Pass the APSE Employment Support Professional CESP Questions and answers with ValidTests

The best way to know more about a job seeker is to ask him directly about his background and desire for services. This is consistent with the principles of self-determination, empowerment, and person-centered planning that are part of the CESP Domain 2 Individualized Employment and Career Planning1. Asking him directly also shows respect for his autonomy and preferences, and allows him to share his strengths, interests, and goals in his own words. Asking family and clinicians, reading his case file, or placing him in a job without his input may provide some useful information, but they may also be biased, outdated, or irrelevant to his current situation and aspirations. Moreover, they may undermine his confidence and motivation to pursue employment. References: 1: CESP Content Outline - CESP

The APSE ethical guidelines are a set of principles and practices that professionals in supported employment should follow to promote services consistent with human dignity1. One of the core values of APSE is that employment should be an option for any person interested in working, regardless of label, support need, or perceived functioning level1. Therefore, the statement that individuals with severe disabilities are unemployable is NOT an APSE ethical guideline, but rathera misconception that contradicts the APSE vision of inclusive communities where everyone works2. References: 1: APSE Ethical Guidelines for Professionals in Supported Employment 2: APSE Mission and Vision Statement

Zero exclusion is one of the principles of Employment First, which means that all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the level or type of disability, are presumed to be capable of working in competitive integrated employment (CIE) with appropriate services and supports. This principle rejects the notion that some people are “too disabled” to work or need to meet certain criteria before they can access employment services. Instead, it affirms the right and opportunity of every person with a disability to pursue their employment goals and aspirations. References: APSE: Employment First Definition and Principles, Employment First | U.S. Department of Labor

According to the CESP Candidate Handbook1, Domain 1 of the CESP certification covers Application of Core Values and Principles to Practice, which includes the following tasks:

1.1 Demonstrate respect for the dignity, rights, and uniqueness of each individual.

1.2 Promote self-determination and informed choice for the individuals served.

1.3 Advocate for the full inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities in the community.

1.4 Adhere to the code of ethics and professional standards of practice.

The most appropriate response to a family’s concern about their family member working in the community and maintaining a job is to say “We can find a good fit for him with the right accommodations.” This would be consistent with the task 1.3, which requires the employment support professional to advocate for the full inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities in the community. By saying this, the employment support professional would show respect for the individual’s dignity, rights, and uniqueness, and promote self-determination and informed choice for the individual. The employment support professional would also acknowledge the family’s concern and offer a solution that would address the individual’s needs and preferences, as well as the employer’s expectations and requirements.

The other options are not the most appropriate responses, because they either disregard or undermine the individual’s dignity, rights, and uniqueness, and do not promote self-determination and informed choice for the individual. Saying “We can try a workshop first if it will make you feel better.” (option A) is not an appropriate response, because it implies that the individual’s employment goal is not valid or realistic, and that the family’s opinion is more important than the individual’s. This would also suggest that the individual needs to be segregated and isolated from the community, rather than integrated and included. Saying “We can set him up in enclave employment.” (option B) is also not an appropriate response, because it does not involve the individual in the decision-making process, and it does not offer a customized employment opportunity that matches the individual’s skills, interests, and goals. This would also limit the individual’s opportunities and choices, and prevent him from fully participating and contributing to the community. Saying “We can find a job where he works alone.” (option D) is not an appropriate response, because it assumes that the individual cannot work with others, and it does not consider the individual’s preferences and support needs. This would also isolate the individual from the social and professional networks that are essential for successful employment and career development.

References: 1: CESP Candidate Handbook, page 10.

The best advocacy for Carl to receive bus training is to assist him to meet with his team and his parents to discuss city bus training, then plan and prepare for the city bus training. This option respects Carl’s right to self-determination and empowerment, as well as his parents’ concerns and involvement. It also allows for a collaborative and individualized approach to address Carl’s transportation needs and goals. The other options are either disrespectful, dishonest, or ineffective in promoting Carl’s independence and inclusion in the generalworkforce. References: https://cesp.helpscoutdocs.com/article/637-cesp-examination-content-outline

https://apse.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CESP-Practice-Exam-8-2.pdf

Maintaining data on an individual’s job performance is important for an employment support professional because it enables them to monitor the progress and outcomes of the individual, provide feedback and coaching, and adjust the level and type of support as needed. Data on job performance can include objective measures such as productivity, quality, attendance, and customer satisfaction, as well as subjective measures such as self-efficacy, satisfaction, and engagement. By collecting andanalyzing data on job performance, an employment support professional can identify the strengths and areas of improvement of the individual, celebrate their achievements, address any challenges or barriers, and facilitate their career development and advancement. References:

