cushman said. “This initiative shows what is possible when we remove financial barriers and create real pathways for people who want to enter helping professions. UMA is proud to work with UMF to expand access to education and strengthen the network of professionals who provide essential services across Maine.”

Direct Student Support 

More than half of the MJRP funding went directly to students, prioritizing tuition assistance and licensing-related expenses over equipment and infrastructure. Support provided through fall 2025 includes: 

Tuition scholarships 

• 49 UMA students supported for 486 credits across 162 courses
• 56 UMF students supported for 168 credits across 56 courses

Licensing and exam resources

• Seven UMA students passed the national Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam and had exam fees reimbursed. 
• Twenty-five UMA students received free national exam study guides
• 48 additional study guides were distributed across UMA centers, libraries and faculty-led groups

For many students, the financial support was pivotal, allowing them to focus more fully on their coursework and professional goals.

“Receiving tuition assistance for the Employment Specialist course alleviated the financial burden I would have faced and allowed me to focus fully on my coursework,” said student and program participant Rudy Rideout. “Without that stress, I was able to fully immerse myself in the course content, engage with the additional opportunities the classes had to offer and perform at my highest level academically. I will use these credentials to assist future clients in finding jobs best suited to them and their individual needs.”

For others, the grant opened a path toward meaningful work shaped by personal experience and a commitment to helping their communities.

“I am deeply grateful for the grant that supported my Substance Abuse Response Team certification. It made it possible for me to complete the program, pass my CADC exam and begin applying for roles in the field,” said student Jacqueline Campbell. “This work is very personal for me. I lost both my sons, each touched by addiction, and pursuing this path has helped me turn my grief into purpose. The scholarship opened a door to healing and to a future where I can support other families facing similar challenges.”

Building Workforce Capacity

The initiative strengthened long-term workforce solutions, including:   

• Development of a new employment specialist educational program, which will be offered again at UMA in summer 2026. 
• Employment of three undergraduate research assistants 
• Launch of an Institutional Review Board-approved study, now involving 43 students to examine the initiative’s ongoing impact.

The project was led by four UMA and UMF faculty members, all UMF alumni, who brought shared expertise and a commitment to supporting students entering human services and behavioral health careers.

Commitment to Statewide Access and Workforce Development

The UMA–UMF collaboration reflects Â鶹APP mission to expand access to education and support Maine’s workforce needs. By lowering barriers to credentials in behavioral health and recovery fields, the project helps meet growing statewide demand for licensed professionals who provide essential services.

Please join us for a presentation of the veteran’s edition of “Voices of Hope” on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m., in UMA’s Farber Forum, Jewett Hall, 46 University Drive, Augusta. Immediately following the video, Ed Walsh, LCSW, U.S. Army (retired), and UMA alum will facilitate an open discussion on recovery and resources.

Presenting films such as “Voices of Hope” reflects Â鶹APP commitment to provide a supportive environment and be a catalyst for positive change. This event embodies the spirit of empowerment and resilience, offering an opportunity to connect with stories of triumph over adversity. By showcasing “Voices of Hope: The Rugged Road to Recovery” and facilitating a discussion with a veteran and UMA alum, it reinforces our belief that no challenge is insurmountable with support and determination. 

This event, presented by UMA Veteran Services along with Students Empowered to End Dependence (SEED), is open to all, free of charge. Light refreshments will be provided. 

About the Film
Sometimes the most inspiring people we encounter are those who have suffered the most. Meet these Maine veterans who have experienced great trauma but climbed out of the dark hole and found ways to lift their brethren. “Veterans in Recovery” is a part of the “Voices of Hope: The Rugged Road to Recovery” series created by SEED. Learn more at . 

Participants who attended the training sessions learned to recognize the signs of a drug overdose, how Naloxone (Narcan) reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and how to administer it. Those attending in-person had access to Naloxone doses to take home for personal preparedness and keep on hand for emergencies.

Across the four universities, a total of 105 campus and community members attended and participated in these training courses. Dr. St. Pierre from UMA shared, “We continue to look for ways to educate all of our students about substance use disorders and recovery. I am very grateful to have faculty colleagues across our System who are committed to educating all of our academic communities about the risk of overdoses and that recovery is possible.”

The four faculty members who hosted either on-site or hybrid (in-person plus live online participation) events at their respective institutions included Dr. Nicole Achey, assistant professor of rehabilitation and human services at the University of Maine at Farmington; Dr. Beverly Wagner, bachelor of social work program director and assistant professor of social work at the University of Maine at Presque Isle; Dr. Shawn Graham, associate professor of counseling at the University of Maine at Fort Kent; and Wendy St. Pierre, associate professor of mental health and human services at the Â鶹APP (UMA).

The faculty were proud of their efforts to educate both their campus communities and the general public about overdoses and hope to work together again next September to offer the overdose training across their campuses.

