School of Counseling and Special Education Faculty Publications

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This article describes a recent certification initiative to build an international network of professionals who have the knowledge and skills to provide quality integrated employment services to individuals with a variety of disabilities. An overview of the history and conceptual framework guiding the development of the Employment Support Professional Certification Program will be followed by a presentation of findings from a preliminary survey study of 93 professionals who have been certified. Survey respondents identified both personal and professional motivations for pursuing the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) designation, including the desire to (a) achieve a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction, (b) demonstrate a professional standard of competence and commitment to the profession, and (c) garner professional credibility and enhanced opportunities for career advancement. The authors describe ongoing efforts and recommendations for validating the credentialing program and for increasing the number of certified professionals equipped to establish and expand equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Publisher's Statement

The final publication is available at IOS Press through http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/JVR-140679.

Publication Date

2014

Publication Title

Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-140679

Volume

40

Issue

2

Start Page No.

99

End Page No.

107

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