October 2017 CRCC CONNECTIONS-Annual Report

FY’ 2016-2017

ANNUAL REPORT

Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities since 1974

CRCC CONNECTIONS FY’ 2016-2017

ANNUAL REPORT The Fiscal Year (FY') 2016-2017 Annual Report, covering the period from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017, provides a summary of the activities and initiatives of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and a detailed account of CRC Examination results.

CONTENTS 2 FROM THE PRESIDENT The Road Ahead

3 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Fulfilling a Critical Need for Individuals with Disabilities

4 CRCC LEADERSHIP 4 Governance 5 Call for Applications 6 CRCC Board of Directors and Committee Members

8

CRC CERTIFICATION

18 CRCC COMMUNITY

8 CRCs and CRC Certification: Feeling the Impact of a Double-Sided Squeeze

19 CRCC ASPIRE By the Numbers 19 CRCC ENGAGE By the Numbers

12 CRC Examination Schedule

20 FEATURE ARTICLE CRCC ENGAGE to Launch New Forum

12 CRCC Notices 13 CRCs By the Numbers

22 CRCC e-UNIVERSITY By the Numbers

14 CRCC ADVOCACY 14 CRCC Advocacy Efforts in Counselor Licensure, 3rd-Party Reimbursement, and Employer Recognition: What You Can Do to Help

23 FEATURE ARTICLE CRCC e-UNIVERSITY: Relevant, Real World Content Makes the Difference

25 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) 1699 East Woodfield Road, Suite 300 Phone: (847) 944-1325 Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 www.crccertification.com

The CRC certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

THE ROAD AHEAD

Surely everyone is aware of some seismic shifts impacting the rehabilitation counseling profession. From the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA), to accreditation of master’s degree programs in rehabilitation counseling by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), to the effects of the aging baby boomer generation, everyone in the profession is feeling the earth move underneath them to some degree.

OUR ROADMAP

Steven L. West, PhD, CRC CRCC President

As a profession and as an organization, we are in changing times. Like any other organization, CRCC looks to achieve growth and expansion.

In support of our mission, we are continually identifying and implementing short-term and long-term initiatives both to advance the CRC certification program and to support the entire rehabilitation counseling profession.

CRCC MISSION To promote quality rehabilitation counseling services to people with disabilities through the certification of rehabilitation counselors and to provide leadership in advocating for the rehabilitation counseling profession.

OUR ACTION PLAN

In recent years, you’ve seen us launch new products and services for both our certificants and the rehabilitation counseling community. Under the CRCC COMMUNITY umbrella, CRCC ENGAGE, CRCC ASPIRE, and CRCC e-UNIVERSITY are all doing well with plans underway for future enhancements.

On the employer front, we have increased our advocacy efforts to help employers better understand and appreciate the value of hiring CRCs. Our latest initiative reaches out specifically to the disability support services community. Through a variety of channels, we are encouraging an increase in the hiring of CRCs in offices serving students with disabilities across college and university campuses nationwide.

The Board of Directors is also looking ahead at how best to support current and emerging workforce needs through different models of credentialing to include certificates and stackable credentials for specialized or advanced practice.

OUR COMMITMENT

As we continue to evaluate and implement new services, we want you to know the CRCC Board of Directors is passionate about its commitment to you. We are also passionate about CRCC's growth and expansion to continue to support the rehabilitation counseling profession.

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FULFILLING A CRITICAL NEED FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES One in every five people in the U.S. is living with a disability, a number projected to increase over the next decade (U.S. Census Bureau, Survey of Income Participation). Yet the rehabilitation counseling profession, the only profession educated and trained at the graduate level in all aspects of disability and across all types of disabling conditions, has been experiencing fewer professionals entering the workforce with the classical knowledge and training necessary to fully support individuals with disabilities. This is happening across all work settings and sectors of practice.

Here’s a snapshot of what we are seeing and hearing:

Cindy Chapman, CAE CRCC Executive Director

• State agencies are reporting difficulties finding and hiring professionals with sufficient depth of knowledge of vocational rehabilitation counseling.

• There is a growing reduction of skilled expertise in the workforce as the baby boomer generation of rehabilitation counselors is entering retirement.

• CRC Exam pass rates specific to the Rehabilitation and Disability section are declining.

• Multiple pathways in accreditation of master’s-level rehabilitation counseling programs are resulting in changes to rehabilitation counseling curriculums with decreased focus on rehabilitation and disability.