Employment Support Professional (ESPro) Competencies Evaluation Tool

21 Employee Performance Metrics

Individual job performance

According to the CESP handbook, one of the roles of the employment support professional (ESP) is to collaborate with other service providers, such as residential staff, to ensure the individual’s employment success1. This includes coordinating and communicating with the residential staff about the individual’s employment goals, needs, and preferences1. However, the ESP should respect the boundaries and roles of the residential staff and avoid imposing unreasonable expectations on them1. Therefore, the only reasonable expectation to ask from the residential staff in support of the individual’s employment is to support the individual in maintaining a clean work uniform, as this is a basic hygiene and appearance requirement that can affect the individual’s performance and acceptance at work1. The other options are not reasonable because they are either beyond the scope of the residential staff’s responsibility or interfere with the ESP’s role. For example, ensuring the individual is making friends at work is not a direct support service that the residential staff can provide, and it may also infringe on the individual’s privacy and autonomy1. Calling the employer to discuss issues the employee is having at work is not appropriate for the residential staff, as this may confuse the employer and undermine the ESP’s relationship with the employer and the individual1. Reviewing skills learned at work and practicing tasks that might be difficult to perform is the primary responsibility of the ESP, who has the expertise and training to provide effective job coaching and skill development1. The residential staff should not interfere with the ESP’s instruction or assessment of the individual’s work skills1. References: 1: Certified Employment Support ProfessionalTM [EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION COUNCIL] Certified Employment Support ProfessionalTM 2018 \nCertification Handbook \nLast Updated 11/2/18 \nEmployment Support Professional Certification Council Kari Tietjen, CESPTM Director kari@apse.org June 20, 2018 The Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) Credential The Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a sufficient level of of knowledge and skill to provide integrated employment support services to a variety of client populations. The CESP credential is intended to help employers, employees and potential employees by increasing the visibility of – and access to – competent individuals in the profession. Individuals who earn the CESP credential have demonstrated knowledge of the facilitation and advocacy skills necessary to help establish and expand equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. CESPs also raise awareness of benefits within the business community, and promote social change that fosters an independent, productive lifestyle for individuals with disabilities. About ESPCC The EmploymentSupport Professional Certification Council (ESPCC) was established in 2011 by the APSE Board of Directors to establish and implement policies and procedures for the CESP certification program and to oversee the development the CESP examination. The ESPCC is responsible for developing and overseeing all aspects of the certification program. What is Certification ESPCC developed the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) program to set a standard of knowledge and distinguish employment support professionals who have shown they have the skill and competence to perform the requirements of the job. Professional certification is different than a training or educational program. Training programs offer a certificate of attendance when an individual completes the coursework, but they do not give a credential. ESPCC used a nationally recognized process to define the roles and responsibilities of the employment support professional and awards a credential after the individual passes an exam to demonstrate their competence. Meet Eligibility Requirements Submit Application Prepare for the Exam Meet Professional Development Requirements Display your CESP Credential Pass the Exam Potential Job Roles, Practice Settings of Typical Candidates/Certificants The ESPCC developed the CESPTM for employment support professionals (ESPs) who provide employment services to individuals with significant disabilities by assisting individuals to obtain and maintain competitive employment in integrated community workplaces. The CESP credential is designed for job coaches, job developers, transition employment specialists, job placement personnel, and employment specialists/consultants who serve a wide variety of target audiences including individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses, sensory impairments, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury and autism spectrum disorders.

 A reasonable accommodation is any change to the job, the way the job is done, or the work environment that allows a qualified person with a disability to perform the essential functions of that job and enjoy equal employment opportunities1. Reasonable accommodations are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) unless they create an undue hardship or a direct threat2. Among the four options, only B is a reasonable accommodation that does not alter the essential functions of the job or impose an undue burden on the employer. Providing longer time to complete mandatory training is a way of adjusting the methods or presentation of the trainingmaterials to accommodate the employee’s disability3. Option A is not a reasonable accommodation because transportation to and from the workplace is not related to the job itself, but rather to the living conditions or mobility of the employee4. Option C is not a reasonable accommodation because assistance from another employee to complete essential functions implies that the employee cannot perform the job on their own, which would make them unqualified for the position5. Option D is not a reasonable accommodation because omitting typing for a data entry position would eliminate an essential function of the job, which would fundamentally alter the nature of the position6. References:

Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace

Your Employment Rights as an Individual with a Disability

Your Right to Reasonable Accommodation at the workplace

Reasonable Accommodations - U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Accommodations | U.S. Department of Labor

it illustrates the universal design principle of equitable use, which means that the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities1. A concrete sidewalk ramp is an example of a design that can benefit people with different mobility needs, such as wheelchair users, stroller users, or people with walkers. It provides the same means of access for all users, without segregating or stigmatizing anyone1.

Answer A is not correct, because it does not demonstrate a universal design principle, but rather an individual adaptation or accommodation. A head pointer is a specialized device that is not widely available or usable by most people. It does not meet the criteria of equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, or size and space for approach and use1, which are the seven principles of universal design.

Answer B is not correct, because it does not show any specific design feature that is relevant to the universal design principles. Pushing carts in the parking lot is a job task that may or may not be accessible or usable by people with diverse abilities, depending on the design of the carts, the parking lot, and the store. It is not clear how this example relates to any of the universal design principles.

Answer D is not correct, because it is also an example of an individual adaptation or accommodation, not a universal design principle. A picture prompt list is a personalized tool that may help some people with cognitive disabilities, but it is not a design that is applicable or beneficial to all users. It does not meet the criteria of the universal design principles. References

https://www.passitcertify.com/apse/cesp-questions.html

https://apse.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CESP-Practice-Exam-8-2.pdf

The first consideration when deciding whether to pursue an interview for a job-seeker who has a physical disability and uses a wheelchair is ensuring that the office where the meeting is held is wheelchair accessible. This is based on the principle of universal design, which means that environments, products, and services should be usable by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities12. Ensuring accessibility is not only a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but also a way to promote inclusion and respect for the job-seeker3. The other options (A, B, and C) are important factors to consider, but they are not the first consideration. The job-seeker’s interests, capabilities, and transportation needs should be assessed and addressed before the job development stage, as part of the individualizedemployment and career planning process. References: 1: Universal Design - Association of People Supporting Employment First 2: What is Universal Design? | Centre for Excellence in Universal Design 3: ADA Requirements: Wheelchair Ramps : CESP study guide Flashcards |