This course is designed to meet the needs of Disability Employment Professionals, with an emphasis on Customised Employment and Discovery. The program is mapped against the APSE1st and ACRE competencies, the recognised global standard for Customised Employment training. It requires 40 hours of training and examination, along with comprehensive support and mentoring beyond the training.
This course has been
This course will equip disability employment professionals with the knowledge and skills required to deliver Customised Employment and Discovery using the Australian employment system framework. It will also provide background knowledge on comparable developments and supports in the USA, the home of Customised Employment. This program draws on our research and practice, which are underpinned by extensive research partnerships globally and our valued technical alliance with Griffin Hammis Associates, the pioneers in Customised Employment for over forty years. Within the subject areas, you will find over eighty topics, along with videos, quizzes and assessments to support your learning journey.
Course Overview
The “Customised Employment Professional Program” offered by the Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice (CDERP) provides an in-depth exploration of customised employment practices, from Discovery to Post Placement Support and Service Provider Change processes.
This course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful, person-centred employment. The program covers a wide range of topics, from the historical evolution of employment practices to the practical implementation of customised employment strategies.
Course Objectives
- Understanding Key Concepts: Develop a solid understanding of customised employment, Discovery, and the significance of social capital in creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Skills Development: Learn to conduct Discovery interviews, create vocational profiles, and engage with employers to develop mutually beneficial job roles.
- Practical Application: Gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and case studies that emphasise real-world applications of the concepts learned.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Comprehend the foundational principles of customised employment and the Discovery process.
- Identify and apply person-centred practices in employment settings.
- Conduct effective Discovery interviews and assessments to uncover skills and talents.
- Develop and implement job development strategies, including job customisation and carving.
- Understand the role of social capital in supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving employment.
- Navigate and apply relevant disability employment legislation in Australia and the USA.
- Support individuals in self-advocacy and self-determination throughout the employment process.
- Facilitate post-placement planning and provide ongoing support to ensure sustainable employment outcomes.
Course Structure
The course is divided into thirteen lessons covering key areas of knowledge and skills such as:
- Introduction to Customised Employment and Discovery
- Overview of customised employment practices and the Discovery process.
- Understanding the evolution of employment practices.
- Discovery and Social Capital
- Exploration of social capital’s role in creating employment opportunities.
- Practical exercises in Discovery interviewing and community engagement.
- Self-Advocacy
- Tools and strategies for empowering individuals in self-advocacy within the employment context.
- Comparative analysis of self-advocacy practices in Australia and the USA.
- Discovery Stages
- Detailed examination of the stages of Discovery, including practical applications and assessments.
- Job Development
- Strategies for job development, including employer engagement, job customisation, and workplace accommodations.
- Self-Employment
- Guidance on undertaking self-employment, including business planning and the creation of a self-employment blueprint.
- Post-Placement Planning and Support
- Techniques for fading supports, implementing natural supports, and addressing challenging behaviours in the workplace.
- Systems Change
- Tools for embedding new practice models and promoting systems change within organisations.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, it is recommended for professionals working in disability employment services, vocational rehabilitation, or related fields.
Additional Information
- Assessment: The course includes quizzes and practical assessments to reinforce learning and ensure participants can apply the concepts in their professional practice.
- Support: Participants will have access to course instructors for guidance and support throughout the program.
- Mentoring: All participants receive regular mentoring throughout the course, along with additional on-demand mentoring and support.
