Core Knowledge Curriculum

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Introducing the NEW Online Learning Program for Disability Management:

Core Knowledge Curriculum Developed by the CDMS Commission in response to increased need for educational resources with a focus on disability and leaves of absence in the workplace.

CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum All-in-One Comprehensive Resource for Developing Competency in Disability Management

The Commission has created the CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum, a much-needed online learning program for those in the field of disability management. Now, current practitioners—and those charged with administering programs related to disability or leaves of absence—will be able to advance their level of competency and professional development.

UNIQUELY SUITED TO THE PRACTICE

The Core Knowledge Curriculum, developed by the CDMS Core Knowledge Committee members, recognizes the importance of establishing a central knowledge community. Subject-matter experts, handpicked by the Commission for their experience and expertise, dedicated themselves to creating this resource for their colleagues’ use and the future of the profession. Spring Consulting Group LLC and COPE & Associates developed the case-based curriculum design and online delivery platform in collaboration with the Commission and will continue to manage content.

MULTIPURPOSED CURRICULUM

Although the Commission does not endorse any particular study materials or preparation courses, those preparing for the CDMS certification exam may find the curriculum helpful as supplemental material to deepen their understanding across the breadth of disability management practice. Current certificants can participate in the learning program in whole or in part, with the benefit of earning up to 32 continuing education (CE) hours. For example, since the Commission now has a new domain around employment leaves and benefits administration, those who are already certified may choose to concentrate on Module 4.

For full details, visit www.CDMS.org or contact the CDMS Administrative Office at 847.375.6380. 2

LEARNING FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The fast-paced, evolving world of disability and absence management attracts a wide range of people with diverse backgrounds to the practice. From entry to ascendant levels, the curriculum is geared specifically to meet the continuum of professional development needs.

NEW ADMS DESIGNATION ADDED

The CDMS Commission has created a new designation, the Associate Disability Management Specialist (ADMS), for those practitioners who are already in disability management, but do not have the educational and practice background required for certification. The pathway for achieving the ADMS designation is through the CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum.

SELF-PACED ONLINE LEARNING

This CDMS online learning program allows participants to focus on content areas and study at their own pace. (Online access is limited to 120 days from start to finish.) The Core Knowledge Curriculum draws from authoritative sources, provides updates from current research and writing, and presents it all in one easily accessible format.

Table of Contents Module 1. . . . . . . . . 4-5 Module 2. . . . . . . . . 6-7 Module 3. . . . . . . . . 8-9 Module 4. . . . . . . 10-11 Price Schedule. . . . . 12 Order Form. . . . . 13-14 Exam Information. . . 15

The CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum is organized into an introductory module and four domain modules, each reflecting an area of practice identified in the Commission’s 2009 Role & Function Study. They include: Introductory Module: Introduction to Core Competencies Module 1: Domain for Disability and Work Interruption Case Management (8 CEs) Module 2: Domain for Workplace Intervention for Disability Prevention (8 CEs) Module 3: Domain for Program Development, Management, and Evaluation (8 CEs) Module 4: Domain for Employment Leaves and Benefits Administration (8 CEs) Each curriculum module consists of skill tools, interactive exercises, and case studies to build the learner’s knowledge base. Also included is an extensive glossary of terms and reading list. Pre- and post-tests assess knowledge before and after to measure improvement. 3

Vicki Borowski, MS CDMS CCM Co-Founder B & C Case Management, Inc. Nashville, TN

“After 20-plus years, the CDMS is still important to me professionally. The curriculum was exactly the refresher I needed for renewal by exam.”

Module 1: Domain for Disability and Work Interruption Case Management The learning emphasis in this module is on tasks designated in Domain 1 of the CDMS-identified practice areas. It includes knowledge of and skills in gathering relevant case information; synthesizing information; interpreting case-specific local, state, and federal regulations; and developing a case management plan. For full details, go to CDMS.org/eligibility.php.

