Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice / CDERP College

ACRE Organization Name: Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice / CDERP College
ACRE Organization State: Australia-Wide
Organization Address: Suite 403, 198 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands Vic Australia 3008

Contact Person: Dr Peter Smith
Contact Person Phone Number: 61 427813840
Name or Title of ACRE Training: Customized Employment (ACRE Accredited).

Training Format: Hybrid: Online/Face-to-Face
Organizational Website to gain access to ACRE training: https://college.cderp.com.au

Description of ACRE Training: (structure of training, modules, etc.)
The “Customized Employment Program” offered by the Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice (CDERP) provides an in-depth exploration of customized employment practices, from Discovery to Post Placement Support and Service Provider Change processes. 

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This course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful, person-centered employment. The program covers a wide range of topics, from the historical evolution of employment practices to the practical implementation of customized employment strategies.

Course Objectives

• Explore Foundations of Customized Employment: Understand normalization, person-centered practice, and systems change.
• Master Discovery and Social Capital Development: Learn to identify individual talents and social networks that support employment.
• Develop Skills in Job Development and Employer Engagement: Implement strategies to engage employers and develop employment roles.
• Empower Through Self-Advocacy and Self-Employment: Support participants in self-advocacy, entrepreneurial endeavors, and informed decision-making.
• Ensure Long-Term Success with Post-Placement Support: Develop post-placement plans that promote skill retention, natural support, and sustainable employment.

Learning Outcomes
Participants will complete the course with the ability to:

1. Apply customized employment and discovery principles to assess and match individual capabilities with job roles.
2. Conduct discovery interviews and build social capital for clients.
3. Engage employers effectively through job development and informational interviews.
4. Support clients in self-employment pathways and entrepreneurial skills.
5. Create tailored post-placement support plans to help clients succeed in the workplace.
6. Champion systems change by promoting customized employment models within organizations.

​Course Lessons

1. Understanding Customized Employment and Discovery (UCED)
2. Discovery and Social Capital (DSC)
3. Self-Advocacy (SA)
4. Discovery Stage One (DSO)
5. Informational Interviews – Unlocking Skills and Employment (IIUSE)
6. Work Experience (WE)
7. Job Development & Barriers to Employment (JDBE)
8. Employers (E)
9. Self-Employment (SE)
10. Self-Determination and Career Planning (SDCP)
11. Post-Placement Planning and Support (PPPS)
12. Systems Change – Embedding New Practice Models (SCENPM)

Course Format

• Delivery Mode: Online modules with assessments, quizzes, practical and online mentoring. Face-to-face and Hybrid are available subject to arrangement.
• Duration: 40 Hours of flexible, self-paced with required and optional mentoring sessions
• Methods: Videos, interactive quizzes, practical exercises, and case studies
• Materials Provided: Digital workbooks, handouts, and templates
• Certification: ACRE Certificate of Achievement upon successfully passing quizzes and practical assessments

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Customized Employment Basic or Professional Level: Basic Level
States where training is available (if only in specific state(s), or if in any state)
Australia Wide
Trainer Names: Dr Peter Smith, Ms. Lauren Pavlidis, Dr June Alexander
Training Format: Online/Face-to-face