This is a critical time for the rehabilitation counseling profession. With an increasing need for services and supports specific to disability, there must be extreme importance placed on filling the rehabilitation counselor pipeline with the skill and expertise necessary to meet current workforce demands in serving individuals with disabilities.

As a certifying organization, here’s what CRCC is doing to help address the need: COLLABORATION

CRCC is working with educational organizations and educators to: • Help them better understand the current education-based impacts that we are seeing, and • Facilitate increased awareness and interest in rehabilitation counseling as a high-opportunity profession.

SERVICES

CRCC is expanding its services and support for students considering or pursuing a career in rehabilitation counseling, including: • Implementing a new forum on CRCC ENGAGE, and • Expanding CRCC’s career resource materials.

ADVOCACY

CRCC is expanding current employer-based initiatives to: • Address current workforce needs, and • Increase opportunities for CRCs among high-opportunity employer segments.

You’ll find more data and information on these important initiatives in this CRCC CONNECTIONS Annual Report.

CRCC is working hard on many fronts to promote and support the long-term health and viability of the rehabilitation counseling profession in support of quality services for individuals with disabilities. Join us in this mission.

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CRCC LEADERSHIP

GOVERNANCE CRCC is governed by a 12-person, volunteer Board that oversees the strategic, financial, and operational health of the organization. Directors serve three-year terms on a staggered basis.

In addition, 5 Standing Committees report to the CRCC Board of Directors with Ad Hoc Committees convened as needed for targeted expertise and initiatives.

12 Directors:

CRCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

10 At-Large Directors 1 Student Director 1 Public Member Director

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

4 Elected Officers (all members of the Board)

Oversee Board's functioning and strategic focus; conduct business as needed between Board meetings.

ETHICS COMMITTEE

6 Members (1 Board + 5 Non-Board)

4 Board Members

Monitor financial health of CRCC.

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE Ensure optimal functioning of CRCC including activities relating to Board self-evaluation, recruitment, orientation, and training.

STANDARDS & EXAMINATION COMMITTEE Establish and maintain criteria for CRC certification, certification renewal, and continuing education. Conduct and oversee all activities related to the CRC Examination.

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES Special initiative to advance greater recognition of the CRC credential.

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

5 Members (CRCC Executive Director + 3 Board + 1 Non-Board)

6 Members (1 Board + 5 Non-Board)

4 Members (2 Board + 2 Non-Board)

AD HOC COMMITTEE

FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE

5 STANDING COMMITTEES

Establish and maintain Code of Ethics, issue opinions, rule on cases of alleged violations.

CRCC LEADERSHIP

DIVERSITY

HOW YOU CAN SERVE

CRCC is committed to inclusive and diverse Board representation that positively impacts diversity of experience, thought, and opinion to drive strong, healthy dialogue and sound decisionmaking. Through a well-balanced and diverse Board, CRCC better reflects the diversity of its CRCs, the rehabilitation counseling profession, and the population of individuals with disabilities we serve.

Each fall, CRCC publishes a Call for Applications for volunteer positions to serve on the Board and Standing Committees. CRCC encourages all interested individuals to consider giving back to the profession through volunteer service to CRCC.

CRCC Invites Applications for Board and Committee Positions The CRCC Governance Committee is currently accepting applications to fill:

• Two (2) At-Large Director positions on the CRCC Board of Directors;

• One (1) Student Director position on the CRCC Board of Directors;

• One (1) Public Member Director position on the CRCC Board of Directors;

• One (1) Ethics Committee Member position; and

• Two (2) Standards & Examination Committee Member positions.

INFORMATION Elected individuals will serve a three-year term from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021, with the exception of the Public Member Director, who will serve a four-year term from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2022. While the positions are unpaid, voluntary service positions, CRCC does pay travel and related expenses in accordance with its reimbursement policy. Specific position requirements and related information are located in the Candidate Interest Packets available at the following links: At-Large Director Student Director Public Member Director Ethics and Standards & Examination Committee Members TO APPLY Completed application materials, including two letters of recommendation, must be submitted electronically no later than December 1, 2017 by 5:00 pm CT. The Governance Committee will only accept applications submitted by this deadline when developing a slate of candidates to present to the Board of Directors.

NOTIFICATION Individuals will be notified regarding status as a final candidate by February 1, 2018. Final candidates will be required to participate in a phone interview with a member of the CRCC Governance Committee, which will be scheduled during the first two weeks of February 2018. CRCC’s Board of Directors will consider a slate of candidates in early April 2018, with notifications sent to all final candidates by April 15, 2018.