Core Knowledge Curriculum 4

Building a Foundation for Managing Disability and Work Interruptions Basic responsibilities for professionals in the field of disability management continue to evolve. Often, practitioners are charged with administering programs related to disability or leaves of absence in addition to their regular, daily responsibilities. Module 1 is the starting point for building a strong foundation of knowledge from which to work. Upon completion of the CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum for Module 1: Disability and Work Interruption Case Management, you’ll be confident in your ability to • develop appropriate and optimum interventions using best practices • promote quality care, recovery, and cost-effective interventions • communicate and implement effectively in compliance with practice standards and regulations • promote collaboration among stakeholders for successful employment return-to-work outcomes and accommodations • facilitate informed decision making by employees about their benefits • develop solutions that address employee health and . work/life issues in a holistic manner. You can continue assessing, developing, and updating your knowledge and skills by completing the full curriculum that includes workplace intervention, program development, and employment leaves and benefits administration.

Competency. Collaboration. Assurance.

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Domain I

The Five Steps in the Disability Case Management Process Disability case management encompasses many details and requires enormous knowledge and coordination. At the same time, all of the tasks and information fall into a relatively easy to understand process map:

Source: CDMS Global Classroom

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Brian T. McMahon, PhD CRC Professor, VCU Dept of Rehabilitation Counseling Research Professor, VCU Dept of Rehab Medicine Richmond, VA

“I have thoroughly reviewed this curriculum and find it, in a word, definitive. It’s a masterpiece for either pre-service or inservice education.”

Module 2: Domain for Workplace Intervention for Disability Prevention The learning emphasis in this module is on tasks designated in Domain 2 of the CDMS-identified practice areas. It includes conducting organizational assessments, evaluating policies and procedures, presenting the business rational for disability management programs, managing human resources, applying labor relation laws, and managing financial resources. For full details, go to CDMS.org/eligibility.php.

Core Knowledge Curriculum 6

Integrating Prevention Practices into Organizational Culture Professionals in the field of disability management are advantageously positioned to work effectively across and within diverse populations. This wide sphere of influence combined with special expertise provides unique opportunities for impacting organizational behavior and culture positively. Across health and wellness, productivity, safety, and risk, practitioners are able to mitigate or prevent disability and implement prevention practices. Module 2 is the check-in point for establishing the value of workplace intervention for employers and employees alike. Upon completion of the CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum for Module 2: Workplace Intervention for Disability Prevention, you’ll validate your capacity to • integrate prevention as an essential component of organizational culture • promote employee-specific health and wellness interventions to increase organizational health and productivity CDMS Domain II Disability Prevention and Risk Mitigation • develop transitional work programs for optimal productivity Prevention and risk mitigation apply to a host of concepts and activities. In this section, we will look at some of the methods and programs disability managers and other stakeholders can use to focus on and employee retention prevention and associated strategies. Although prevention and wellness services are typically thought of as being at the beginning of the • facilitate optimal functioning through worksite modification, disability continuum, they really support the entire continuum in the effort to return people to health. job accommodation, or task reassignment • recommend strategies to address ergonomic, safety, and risk factors • evaluate alignment and effectiveness of integrated benefits plan designs. Competency. Collaboration. Assurance.

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You can continue assessing, developing, and updating your knowledge and skills by completing the full curriculum that includes the next module for program development and the newly developed module for employment leaves and benefits administration.

Source: Clifton, pg 375

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Chris Moranda, CDMS CCM Manager, Disability Services OhioHealth, Associate Health and Wellness Columbus, OH

“Providing the CKC for our disability claims analysts as a route to ADMS gives them a way to create a better ‘WE’ for OhioHealth.”

Module 3: Domain for Program Development, Management, and Evaluation The learning emphasis in this module is on tasks designated in Domain 3 of the CDMS-identified practice areas. It includes organizing and planning disability management programs, applying qualitative and quantitative measurements, interpreting financial/risk data, designing programs with rewards and incentives, and tracking cost, operational, and outcomes data. For full details, go to CDMS.org/eligibility.php.

