APSE Updated CESP Exam Questions and Answers by chase

The LEAST effective way for a family to support a job seeker in obtaining competitive employment is to attend job interviews and new employer orientation sessions to learn more about the job and hiring procedures. This is because it may interfere with the job seeker’s autonomy, self-determination, and self-advocacy skills, which are essential for successful employment outcomes. It may also create a negative impression on the employer, who may perceive the job seeker as dependent, unprepared, or lacking confidence. Furthermore, it may violate the confidentiality and privacy of the job seeker, who may not want to disclose personal information to the family or the employer. Therefore, the family should respect the job seeker’s choices and preferences, and support them from a distance, unless the job seeker explicitly requests their presence or assistance. References:

• APSE CESP Practice Exam, Question 3
• APSE CESP Exam Content Outline, Domain 2, Task 2.2
• APSE CESP Code of Conduct, Principle 1, Section 1.3
• APSE CESP Handbook, Page 12, Section 4.1.3

The first consideration when deciding whether to pursue an interview for a job-seeker who has a physical disability and uses a wheelchair is ensuring that the office where the meeting is held is wheelchair accessible. This is based on the principle of universal design, which means that environments, products, and services should be usable by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities12. Ensuring accessibility is not only a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but also a way to promote inclusion and respect for the job-seeker3. The other options (A, B, and C) are important factors to consider, but they are not the first consideration. The job-seeker’s interests, capabilities, and transportation needs should be assessed and addressed before the job development stage, as part of the individualizedemployment and career planning process. References: 1: Universal Design - Association of People Supporting Employment First 2: What is Universal Design? | Centre for Excellence in Universal Design 3: ADA Requirements: Wheelchair Ramps : CESP study guide Flashcards |

 When presenting your employment services to the local Chamber of Commerce, you should focus on the value proposition of hiring the individuals you represent, rather than their disabilities. Providing definitions or explanations of the disabilities of the job seekers you represent may create stereotypes, stigma, or pity, which are not conducive to building trust and respect with potential employers. Instead, you should highlight the consumer base and buying power of people with disabilities, the benefits of hiring the individuals you represent (such as skills, diversity, loyalty, etc.), and the tax incentives or other value-added benefits for businesses (such as reduced turnover, increased productivity, etc.). 

According to the APSE Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification handbook1, one of the core values and principles of practice is to respect the individual’s right to self-determination and informed choice. This means that the employment support professional should support the individual’s preferences and goals, and not impose their own opinions or decisions on them. Therefore, the employment support professional should not answer the questions for the individual (A), disclose the individual’s disability without their consent (B), or discourage the individual from seeking their assistance (D). The most appropriate way to provide support is to explain their role in the process and to provide support as needed after the individual introduces themselves ©. This way, the employment support professional can help the individual prepare for the interview, clarify any questions or concerns, and facilitate communication and accommodation if necessary234. However, the employment support professional should also respect the individual’s autonomy and let them take the lead in the interview as much as possible23. References:

• APSE Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification handbook
• Face-to-Face Interviewing | Business Communication Skills for Managers
• How to Conduct a Face-to-Face Interview Best Practices - BerniePortal
• Interview advice | National Careers Service