Supported Employment Happenings

August 23, 2018

It has been a busy summer for our Supported Employment program!

There are 56 million people in the United States living with a disability. Approximately 13.3 million of those people report having difficulty finding a job even though they are able and actively seeking employment. The Foothills Gateway Supported Employment Program aims to change this staggering statistic through further staff development and better employer resources. The organization is constantly working to move forward and provide better support for the individuals served.

three job coaches holding their Certified Employment Support Professional certificates — Amy (left), Carol (middle), and Nancy (right) show off their CESP Certificates for the camera

To kick off the summer, three Foothills Gateway Career Consultants passed their Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) exams in May. The group traveled down the road to Broomfield where they sat through a 3-hour, 135 question exam.

So what is the CESP exam, and why is it important?

The CESP program is the first in the nation to create national guidelines to validate and support the training currently provided in the field. The program is overseen by the Employment Support Professional Certification Council (ESPCC), established by the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Board of Directors.

The exam assesses knowledge and competency in the following areas:

Application of Core Values and Principles of Practice, Legislation and Funding
Individualized Assessment and Employment/Career Planning
Community Research and Job Development
Workplace and Related Supports
Ongoing Supports

Pass rates for the exam range between 75-80%, so a passing score is never a given.

Congratulations to Nancy, Carol and Amy!!

Lights, Camera, Action!

As the summer got warmer, the team went into the field to help show you what they do every day. With the help of Clear Image Media, Supported Employment was able to create a video that helps reach two goals:

To offset the fear employers have surrounding hiring an individual with a disability
To give employers the information they need to fully consider individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) when making hiring decisions

You will see these goals accomplished through highlighting the skills and benefits people with IDD bring to the workforce and emphasizing the type of support Foothills Gateway can offer to both employer and employee.

Take a Moment to Enjoy!

This video will serve as support for Career Consultants and they work on developing jobs in the community. Further, it helped make one person’s dreams come true!

Billy listens for quality as Career Consultant, Nancy, records voiceover

Billy T. had expressed his goal of starring in a movie with his Career Consultant many times, so when it came time to put the video together, he was first on the list! Not only is Billy one of the stars, he also got to help with video voiceover.

When the movie was complete, it was premiere time! Foothills Gateway threw a party for the stars and their families to view the “Extended Cut”, made just for them. They autographed their photos for us and enjoyed goodies while view the video together for the first time.

This Summer’s a Wrap!

As the team heads into the autumn, they’re ready for whatever lies ahead!

Have questions about getting involved with Supported Employment? Reach out to Justin Freyermuth, Supported Employment Coordinator, at justinf@foothillsgateway.org or (970) 402-4695