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CONTINUING EDUCATION POLICY INTRODUCTION In order to remain effective within the field of vocational rehabilitation, registrants of the College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals (CVRP) servicing clients need to stay abreast of changes. Given the variation and evolution of roles and duties within the profession, continuing education is essential to ensure quality of service is provided and professional standards of practice are observed at all times. The goals of participating in continuing education involve: • Ensuring adherence to ethical standards • Gaining and / or renewing knowledge of specific domain areas of practice • Gathering information about trends, developments and new technology CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE To maintain registration with CVRP, registrants are required to submit a total 40 approved continuing education units (CEUs) on a bi-annual basis [CVRP Registration Procedure S.65]. It is mandatory that 6 credits of the 40 required CEUs be in the domain of ethics; 50% of the 40 CEUs required in any 2 year CEU period must be approved within the VR core competencies (see below: Core Competencies - Domains of Learning and Domains of Professional Development; see also: Requesting Pre-Approval and Post Approval of CEUs - Requesting Approval of CEUs for Professional Development Activities). The Registrar has the right to conduct random registration audits for CEU compliance without notice. If a registrant’s CEU maintenance record is not compliant, written notices will be forwarded for immediate action and could result in the assessment of registration penalty. Each 2-year period starts from the registrant’s date of registration and follows thereafter in 2- year increments upon the anniversary of the original date of registration. This date is listed on the registrant’s CEU report, found within the Member Profile section of the website. In order to facilitate certification maintenance as set out in the Registration Procedure, it is one of the mandates of the Registrar to review courses deemed suitable to meet the professional development and practice needs of registrants. Upon review and approval of available study / development resources, the Committee recommends and updates a list of pre-approved education programs. The link to approved programs is found below (see Quick Links: Current List of Approved CEU Programs). Questions regarding certification maintenance and CEUs may be directed to info@cvrp.ca or to the Registrar at jray@cvrp.ca. A registrant has the right to request review of pre-or post-approved education hours. The procedure for appeals can be found in the Registration Committee Appeals Policy found at the following link: click here CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

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CEUs are acquired by participating in various approved continuing education programs / courses which reflect learning related to core competencies domains (see: Core Competencies Domains of Learning, below). In recognition of the range of specialties in which registrants of CVRP practice, professional development activities are also considered for CEU value (see: Domains of Professional Development, below). The educational component of employer in-service training will be considered for approval upon request and through completion of the CEU approval format. It is noted that initial staff training and any business / organizational meeting components will not be considered as CEUs. CORE COMPETENCIES Core competencies are those which are considered to be basic skills or knowledge essential for the provision of effective rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities, regardless of the specific disability, limitations, type of service provided or type of setting in which services are provided. These competencies serve as models for: • CVRP candidates’ and registrants' educational development • Educators developing appropriate VR curricula • Employers engaging VR professionals • Supervisors of associate registrants seeking to upgrade to full registrant status Core Competencies - Domains of Learning Registrants of CVRP are trained in various areas of focus, including: 01 - Vocational Rehabilitation Theory & Practice • Theories and Models of Vocational Rehabilitation • The Rehabilitation Process • Legal Foundations and Implications 02 - Aspects of Disabilities • Disabilities and their Implications • Work Related / Non-Work Related Injuries / Illnesses • Congenital, Physical, Psychological and Cognitive Disabilities • Trends in Disabilities 03 - Vocational Interviewing & Counselling • Interviewing and Counselling Processes • Counselling and Vocational Theories • Techniques and Implications of Vocational Interviewing • Documentation 04 - Assessments

 