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CRCC LEADERSHIP

CRCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS FY' 2017-2018

6

Steven L. West, PhD, CRC President

Stephanie Gotay, CRC President-Elect

Kathe Matrone, PhD, CRC Immediate Past President

James J. Quinn, PhD, CRC, LPC, LRC, NCC Treasurer/Secretary

Renata Beck, CRC At-Large Director

Nicholas C. Derzis, PhD, CRC At-Large Director

Allison Flanagan, CRC At-Large Director

Benjamin C. Jenkins, PhD, CRC At-Large Director

Sharon Y. Murphy, PhD, CRC, CVRC, LPC At-Large Director

Noel Ysasi, PhD, CRC At-Large Director

Matthew Winship, CRC Student Director

CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

CRCC LEADERSHIP

CRCC COMMITTEE MEMBERS FY' 2017-2018 ETHICS Stephen A. Zanskas, PhD, CRC – Chair Michael Foster, PhD, CRC Robert Froehlich, EdD, CRC, LPC Christine Kampi, CRC Sharon Y. Murphy, PhD, CRC, CVRC, LPC Cecelia Walker, CRC EXECUTIVE Steven L. West, PhD, CRC – President Stephanie Gotay, CRC – President-Elect Kathe Matrone, PhD, CRC – Immediate Past President James J. Quinn, PhD, CRC, LPC, LRC, NCC – Treasurer/Secretary FINANCE & AUDIT James J. Quinn, PhD, CRC, LPC, LRC, NCC – Chair Renata Beck, CRC Steven L. West, PhD, CRC

GOVERNANCE Kathe Matrone, PhD, CRC – Chair Cindy Chapman, CAE Nicholas C. Derzis, PhD, CRC Allison Flanagan, CRC Lorin Lovely, CRC STANDARDS & EXAMINATION Darlene Groomes, PhD, CRC – Chair Jacob Chan, PhD, CRC Elaine Robertson, CRC Alexander Verbun, CRC Noel Ysasi, PhD, CRC DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES Matthew Winship, CRC – Chair Amy Arnold, MS, CRC David Beach, PhD, CRC Noel Ysasi, PhD, CRC

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE CRCC Board of Directors (Service concluded on 6/30/2017)

2016 Item Writing Participants Alexandra Birmingham, MS, CRC

Kathy Bottroff, CRC

Julie Bosley, MA, CRC

Jamie Kulzer, PhD, CRC, LPC

Sarah DeSouza Brown, MA, CRC

Susan Sherman, PhD, CRC, LPC, CPM

Cantrice Crutcher, MS, CRC

CRCC Committee Members (Service concluded on 6/30/2017)

Tom Linder, MS, CRC

Paige Dunlap, PhD, CRC

Nathalie Mizelle-Johnson, PhD, CRC

William Garner, RhD, CRC

Allison Fleming, PhD, CRC Jenipher Gaffney, CRC, LMHC, ABVE/D Katie Scheetz, CRC

Diana Mendez, MS, CRC Sharon Murphy, PhD, CRC, CVRC, LPC Frank Puckett, RhD, CRC Diana Wurn, MS, CRC Mary Zajaczkowski, MA, CRC

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CRCC CERTIFICATION

CRCs and CRC Certification: Feeling the Impact of a Double-Sided Squeeze

Retiring Baby Boomers Mean More CRCs are Exiting the Profession

Number of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) 7/1/2012 - 7/1/2017

Named for an uptick in the 19461964 post World War II birth rate, “Baby Boomers,” ranging in age from 53 to 71 years old, total approximately 74 million as of 2016, as reported by the Factfinder tool from the U.S. Census.

With the first rehabilitation counselors certified as CRCs in 1974, and significant growth in CRC certifications among baby boomers during the ensuing decade, those baby boomer CRCs are now retiring from practice – and it’s reflected in the numbers.

Peaking at 16,900 CRCs in January 2014, there has been a 6.5% decline in the number of CRCs in the past 3 years, bringing the number of CRCs down to approximately 15,800 in July 2017. Corresponding CRC renewal rates have dropped from 74% to 65% of all CRCs renewing their certification.

This is a 9 percentage point decline over the same 3-year period.

