COVID-19 APSE Updates
Updated August 31, 2020
We have been closely monitoring the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of ensuring the health and safety of job coaches, job developers, and individuals and families receiving services. APSE is working closely in collaboration with other national disability organizations and appropriate Federal government entities to develop and promote a unified and timely response that meets the needs of our most significantly at-risk citizens.
Please ensure you are on our mailing list for APSE Action Alerts. If you are not, click here to sign up and see past Action Alerts sent during this time.
APSE COVID Survey: Open through 9/11! Take the Survey
It is critical that we hear from disability employment service providers so we have current data to share with Congress.
In the meantime, stay healthy and safe. And don't forget...
Wash your hands
Don't touch your face
Stay home if you're feeling sick
We understand that these are difficult times, and we appreciate the efforts of the APSE Community to persevere and continue to promote Employment First principles and values.
Here are a few additional links and resources that may be of interest:
Certified Employment Support Professional™ CESP Updates
Recertification Deferred Payment Option for recertification by Continuing Education (CE) Credits
The ESPCC recognizes that some applicants may be experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19 and is allowing the option of deferred payment through December 31, 2020.
Applicants may defer their payment of the full $125 fee at the time of submission. The application will be reviewed with just the $40 nonrefundable processing fee.
Once approved, applicants are required to submit the additional $85 by 12/31/2020 to complete the recertification.
CESP Testing
The current CESP certification exam will be held August 3-31, 2020.
The next CESP certification exam will be held October 12-31, 2020, with the application opening September 1.
We understand that during these variable times, comfort levels at testing centers around the US may be different for each individual.
Please reach out with questions by emailing cesp@apse.org.
PSI has made some changes to their rescheduling guidelines and security procedures, as well as enhanced our current site-cleaning program. Please click the button below to read more on PSI's website, including a FAQ about what it's like to test now.
- Before you go to your exam, we ask that you look at https://www.psionline.com/openings to confirm your testing location is open.
- If you show up and the center is closed, please email cesp@apse.org. We will work to get you rescheduled as soon as possible.
APSE Education and Resources
As we collectively weigh decisions about whether or not to head to work, including to support others who are working in the community, here are a few guiding questions to keep yourself protected:
- Has the client/provider, or anyone in the household, traveled outside the country in the last 30-days and experienced recent shortness of breath, or a noticeable difference in shortness of breath, new or recent cough, or fever?
- Has the client/provider, or anyone in the household, had in-person contact with someone that has returned from travel outside the country in the last 30-days that has presented with recent shortness of breath or a noticeable difference in shortness of breath, new or recent cough, or fever?
- Within the last 30-days has the client/provider, or anyone else in the household, reported or presented with recent shortness of breath or a noticeable difference in shortness of breath, new or recent cough, or fever?
APSE Online Learning
Free and paid webinars to help you continue working toward Employment First.
If the answer to any of the above questions is yes:
- Consult with your supervisor to discuss appropriate next steps.
- Direct client/provider to contact their primary care provider (PCP) for followup. Offer to assist, if this is helpful.
- Express that you are not shaking their hand and will keep distance to ensure the health and safety of you and them (precaution).
- If anyone you come in contact with is exhibiting symptoms, keeping a 6 foot distance is recommended.
- Whenever possible wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before entering and leaving the home or workplace; if unable to wash hands use hand sanitizer.
- If there are any questions regarding next steps, consult with your supervisor.