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• Vocational Assessment Theories and Practices • Legislation and Benefits • Assessments – Parameters, Implications and Applications • Assessment Tools and Uses • Forensic Uses, Roles and Responsibilities of Examiners • Health, Psychosocial, Prevention and Functional Aspects of Vocational Assessment 05 - Diversity • Understanding Cultural, Societal, Gender and Disability Issues • Legislation • Societal and Workplace Implications and Issues 06 - Job Development & Placement • Employment Strategies • Elements, Development and Use of the Vocational Rehabilitation Plan • Occupational Information • Work Preparation and Employment Support Activities 07 - Case Management / Disability Management • Case Management and Disability Management Models • Understanding and Using Community Resources and Provider Services • Worker and Workplace Factors • Coordination and Delivery of Services 08 - Ethical & Professional Conduct • Professional Issues and Standards • Legal and Social Issues and Implications • Roles and Responsibilities of the Vocational Rehabilitation Professional 09 - Communication & Record Keeping • Case Load Management Principles and Practices • Interpersonal Communications, Behaviour and Interactions • Documentation, Use of Information and Distribution Protocols Core Competencies - Domains of Professional Development Professional Development activities contribute to the body of VR knowledge and contribute to the development and maintenance of standards of practice which are utilized by VR professionals. These activities are encompassed within the following categories: 10 - Supervision of Intern Registrant / VR Student 11 - CVRP Volunteer Credits / Other Volunteer Credits • Serving as a Board or Committee Member of a VR Organization • Volunteering for Activities in support of a VR Organization

 

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12 - Development / Presentation of VR Education / Publications 13 - Other Professional Development • Development of VR presentation for seminar or conference • Development of VR In-Service Education /Training • Authoring a Published, Peer Reviewed Article, Book Chapter and / or Book • Developing Curriculum for VR Course • Editorial Reviewing of VR and / or Rehabilitation Counselling Publication • Researching in VR and / or Career / Counselling / Placement • Developing Canadian / Provincial Legislation / Regulations CEU CRITERIA Determination of CEU Values The skills learned through participating in a program or through completion of a course must have relevance for the Vocational Professional. CVRP determines the relevance and the value of all submitted CEU courses, programs, events and activities. To determine the value of specific CEUs, CVRP reviews the detailed outline and / or description of program / course content, event and / or activity, including the goal of the learning experience, the complete syllabus, the hours required for attendance (excluding, breaks or lunch) and the dates of the program / course / event / activity. For workshops, conferences, symposiums and seminars, an agenda must also be submitted for review (for additional detail see: Requesting Approval of CEUs for Professional Activities and Domains of Professional Development sections, below). As a general guide only, one CEU is equivalent to one direct contact hour of continuous learning. CEUs do not include time allotted for welcome, introduction and / or networking periods, breaks and / or lunches. CEUs for participation in courses offered by colleges, universities and private institutions are allotted for in-class time only. All CEUs are required to be submitted with appropriate verification which outlines the course and / or activity content (see Quick Links: CVRP Approved Programs, Continuing Education Completion Verification Form [on-line]). As may be noted from review of the verification form, hours allotted for participation must be indicated and verification must originate from the provider representative of the study program (see also: Requesting Approval of CEUs for Professional Activities, below). On-line submissions of pre-approved CEUs entail no processing fees at present. The CVRP Board of Directors reserves the right to review and change policy according to the needs of the College to fulfil its mandate. CEU CATEGORIES Pre-Approved CEUs

 