Core Knowledge Curriculum 8

Organizing and Planning Disability Management Programs Developing comprehensive disability management programs takes top-notch business and strategy skills. Successful plan design, implementation, and refinement require broad-based, deep knowledge of operations, finance, and human resources principles as well as regulations. Module 3 reflects the steep curve of expertise and experience needed in order to achieve established program goals that specifically meet your organization’s needs. Upon completion of the CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum for Module 3: Program Development, Management, and Evaluation, you’ll be more certain of your professional . value as demonstrated in your wide-range capacity to • assess organizational needs and evaluate best practices in order to direct program design • collaborate and communicate effectively with a team of CDMS Domain III champions for desired outcomes Three Parameters of a Project There are three key parameters that must be • apply principles and analysis tools to develop financial plans addressed and defined at the start of every project: Quality; Time; and Cost. viable over the long term Some people would say that you can have any two, but not all three at the same time. • identify costs, trends, and productivity loss in order to manage For example, if you have limited time, it might cost more money or use more operational and financial performance resources to get the final result you require with a shorter lead time. Or, you might have • develop and lead staff to sustainable levels of effectiveness to sacrifice quality to meet the deadline. If you have unlimited time and want high quality, it may cost more money. • use statistical analytics and information systems to integrate Quality parameters are the specifications for every facet of the project and the data and interpret results for strategic decision making and performance standards. Time parameters are the sequencing of events, the duration program improvement time for each step, and an estimation of the shortest time to completion for the entire • use defined performance standards to procure and maximize project. Finally, the cost parameters are your estimated expenses, which will be the quality of provided services. compared against your actual costs at the Source: CDMS Global Classroom Competency. Collaboration. Assurance.

You can round out the assessment, development, and updating of your knowledge and skills by completing the newly developed Module 4 for employment leaves and benefits administration.

end of the project.

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Kimberly Ross, BS CDMS Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Vocational Resource Consultants Ashland, OR

“With my voc rehab emphasis, parts of the CDMS exam are outside my field. The CKC successfully filled my knowledge gaps with new learning content.”

Module 4: Domain for Employment Leaves and Benefits Administration The learning emphasis in this module is on tasks designated in Domain 4 of the CDMS-identified practice areas. It includes managing health-related employment leaves, administering health and welfare plans, managing payroll and systems data, as well as identifying risks associated with interruptions and leaves. For full details, go to CDMS.org/eligibility.php.

Core Knowledge Curriculum 10

Managing Leaves and Administering Benefits for Employees Module 4 is the newest CDMS domain for disability management based on the most recent CDMS Role & Function Study. Results showed that the demand for expertise in workforce disability continues to expand, particularly to meet the increasing requirements of employers. Disability managers and professionals who are engaged in tasks related to employment leaves and benefits administration with some regularity will find this module to be invaluable. Upon completion of the CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum for Module 4: Employment Leaves and Benefits Administration, you’ll attain a new level of confidence in your ability to • maintain legal and regulatory compliance in accordance with . local, state, and federal requirements for health-related leaves • administer health and welfare plans consistent with government regulations and corporate requirements pertaining CDMS Domain IV to health-related work interruptions Managing Time Off – Yours and Others Everyone takes time off. In fact, time off is one of the few benefits that employees know, understand, and • manage payroll and systems data for employment leaves and track themselves. Even if it is just for a vacation day, one needs to request the time off, obtain approval, provide documentation, and then return to work. Depending on the company for which you work, the benefits in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements people and programs involved in this process will vary, as well as the systems and technology. For now, keep the following steps in mind. • identify risks associated with health-related work interruptions and employment leaves • refer to internal and external resources and regulations for well-informed problem solving and decision-making. Competency. Collaboration. Assurance.

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When you participate in the learning programs for all four modules of the CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum, you have several options for applying your knowledge and skills. Upon successful completion, current CDMS certificants can earn up to 32 continuing education (CE) hours. Depending on readiness and experience, practitioners and others interested in the field may want to take the next step and apply for either the CDMS certification or ADMS designation.

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In business since 1984 Source: CDMS Global Classroom

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TOP REASONS

to choose the

CDMS Core Knowledge Curriculum Reason 1: Stay current on practices and trends in the field of disability management. Reason 2: Supplement your preparation for the CDMS exam. Reason 3: Attain the ADMS designation for career growth. Reason 4: Earn online CE hours at your convenience. Reason 5: Acquire recertification on schedule.

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