USU will offer quarterly Customized Employment (CE) training sessions each year.
Currently, USU is in the process of obtaining the ACRE Employment Services with an Emphasis on Customized Employment (Basic) certification.
The Basic Customized Employment Training includes 40 required hours, broken down into:
- 15 hours of classroom instruction
- 5 hours of individual follow-up
- 20 hours of field-based assignments
The training is organized into four core domains.
Domain 1, Application of Core Values and Principles to Practice focuses on understanding the rights of individuals with disabilities, the history and evolution of disability services, relevant legislation, best practices in the field, and maintaining professionalism.
Domain 2, Discovery/Individualized Assessment and Employment/Career Planning covers discovery activities used to assess a person’s strengths, interests, and skills through tools such as situational assessments and career exploration. This domain also includes developing support plans, understanding how employment impacts benefits, exploring self-employment, and creating a written, comprehensive employment plan.
Domain 3, Community Research and Job Development addresses marketing strategies and materials used by both job developers and job seekers. It includes resume and brochure creation, networking, disclosure and accommodations support, and researching the labor market. This domain also focuses on job acquisition strategies, including job seeker involvement, negotiation, and job carving.
Domain 4, Workplace and Related Supports covers the full range of supports needed once someone is on the job, including support planning, training involvement, job analysis, systematic instruction, natural and social supports, fading strategies, behavioral supports, and ongoing funding. It also includes supports related to job separation and assessing satisfaction of both employee and employer.
Staff on the Project
Tim Riesen, PhD
Division Director of Research and Training
Funding
This project is funded through a contract with the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
The Basic CE Training includes 40 required hours, broken down into:
- 15 hours of classroom instruction
- 5 hours of individual follow-up
- 20 hours of field-based assignments