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CVRP provides lists of all currently approved programs and courses (see Quick Links: Current List of Approved CEU Programs). Submissions are completed using the CVRP forms and must have all required supporting documents for the approval request to be processed. Please note that incomplete submissions documents will not be processed until all requirements have been received by CVRP. In addition to programs and courses submitted to CVRP which are given pre-approval status, those programs and courses presently accepted by the Commission on Rehabilitation  Counseling Certification (CRCC) which meet the CEU requirements for the designations of Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CCRC), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE) are also accepted as pre-approved programs / courses. Those provided for the designation of Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) through the International Commission on Health Care Certification (ICHCC) and those offered through the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR) for the designations of Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) and Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC) are also accepted as pre-approved programs / courses. All other programs from the aforementioned groups must be submitted to CVRP separately for approval. When reviewing programs / courses for potential study on-line, particularly CM Home Study, CRCC and AAACEUs programs and courses, ensure that the program / course has been specifically pre-approved for MCVP, CVP, CVS, CVA, RRP, CCRC, CRC, CVE, CDMP and / or CLCP designations for these programs / courses to be accepted without documentation beyond the confirmation provided upon completion of the program / course. If pre-approved relative to the designations listed above, submission of the Continuing Education Completion Verification Form is the only requirement for CVRP CEU recognition (see Quick Links: CVRP Approved Programs, Continuing Education Completion Verification Form [on-line]). CEU providers offer various on-line continuing education programs and courses which have been pre-approved by varying associations and credentialing bodies. These include specific courses offered towards differing professional certifications, acquisition of diplomas and certificates and undergraduate and post-graduate studies at the university and college levels. Program and course descriptions may be found at the sites of these various providers (see Quick Links: Current List of Approved CEU Programs; see also Appendix III –  List of Sites offering Studies in Rehabilitation). It should be noted that unless specifically listed on the CVRP site as pre-approved, the appended list is intended only to facilitate registrants’ reviews of the various bodies providing programs and courses for consideration relative to CEUs. CEU SUBMISSION PROCEDURES CEUs may be individually submitted at the time of program / course completion or may be submitted in a grouping prior to the date of certification renewal. The preferred submission procedure is through the website or via email of electronically scanned documents. To avoid processing delays, CEUs are recommended to be pre-approved and submitted well in advance of the registrant’s renewal date. In the year of CEU renewal all CEU documentation must be received by CVRP no less than 30 days prior to the registration renewal date.

 

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Failure to submit CEUs by the date listed above will result in an immediate penalty (see: Fees - click here). If the CEUs are not submitted within 60 days of the submission deadline, registration status is automatically suspended for failure to comply with registration requirements and is listed on the public registry as “Administrative Suspension”. The suspended registrant must complete specific requirements for re-instatement as set out by the College through the Registration Committee. The completion date of any CEU program / course must fall within a registrant’s current 2-year CEU period. It should be noted that a completed program or course may only be submitted only once in four years). CEUs accrued in excess of the required 40 CEUs in a given 2-year period will not be carried forward to the next consecutive 2-year CEU period. If pre-approved, only the official Continuing Education Completion Verification Form and the official certificate of completion originating from the provider of the pre-approved program / course are required. Please note that the CVRP approval number must be provided on the Continuing Education Completion Verification Form. If the CVRP approval number is not listed on the form when submitted, acceptance and processing may be delayed. An electronic copy of the Continuing Education Completion Verification Form can be uploaded directly from the website (see Quick Links: CVRP Approved Programs, Continuing Education Completion Verification Form [on-line]). It should be noted that the CVRP Continuing Education Completion Verification Form must not be provided to an attendee prior to the completion of the program / course / event and must be signed by the sponsoring official / provider as verification of attendance or program completion. For ease of completion of the on-line Continuing Education Completion Verification Form, go to the link for Current List of Approved CEU Programs and select / click on the CVRP approval number of the specific program or course; this number may then be pasted into the CVRP approval number area of the on-line verification form (see: Current List of Approved CEU Programs - click here). Information for sponsoring organizations / providers • Upon approval of a request for CEUs, a PDF version of the Continuing Education Completion Verification Form, inclusive of the CVRP approval number and the approved hours assigned for the specified domain may be made available by CVRP. • Should the sponsoring organization / provider prefer, they may undertake completion of the PDF version for distribution to attendees following completion of the program / course / event. • It is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization / provider to ensure the Continuing Education Completion Verification Form as distributed to attendees is completed with the signature of an official of the program / course / event. • Forms must not be distributed to attendees until completion of the program / course / event. REQUESTING PRE-APPROVAL AND POST-APPROVAL OF CEUs Requesting Pre-Approval of CEUs

 

