PDF CESP Study Guide

 According to the CESP Handbook1, the minimum standard for a person to be ready for competitive employment in her own community is the desire to work. This is based on the core value of presumption of employability, which means that every person with a disability can work in the community with the right supports and opportunities1. The other options (B, C, and D) are not minimum standards, but rather skills or resources that can be developed or provided through individualized employment and career planning, community research and job development, and workplace and related supports1. References: 1: Certified Employment Support Professional Handbook, page 10.

Impairment-related work expenses, earned income exclusion, and trial work periods are examples of work incentives, which are special rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid1. Work incentives are designed to help people with disabilities transition to work while minimizing the risk of losing theirbenefits2. Disclosure terms are the conditions under which a person with a disability chooses toshare information about their disability with others, such as employers or co-workers3. Tax credits are reductions in the amount of tax that a person or business owes to the government, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)4. Employer benefits are non-wage compensations provided to employees in addition to their normal wages or salaries, such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave. References: 1: CESP Candidate Handbook, page 9. Download here. 2: Social Security Administration. [Work Incentives]. 3: CESP Candidate Handbook, page 11. Download here. 4: Internal Revenue Service. [Tax Credits]. : U.S. Department of Labor. [Employee Benefits].

The work hours are the least likely factor to be causing his current difficulties at work, because he has been working the same hours for two years without any problems. The other factors (A, C, and D) are more likely to affect his performance and alertness, as they can change over time or have an impact on his mental and physical well-being. For example, his medication may have side effects, his sleeping pattern/schedule may be disrupted, or his general health/mental illness may worsen or fluctuate. These factors may require adjustments or accommodations to help him succeed at work. References:

• APSE CESP Practice Exam, Question 1
• CESP Exam Content Outline, Domain 4, Task 4.2
• CESP Handbook, page 12

 The most important activity to prepare Tanya to start work is to spend time on the job site learning about the job duties and preparing a job task analysis and identifying co-workers to help support her. This is because this activity will help you to understand the expectations and requirements of the job, as well as the culture and environment of the workplace. You will also be able to identify the skills and supports that Tanya will need to perform the tasks and interact with others. A job task analysis is a tool that breaks down the job into its essential components and describes the steps, skills, and conditions involved in each task1. Identifying co-workers to help support Tanya is part of the natural supports strategy, which involves using the existing resources and relationships in the workplace to provide ongoing assistance and integration for the employee with a disability2.

References:

• 1: Job Task Analysis: A Guide for Employment Support Professionals1
• 2: Natural Supports: A Guide for Employment Support Professionals2