A Scoping Review of the Competencies and Training of Employment Specialists Supporting Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Employment specialists play an integral role in supporting individuals with disabilities to access competitive integrated employment; their skill or lack thereof has the potential to influence employment outcomes. A scoping review was conducted to identify the status of the empirical literature on employment specialist competencies and training to provide employment services to individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. Additionally, researchers evaluated what methods have been used to address competencies and training. Eight articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Of those, four articles identified or suggested competencies for employment specialists and four articles described or implemented training procedures. Results indicated that the existing peer-reviewed research on competencies and training is insufficient to address the needs of the profession.