The fit of Certified Disability Management Specialists' (CDMS) knowledge domains with Minnesota's Qualified Rehabilitation Consultants' (QRCS') competencies

Abstract

According to Rosenthal and Olsheski (1999), “It is difficult to find consensus regarding the essential job functions of the disability management professional” (p. 31). The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the Qualified Rehabilitation Consultants’ work role behaviors specific to the domains associated with the Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) certification. Qualified Rehabilitation Consultants (QRCs) are mandated by the State of Minnesota to possess certification, one option of which is Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS). In the State of Minnesota, Qualified Rehabilitation Consultants provide disability management services to injured workers. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (1997) states that QRCs provide services as a neutral party and have knowledge in several domains including, medical factors, local labor markets, and Minnesota statutes concerning rehabilitation with Minnesota’s laws. With such a broad base of knowledge needed to performservices, it is important for QRCs to maintain certification with the State of Minnesota. The subjects selected for the study were derived from a database established by the State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. The list consisted of 358 Qualified Rehabilitation Consultants (QRCs) currently practicing in the State of Minnesota and registered with the Department of Labor and Industry. The names and addresses of the QRCs were included in the list. All 358 subjects were mailed the survey. The survey results show that a high correlation exists as there is a general agreement between importance and frequency. Domains ranked as follows in order of importance: Disability Case Management, Psychosocial Intervention, Vocational Aspects of Disability, Business Knowledge Related to Disability Management, and Managed Care and Disability Management Concepts.