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

CRC Renewal Rates 7/1/2012 - 7/1/2017

CRCC CERTIFICATION

Fewer Students at the Graduate Level and Lower CRC Exam Pass Rates Mean Fewer CRCs are Coming In

CRC Exam Applicants FY' 2012/13 - 2016/17 Total # CRC Exam Applicants # Graduate Student Applicants

Compounding this decline in CRC renewals, both the number of individuals applying for CRC certification and the number of applicants passing the CRC Exam, are also showing declines in recent years.

What are the drivers? Graduate students make up the majority of candidates who apply for CRC certification – between 60-74% since 2009. There have been declines in both enrollment and graduation from accredited master’s degree programs in rehabilitation counseling.

These declines are having a negative impact on the overall number of CRC Exam applicants. In 2015, the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) reported an 8% decrease in the number of master's-level students and a 9% decrease in the number of master's-level graduates – the largest decreases at the master's-level since 2010-2011, where there was a much smaller 2% decrease.

Accredited Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Counseling 98 Accredited Colleges & Universities as reported to CORE in 2015

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CRCC CERTIFICATION

CRC Exam Pass Rates 10/1/2012* - 7/1/2017

Further compounding the decline in the number of graduate rehabilitation counseling students, is a fairly steady decline in the pass rate among those who sit for the CRC Examination.

A Closer Look at CRC Exam Pass Rates Psychometric Properties of the CRC Exam To identify and assess causal factors behind declining pass rates, the first area evaluated was the properties of the CRC Exam itself among first-time test-takers.

As key data revealed, the reliability and validity of the CRC Examination has remained consistent with the psychometric properties of the CRC Exam being strong.

The conclusion: the CRC Exam remains a consistently valid and reliable exam.

Pass Rates Across the Two Sections of the CRC Exam The second area evaluated was test-taker performance. The CRC Examination uses a conjunctive scoring model that requires test-takers to achieve a passing score on each of the two sections of the Exam – the Rehabilitation and Disability section and the Counseling section. While there will always be variability in pass rates, a closer look at the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers evidences a marked decrease beginning in October 2014. Comparing the pass rates on the two sections of the test, the rates for the Counseling section have declined slightly – down 3.9 percentage points from 86.9% to 83.0%, while the rates for the Rehabilitation and Disability section have declined significantly – down 11.8 percentage points from 82.6% to 70.8%.

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

* October 2012 new test specifications introduced

CRC EXAM SECTIONS Rehabilitation & Disability

Counseling

Reliability Coefficient* (KR-20) July 2017

.84

.81

March 2017

.87

.83

October 2016

.85

.80

Subkoviak Classification Consistency* July 2017

.83

.87

March 2017

.87

.89

October 2016

.84

.85

*Closer to 1 = more reliable; numbers in the 80’s represent a healthy and stable exam.

CRC Exam Pass Rates by Exam Section October 2014 - July 2017 Counseling Rehabilitation and Disability

CRCC CERTIFICATION

Implications Knowing the CRC Examination remains psychometrically sound, and looking at lower pass rates specifically in the Rehabilitation and Disability section of the Exam, a number of trends have been identified that may be contributing factors including: • Faculty Experience. Retirement of faculty with decades of teaching experience and involvement in the profession limits student exposure to seasoned professionals with practical experience.

• Developing Changes. Recent legislation, for example, has created sudden shifts in the practice of rehabilitation counseling, making it increasingly difficult for educators and practitioners to remain abreast of current practices.

• Academic Materials. A growing need for updated textbooks specific to rehabilitation counseling leading to inconsistencies in the resources being used to teach rehabilitation counseling content.

This results in a disconnect between current practice and content within existing texts.

• Recruitment. Changing university funding structures have resulted in program recruitment efforts aimed at increasing student enrollment rather than selectively admitting the most qualified applicants.

• Curriculum. The emergence of accreditation standards for master’s degree programs in clinical rehabilitation counseling and programs changing curriculum to focus on more clinicallybased knowledge and practice with less time and attention devoted to content specific to rehabilitation and disability.

It is important to note that CRCC does not assert that any one factor is contributing to the decreasing pass rates in the Rehabilitation and Disability section of the CRC Examination, which is contributing to a decrease in the overall CRC Exam pass rates. It is vital, however, for college and university educational programs to be aware of the trends that may impact their students’ ability to demonstrate knowledge about the practice of rehabilitation counseling on the national CRC Examination where knowledge requirements for minimal competency have been validated by research.

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CRCC CERTIFICATION

CRC EXAMINATION SCHEDULE: Application Packet Deadline

Testing Dates

October 16, 2017

March 2-10, 2018

February 15, 2018

July 13-21, 2018

May 15, 2018

October 5-13, 2018

NOTE: CRC Exam results are provided to candidates at the test site following completion of the exam.

