CESP Exam Dumps : Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP)

According to the Social Security Administration1, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly payments to people who have limited income and resources, and who are either 65 or older, blind, or have a disability. The eligibility for SSI is not based on the parent’s Social Security earnings, but on the individual’s own income and resources. The parent’s earnings may affect the SSI eligibility of a child under 18, but not of an adult2. Therefore, option A does not define the SSI program.

The other options are correct definitions of the SSI program. Option B states that qualifying for SSI is based upon earned income and owned assets, which is true. The SSI program has strict limits on how much income and resources a person can have to be eligible1. Option C states that the basic SSI amount is the same nationwide, but many states add money to the basic benefit, which is also true. The federal SSI benefit rate for 2024 is $794 per month for an individual and $1,191 per month for a couple, but some states supplement this amount with their own funds3. Option D states that the program makes payments to people with low income who are age 65 or older or have a disability, which is the main purpose of the SSI program1. References: 1: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 2: You May Be Able to Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 3: SSI Federal Payment Amounts For 2024

 Supported employment services are a personalized model for supporting people with significant disabilities to secure and retain paid employment in integrated communitysettings12. The model uses a partnership strategy to enable people with disabilities to achieve sustainable long-term employment and businesses to employ valuable workers12. Supported employment services are based on the core values and principles of inclusion, empowerment, choice, respect, dignity, and individualization12.

Among the four options, only C is consistent with these values and principles, and the most appropriate way to proceed with the individual. By meeting with him to discuss his employment interests, and engaging him in the job development process, the supported employment professional can demonstrate respect for his preferences, goals, and abilities, and empower him to take an active role in his own employment journey12. This can also help to build rapport, trust, and motivation, and address anybarriers or challenges that may have affected his previous engagement and follow through34.

Option A is not appropriate, as it implies that the individual is not ready for services, and needs to undergo a prevocational program to assess his skills and abilities. This goes against the supported employment principle of zero exclusion, which states that anyone who wants to work can work, regardless of their level of disability or support needs12. Prevocational programs are often segregated, time-limited, and do not lead to competitive employment outcomes56. Option B is also not appropriate, as it implies that the individual is not committed or responsible, and needs to prove himself before receiving services. This goes against the supported employment principle of empowerment, which states that the individual should be treated as an equal partner, and not as a passive recipient of services12. Setting up conditions may also create a power imbalance, and discourage the individual from engaging in the process78. Option D is also not appropriate, as it implies that the individual is not welcome or valued by the current program or provider, and needs to start over with a new one. This goes against the supported employment principle of inclusion, which states that theindividual should be supported to participate fully in the community, and not be isolated or excluded12. Referring him to another program or provider may also disrupt the continuity of services, and affect the quality of the relationship and the outcomes910.

References:

• 1: What Is Supported Employment? | British Association for Supported Employment
• 2: Certified Employment Support Professional - apse.org
• 3: Supported Employment Services | DSHS
• 4: What Is Supported Employment? - Integrity, Inc.
• 5: The Case Against Prevocational Services - ThinkWork
• 6: Prevocational Services: A Review of the Literature - Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
• 7: Motivational Interviewing in Supported Employment - Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
• 8: Motivational Interviewing in Employment Services - Journal of Rehabilitation
• 9: The Importance of Continuity in Employment Services - Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
• 10: The Impact of Staff Turnover on Employment Services - Journal of Rehabilitation Administration

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence1. It is based on the principles of collaboration, evocation, and autonomy2. The best question to ask using motivational interviewing techniques is one that reflects these principles and helps the client to examine their own reasons and consequences for their behavior. Therefore, the option C, “Can you help me understand your decision to steal candy?” is the best question to ask, as it invites the client to share their perspective without judgment, expresses curiosity and empathy, and allows the client to have autonomy over their choices. The other options are not consistent with motivational interviewing techniques because:

• A. “What do you think will happen if you get caught by the manager?” is a question that focuses on the external consequences of the behavior, rather than the internal motivation to change. It may also imply a threat or a warning, which could increase the client’s resistance or defensiveness.
• B. “If you get caught you can be prosecuted; are you going to keep stealing?” is a question that confronts the client with a negative outcome and a closed-ended question that limits the client’s response. It may also elicit a negative reaction from the client, such as denial, rationalization, or hostility.
• D. “That was not very smart; what made you think that was a good idea?” is a question that criticizes the client’s intelligence and judgment, and implies that the counselor knows better than the client. It may also damage the rapport and trust between the counselor and the client, and make the client feel ashamed or angry. References:
• Motivational Interviewing
• Motivational Interviewing: Definition, Techniques, and Efficacy