“I had been navigating a situation with an Education student who was having difficulty accessing professional attire that matched the school’s expectations where he was doing his internship,” recalled Surrette. “I was on my way home, listening to NPR, when a story came on about universities establishing dress closets to provide their economically disadvantaged students access to suitable clothing for professional interviews and internships,” he recalls. “I immediately thought of my student. I knew we needed this at UMA; that was my inspiration to act.”

When he arrived home, he shared the story with his wife, Lauren Holleb Surrette, a Health and Human Services professor also at UMA. She was immediately on board. They collaborated with friend and colleague, Education Professor Lauren Stark, and together they applied for, and received, a UMA presidential mini-grant of $5,000 to start the Professional Wardrobe Support Program—a dress closet on the UMA Bangor Campus serving Education and Health and Human Services students in need of appropriate clothing for their teaching and counseling internships.

“Over the duration of the grant we’ve been able to provide over 40 students with $50 gift cards to a Goodwill store location near them in Maine and to create a physical dress closet located on the UMA Bangor campus.” They were granted space to house the closet on the second floor of Lewiston Hall. “Our goal was to provide these students with the clothes they needed as soon as possible,” recalls Surrette. So, while we were building up our inventory and procuring racks, hangers, mirrors, and shelving, students in need of clothing could apply to us for a Goodwill gift card to outfit their internship needs.

Now in its second year, the program is navigating its growth. Though the gift certificate program has ended, they now have about 250 pieces of clothing, including shoes and accessories, available in their wardrobe space. “But we definitely need more, and are accepting donations,” remarked Surrette. “Professional plus size women’s items are what we need the most right now,” Surrette shared, “but we welcome new or gently-worn, clean, ready-to-wear, current fashion, work-appropriate clothing, shoes, and accessories for all genders and in all sizes.” While there is certainly a need for dressier interview clothing, the greatest need is for every-day professional wear for interning teachers and social workers.

Being appropriately dressed goes a long way toward feeling confident, focusing on your work, and possessing a sense of belonging. The outfits provided to students not only help them feel professional while completing their coursework but will follow them forward and be one more way they are prepared for success in their new careers. “We are very proud to have been a part of this collective work and to see the impact it’s had on our students,” proclaimed Surrette.

Access to professional clothes through the closet is critical to ensuring all UMA students can leverage their education to achieve career opportunities and upward mobility. The majority of the university’s students are eligible for need-based federal Pell grants, and are the first in their families to pursue a door-opening postsecondary degree. To connect with the services of the Professional Wardrobe Support Program or to donate to this effort, contact Timothy Surrette at timothy.surrette@maine.edu.

6:00 pm

Online via Zoom

The faculty are hosting an information session for individuals who are interested in learning about the tuition waiver opportunities the grant provides.

The tuition waiver can be used to cover up to 50% of the tuition for courses in the UMA Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician (SART) undergraduate certificate program (10 classes/30 credits) and the UMF Employment Specialist 2 course sequence (2 classes/6 credits).

Please join us on Nov. 1 at 6:00pm via Zoom to learn more about the grant and the opportunities it can provide to new and current UMA and UMF students.

The collaboration is being funded by a $285,000 grant from the University of Maine System (UMS) Talent, Research & Innovation for Maine – Small Campus Initiative using funds allocated to the UMS from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan. The Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan (MJRP) is Governor Mills’ plan approved by the Legislature to utilize Maine’s share of the federal pandemic relief funds provided by Congress. The MJRP funds came to the University of Maine System for workforce development, and were awarded for this project by the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation.

UMA, known for its excellence in Mental Health and Human Services (MHHS) education, offers a comprehensive program in Mental Health and Human Services through the College of Professional Studies. UMF boasts a well-established Rehabilitation and Human Services program under the Division of Community Health Education, Recreation, and Rehabilitation Services. The collaboration will leverage the strengths and expertise of both institutions to provide students with a more robust and comprehensive educational experience. By sharing resources, faculty expertise, and best practices, UMA and UMF aim to produce graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving healthcare and human services landscape.

Key highlights of this collaboration include:

Free Student Tuition for Specific Classes at UMA & UMF:  The two critical workforce areas this grant targets are courses that lead to licensure to become a substance use disorders counselor in Maine and courses to become an Employment Specialist.  UMA and UMF offer the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician (SART) certificate program, which is designed to provide students with the necessary coursework to meet the education requirements for entry-level licensure in substance use disorder treatment in Maine. Delivered entirely online, the 10-course SART certificate program prepares students to become Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADCs). New and current UMA and UMF students can receive up to a 50% tuition waiver when enrolled in the SART certificate program.

The other grant-funded pathway is the UMF Employment Specialist (ES) certification. This certificate can be earned by completing two online courses, and prepares graduates to work closely with people with disabilities, and other limiting conditions, to help them find and maintain employment. It The courses introduce students to career exploration, career planning and job coaching and completion of the two course sequence can lead to national certification under ACRE. The grant will cover the tuition costs for one of the two ES courses for new and current UMA and UMF students. This incredible opportunity allows individuals to pursue their passion for helping others without the financial burden.