For more information, click here.

CRCC NOTICES

Wrapping It Up An Opportunity for the Profession

When considering the effects of the retiring baby boomer generation, downward trends in the number of CRCs are consistent with the overall labor market. However, at this same time, data indicate a growing need to encourage individuals to pursue career paths in rehabilitation counseling where the occupational outlook indicates 9% job growth (over 10,000 new jobs) for rehabilitation counselors over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations. (Occupational Outlook Handbook, OOH, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

CRCC In Action

To assist colleges and universities in evaluating the strengths of their master’s-level rehabilitation counseling programs, CRCC issued Outcome Data Reports in September 2017 to all accredited programs for exams administered between October 2012 and July 2017, provided a minimum of 10 students/graduates sat for the examination at that institution.

Reports compared the programs’ student and graduate performance against national performance on each of the ten domain areas of the CRC Examination.

Addressing these issues collectively as a profession will help the profession remain strong in order to support current workforce needs and provide quality services for individuals with disabilities. CRCC hopes this information spurs important dialogue and action.

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

The CRCC Ethics Committee meets periodically to adjudicate cases alleging violation of the CRCC Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors. Since last report, the Committee convened in accordance with the Guidelines and Procedures for Processing Complaints and took action as follows: In June 2016, CRCC found that Frances Finamore, Customer Number 00014506, was in violation of the Codes of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors effective as of January 1, 2002 and January 1, 2010. Noted violations of the 2002 Code included Standards A.4, A.6.a, A.7, D.6.d, and J.4.c. Noted violations of the 2010 Code included Standards A.4.a, A.5.d, A.5.g., A.6, B.6.c, D.5.d, D.5.e, and K.3.e. Her certification as a CRC was revoked.

In March 2017, CRCC found that Kristina Russell, Customer Number 00111398, was in violation of the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors effective as of January 1, 2010. Noted violations included Standards D.5.d, D.5.f, K.3.f, and L.2.c. Her certification as a CRC was revoked.

In June 2017, CRCC found that Pauline McEachin, Customer Number 00016535, was in violation of the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors effective as of January 1, 2010. Noted violations included Standards A.8.d, B.6.c, E.3.a, and E.3.c. Her certification as a CRC was placed on probation for a period of one year.

CRCC CERTIFICATION

CRCs BY THE NUMBERS

*

7/1/2017

25%

75%

13% K-12 Schools 2% Medical Center/ Rehabilitation Hospital 2% Retired/Unemployed 4% Veterans Benefit/ Health Administrations 4%

MALE

FEMALE

BY GENDER

Mental Health Center/ Psychiatric Facility

4%

Insurance Company/ Workers Compensation

8%

UNDER 30

27%

All Other

State/Federal Rehabilitation Agency

BY EMPLOYMENT SETTING

5%

20%

20%

8%

30-39

Private Rehabilitation

College/University

11% Student

28%

BY AGE

60+

21%

75%

40-49

CAUCASIAN

23% 50-59

BY REGION 7%

7% 20% 17% 1%

11% 11%

26% INTERNATIONAL

* Represents data as reported to CRCC by its CRCs.

BY ETHNICITY

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CRCC ADVOCACY

CRCC Advocacy Efforts in Counselor Licensure, 3rd-Party Reimbursement, and Employer Recognition: What You Can Do to Help

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

CRCC ADVOCACY

Where to Start?

As future rehabilitation counselors, students learn about the importance of client advocacy and advocacy for people with disabilities. It’s such a defining element that there’s a section of the CRCC Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors dedicated to it. We all know how important it is and yet there’s so much in this realm that needs attention, so where to start?

This question is humbling not only to rehabilitation counseling professionals, but also to CRCC’s leadership.

The Board of Directors and executive leadership has the tough job of looking at many important issues, knowing there are some issues CRCC can impact and other issues where there is little that CRCC alone can do to affect change. The latter is not a defeatist attitude, but rather a realistic outlook. Where CRCC can affect change, we know partnering both with other organizations and with our CRCs is vital to success.

So when and where does CRCC get involved? There is no universal rule – every case is evaluated and decided individually. Numerous considerations are carefully weighed, including: » Magnitude of the issue, » Impact of the issue on CRCC certificants, » Likelihood of successfully impacting change, and » Resources necessary to impact change.

