© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Certification to Promote Competency, Collaboration and Assurance Christine Moranda, LSW, CDMS, CCM Chair-Elect, CDMS Commission President, OhioBLN Manager, Disability Services, Associate Health and Wellness, OhioHealth

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Definitions The CDMS Commission is: – the only independent and nationally accredited organization that certifies disability management specialists – through sound testing, backed by scientific research, continuing education, and a strict code of professional conduct – the validator of the core knowledge and competency of these experts 2

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission 3 What is Certification?

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Definitions Attests to one’s knowledge, experience, expertise, skills and competence Achievement of certification by written exam The purpose of certification is to protect the public/consumers 4

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission CDMS Who and what is a CDMS? A professional with a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) possesses the proven knowledge, skills and competence to implement and manage workforce programs The CDMS credential strives to represent excellence in integrated disability and absence management 5

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Definitions The CDMS Certification brings together many related professional disciplines in the practice of disability management... 6

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission 7 What is Integrated Disability Management?

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Integrated Disability Mgmt Allows employers to offer support and services to employees who: – Have a non-occupational illness or injury – Have sustained an occupational illness or injury – Have a disability and in need of an accommodation Assist employees with return to work or stay at work programs Focuses on the abilities of employees, regardless of their limiting condition 8

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission 9 What is Absence Management?

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Absence Management Addresses unscheduled employee absences Seeks to minimize the impact on the employer and the employee Includes employees who are off work due to disability as well as for family/personal issues and other reasons 10

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Features of Certification 11 EligibilityTypically a blend of academic preparation and professional experience. ExaminationThose who hold a certification must pass a psychometrically validated certification exam based on specified skills and knowledge. Certification GuideProvides information about the application and examination process, including eligibility criteria, an outline of exam content and some sample questions. Renewal and Continuing Education Criteria which details requirements for renewal and usually includes continuing education in specified focus areas. Code of Professional Conduct or Ethics Includes Principles and Rules of Professional Conduct, which are fundamental assumptions to guide professional conduct which prescribe the level of professional conduct required of every certificant. Compliance is mandatory and enforced.

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Becoming a CDMS Eligibility criteria – Education: Bachelors degree or RN – Professional Experience: Minimum of 12 months, with at least 60% of the job in disability management Upon confirmation of eligibility, the certification candidate sits for a computer-based examination at one of over 250 testing centers 12

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission ADMS Associate Disability Management Specialist (ADMS) designation In coordination with the Core Knowledge Curriculum Achieved by attaining an 80% aggregate passing rate on the questions for each of the course learning modules 13

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Certification vs. Certificate 14 Certification (CDMS)Certificate (ADMS) Results from an assessment process that recognizes individuals knowledge, skills and competency Results from an educational process Typically requires professional experience For newcomers or experienced professionals in need of specific education Indicates mastery/competency as measured against a defensible set of standards, usually by examination Indicates completion of a course or series of courses with a specific focus Standards set through a defensible, job analysis in an outline of required knowledge and skills Course content is not typically standardized

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Importance for Consumers CDMS certificants and ADMS designees are held to high standards of professional conduct and practice Both the CDMS and ADMS are backed by scientific field research (Role and Function Study or job analysis) which is conducted every 5 years to determine the current scope of roles and job demands for disability management specialists 15

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission CDMS Certification CDMS Certification stands for competency, collaboration and assurance in meeting the needs of employers and employees in today’s challenging work environment. 16

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Competency Certified Disability Management Specialists possess the competency, skills and experience necessary to meet the demands of employers today 17

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Competency in Action Certification allows disability managers to: Respond to employer demands in a changing workplace Implement integrated workplace solutions Contribute to improved productivity and quality Further the safety and risk management goals of employers Focus on health, wellness and prevention Coordinate with other leave and benefit programs 18

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Collaboration Certified Disability Management Specialists are able to identify important partners to achieve proactive, positive outcomes in the workplace Effective delivery of disability management services involves multiple stakeholders The diverse and versatile skills of CDMSs make them key collaborators – inside and outside the organization 19

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Collaboration in Action Certified Disability Management Specialists have the proven knowledge and expertise to: Promote effective communication among stakeholders Participate in multi-disciplinary workplace teams composed of human resources, risk management, safety, occupational health, and others Work closely with others to achieve successful return- to-work and stay-at-work outcomes Design, implement, and evaluate workplace programs in cooperation with management and labor Offer training and education of supervisors, managers, employees, labor organizations and others to promote program goals 20

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Assurance Certified Disability Management Specialists have the specialized knowledge and expertise that is valued by both employers and employees 21

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Assurance in Action Certified Disability Management Specialists are able to perform at the highest level of proficiency. Certification provides the assurance that CDMSs: Are capable to deliver quality disability management services, such as return-to-work, stay-at-work, absence management, health and wellness, and productivity Are qualified to design, implement, and evaluate workplace programs that are valid and based on current evidence-based practices Adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards through a Code of Professional Conduct Are obligated to exercise independent judgment in performing their practice duties Commit to professional development through continuing education Stay current with practice issues and trends 22

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Bring It All Together Ethics: CDMS Certification and ADMS Designation require adherence to high ethical standards Professional Practice: Through certification, disability managers demonstrate their ability to balance business concerns and workforce realities – while meeting the needs of employees who are ill, injured or who have a disability 23

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Core Knowledge Curriculum Certification requires continuing education and promotes professional development To meet the needs of the disability management field - in which knowledge and skills are gained mostly through on-the-job experience – the CDMS Commission has developed the a disability management Core Knowledge Curriculum (CKC) This unique, online learning resource addresses all aspects of disability management today Based on the four areas of practice (domains) of disability management as identified by the 2009 CDMS Role and Function Study 24

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission CKC Four Domains Domain I: Disability and Work Interruption Case Management Domain II: Workplace Intervention for Disability Prevention Domain III: Program Development, Management, and Evaluation Domain IV: Employment Leaves and Benefits Administration 25

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Uses of the CKC 26

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Looking Ahead The CDMS Commission is dedicated to the advancement of the field of disability management Through ongoing field research, educational offerings such as the Core Knowledge Curriculum, and working with our key partners such as the USBLN®, the CDMS Commission will continue to foster connections and conversations around the relevancy of disability management today 27

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission 28 Questions?

© 2011 Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission Thank you! Christine Moranda, LSW, CDMS, CCM Chair-Elect, CDMS Commission President, OhioBLN Manager, Disability Services, Associate Health and Wellness, OhioHealth