Support for licensing exams: Grant funds are available to support current UMA and UMF in pursuing a professional license as a substance use disorders counselor. Study guides for the national exams have been purchased and are now available at UMF and UMA campus libraries for students use. Students can also request reimbursement for the costs of the national exam once they have passed. These options prove ways to reduce student barriers towards the pursuit of state level substance use disorders treatment licensure.

Cross-Enrollment: Students from UMA will have the opportunity to enroll in selected courses at UMF, and vice versa, broadening their academic experiences and exposure to different perspectives within healthcare and human services.

To be eligible for the grant, prospective students must apply for admission, and there is no cost to apply. Once accepted into the program, students can apply online for grant funding, which covers up to 50% of the tuition for specific courses identified in the grant.

Dr. Jenifer Cushman, President of UMA, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership will strengthen our commitment to producing highly skilled professionals in mental health and human services. By working together with UMF, we can provide our students with an even more exceptional education and empower them to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”

Dr. Wendy St. Pierre, Assistant Professor of MHHS and Academic Coordinator for the program, added, “I am excited about the possibilities that this multi-campus collaboration brings to students at UMA and UMF. UMA and UMF faculty have recognized the financial barriers that students face and having access to these grant funds will hopefully encourage people to consider starting a new career as a substance use disorders counselor or an employment specialist. One of our goals is to promote careers in human services to meet the current workforce and consumers needs across the state of Maine and beyond.”

The collaboration between UMA and UMF represents a forward-thinking approach to education, designed to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare and human services sectors. Both institutions are dedicated to fostering the development of future leaders in these critical fields.

For more information, visit   

The Human Services faculty at the Â鶹APP (UMA) and University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) who are overseeing the UMA-UMF Human Services Collaborative Training Grant invite you to attend the Pathways to Professions in Human Services free event.

The event will be held at UMA’s Augusta Campus on August 18, 2023 from 8:30 – 1:00 p.m.

The event is for anyone who might be interested in pursuing a professional credential to work in the field of human services. We will have speakers talking about substance use treatment with New Mainers, information on careers as a substance use counselor, and information on careers as an employment specialist.

There will also be information presented on the current grant-funded tuition waivers (up to 50% free tuition) available to students interested in pursuing a college education in one or both of these professional areas at UMA or UMF. This unique collaborative program is made possible thanks to funding from  (MJRP) provided by Governor Mills and the Maine Legislature to the University of Maine System for workforce development. 

Participants are encouraged to attend in person but there will be a virtual option for those who are unable to join us in Augusta. Participants need to register to attend whether they plan to attend in person or virtually.

Job Title

Undergraduate Research Assistant for the UMA/UMF Collaborative Training Program UMS Small Campus Grant

Department

Mental Health and Human Services

Job Description

The Undergraduate Research Assistant will be under the supervision of the Academic Coordinator of the UMA Mental Health and Human Services (MHHS) Program. The position is being grant funded for 13 months through a Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan Grant (05/2023 – 06/2023). The Undergraduate Research Assistant (RA) is responsible for assisting the faculty members involved in the grant in a variety of tasks which may include preparing promotional materials, coordinating events, research, data collection, and documentation in support of the grant activities. The supervising faculty will be responsible for providing ongoing feedback and a formal assessment at the conclusion of the project.

Job Duties

The Primary Investigator (PI) (supervising faculty) will determine the RA’s weekly tasks and goals to assist in the achievement of project goals which may include the following and/or other duties specific to the project objectives. Involves research and data collection, such as library research, structured interviews or other project specific methodology.

• Collects, interprets, synthesizes and analyzes data.
• Schedules, organizes, participates and reports on status of project activities.
• Plans and modifies research and data collection techniques and procedures.
• Writes and edits materials for publication and presentation.
• Meets with faculty supervisor on a regular basis to maintain ongoing communication regarding the project needs and quality of the assistant’s performance.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education/Experience
Current enrollment in a UMA undergraduate program with interest in workforce development, grant implementation and management, and/or human services careers development.

Skills/Abilities
Subject knowledge and oral/written communication skills to discuss and document research progress. Ability to work independently, accurately and to problem solve technical and methodological issues that arise during the course of the project and research. Ability to apply critical analysis to the processes being created and implemented. Strong organization and interpersonal skills.

Anticipated Hours/Schedule

Average of 10 hours per week. Preference to have one RA remain in the role for summer 2023, fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024.

Supervisor

Dr. Wendy St. Pierre, Academic Coordinator of Mental Health & Human Services Program

How to Apply

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume to Dr. Wendy St. Pierre at wendy.stpierre@maine.edu. Application review will begin on May 15, 2023, and continue until a candidate is hired.