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CVRP encourages submissions for CEU pre-approval consideration as this process verifies the exact contact hours / CEUs to be allotted for the specific program, course and / or event. To request pre-approval of a program, course and / or event (including employment in-service, public or private institution courses / programs of study), seminar, conference, symposium, college or university program / course, a registrant or a sponsoring organization must complete the Pre-Approval Request Form and submit all required documentation for consideration (see Quick Links: CVRP Forms, Pre-Approval Request Form). Individual registrants are required to provide a processing payment at the time of submission of requests for pre-approval of CEUs (see: Fees - click here). Organizations, sponsors and / or groups submitting requests for pre-approval of CEUs are required to provide a processing fee for the initial submission requesting pre-approval of CEUs. Upon subsequent submissions by individual organizations, sponsors and / or groups, a processing fee is required with each additional request for pre-approval of CEUs. The initial processing fee applies once per calendar year (see: Fees - click here). Upon gaining approved status, the program / course / event will be added to the Current List of Approved CEU Programs. Please allow 6 -12 weeks for processing. Requesting Post-Approval of CEUs To request post-approval of a program, course and / or event (including employment in-service, public or private institution courses / programs of study), seminar, conference, symposium, college or university program / course, a registrant or a sponsoring organization must complete the Post-Approval Request Form and submit all required documentation for consideration (see Quick Links: CVRP Forms, Post-Approval Request Form). Upon gaining approved status, the program / course / event will be added to the Current List of Approved CEU Programs. Individual registrants are required to provide a processing payment along with their submitted requests for post-approval of CEUs (see: Fees - click here). Organizations and / or groups submitting requests for post-approval of CEUs are required to provide a processing fee for their initial submission for post-approval of CEUs. Upon subsequent submissions by individual registrants, organizations, sponsors and / or groups, a processing fee is required with each additional request for post-approval of CEUs. The initial processing fee applies once in a calendar year (see: Fees - click here). Please allow 6-12 weeks for processing. Requesting Approval of CEUs for Professional Development Activities

 

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The core competencies of a VR professional must be reflected in requests for consideration of CEUs applicable to Professional Development Activities (see: Domains of Professional Development). Consideration for approval requires submission of information as per the established pre- or post-approval processes (see above), with full documentation to be provided as outlined below. For peer-reviewed articles or presentations, a letter of attestation, signed by the peer is required. The signature of a management representative or official is required for in-service training development, along with full documentation of the program. For supervision of an intern registrant and / or VR student, the nature of the supervision, including the parameters, duties and responsibilities of the supervisor are to be provided in writing along with any the duties of the intern and / or the course of study or program details of the intern registrant and / or student.  Regarding volunteer service as a board or committee member of a VR organization, verification of status with the organization must be provided, including dates of service and duties involved in the volunteer service provided. Regarding the provision of volunteer activities in support of a VR organization, the nature of the service along with dates of service with the organization must be provided, along with confirmation from the organization of the volunteer’s service. Individual registrants are required to provide a processing payment along with their submitted requests for approval of CEUs pertaining to professional development activities. Subsequent requests and / or submissions require a processing fee to be included at the time of submission. The initial processing fee applies once in a calendar year (see: Fees - click here). Requesting Extension of the CEU Period See: CEU Extension Policy (click here for link).  For  approved  CEU  programs,  refer  to  the  quick  links  under  the  “Continuing  Ed  Submission”  Tab  on  the  home  page  of  the  CVRP  website  (click  here  for  link).    LIST OF SITES OFFERING STUDIES IN REHABILITATION • AAACEUs • Brock University • College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals (CVRP) • Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) • CM Home Study • Dalhousie University (Certificate in Disability Management) • McMaster University • Mohawk College • National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR)

 

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• Pacific Coast University (NIDMAR courses) • Seneca College • Simon Fraser University • University of British Columbia (Masters of Arts Vocational Rehabilitation Counselling) • University of Northern British Columbia • University of Calgary • University of Florida • University of Wisconsin-Stout • York University - York Seneca Rehabilitation Degree SPONSORS WHO HAVE HOSTED SEMINARS • British Columbia Career Development Association (BCCDA) • Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) • Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) • Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators (CSME) • Institute for Work and Health (IWH) • Ontario Alliance of Career Development Practitioners (OACDP) • Toronto Rehab Institute • Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada (VRAC)