Counselor licensure, 3rd-party reimbursement, and employer recognition of the CRC credential are three advocacy-based topics that have come up recently in conversation on CRCC ENGAGE, the professional networking platform hosted by CRCC.

Counselor Licensure While CRCC is the entity providing the CRC certification, a peer-regulated, voluntary credential, CRCC also recognizes the importance of a state-based, mandatory license for those practicing counseling as defined within state regulation. In fact, CRCC advocates that rehabilitation counselors obtain both the CRC credential and a state-based counselor license. Having both may

open many doors along one’s career path. A counselor license may be mandatory and provide access to certain reimbursement streams while the CRC certification sets one apart with its distinctive focus on rehabilitation and disability. In some instances, licensure will be required or preferred and in others, CRC certification will be what employers look for in a candidate. Still in other instances, the candidate with both may further set themself apart from the competition.

Where CRCC can affect change, we know partnering both with other organizations and with our CRCs is vital to success.

With this in mind, and on behalf of our CRCs, CRCC does monitor and actively engage on matters related to counselor licensure. In such cases, CRCC advocates for recognition of the educational backgrounds and the high-stakes exam that its CRC’s have successfully passed, which may be different from the route for those going into counseling versus rehabilitation counseling.

Get Involved!

Take action in your state for your benefit as a CRC and for your profession. State licensure laws were developed over decades and thus requirements for initial licensure vary greatly. If you’re not licensed, become familiar with your state’s requirements. CRCC provides access to contact information for every state board (see insert on page 16). If you are licensed in your state, keep in touch with changes that may impact you or those entering the rehabilitation counseling profession. Let CRCC know what’s under consideration. Advocate for recognition of the CRC Exam (CRCE) in states that also recognize the National

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CRCC ADVOCACY

Counselor Examination (NCE). The CRC credential is comprehensive, psychometrically sound, and is often the route rehabilitation counselors pursue. Help to get your state to recognize it and be aware of whether they are considering otherwise.

In addition, there are two proposals recently shared with states to promote licensure portability that would make it easier for counselors licensed in one state to be licensed in another state. The impact to rehabilitation counselors differs in each plan. » National Counselor Licensure Endorsement Process » ACA Licensure Portability Model

CRCC reached out to every state licensing board to advocate for recognition of the distinct backgrounds of rehabilitation counselors. We’ve laid some groundwork

CRCC Advocacy: State Licensure As of this writing: • 10 states recognize the CRC Exam in General Counseling Licensure by rule or regulation, • 3 states recognize the CRC Exam in General Counseling Licensure by departmental policy, and • 5 states recognize the CRC Exam in Rehabilitation Counseling Licensure For a list of these states, and all State Professional Counseling Licensure Boards, visit https://www.crccertification.com/ state-licensure.

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

but you are the state board's direct constituent. Let them know how important it is that rehabilitation counselors receive equal footing so they (and maybe even you) are not required to go back and get another master’s degree or take another exam in order to practice in your state or one that you move to in the future.

3rd-Party Reimbursement The licensure conversation is a great segue to the issue of third-party reimbursement. To paraphrase one of the recent comments on CRCC ENGAGE, licensure will win out over certification for insurance reimbursement. Unfortunately, this is true. Government entities and others regulating insurance reimbursement do look to government-regulated credentials when considering who they will reimburse for services.

In this realm, CRCC would like to affect change, however the resources to do so simply are not available. In context – for those who are members of ACA, the American Counseling Association, you know they have spent many years – decades really – advocating for licensed professional counselors to be reimbursed by Medicare. ACA remains committed to that mission. Think though, about the resources ACA expends to champion that effort. Lobbying is a huge investment. They are an organization with over 60,000 counselors paying a membership fee each year. CRCC is an organization of nearly 16,000 certificants without an annual membership payment.

Instead, CRCC receives payment from those who apply for certification, are at their five-year renewal mark (only a portion of those 16,000 certificants), or are participating in continuing education. CRCC simply does not have the same level of resources that a membership organization like ACA has to invest in lobbying for reimbursement. And don’t forget, they are lobbying for recognition of licensed professional counselors – a government regulated credential.

Get Involved!

You can affect change. Look for opportunities to use your advocacy skills within your own network to advocate both for yourself and for your profession.

There has been success over the years when constituents themselves advocate within their own

CRCC ADVOCACY

spheres of influence. While this isn’t likely to impact reimbursement of CRCs for Medicare specifically, it very well might for other reimbursement systems.

Employer Recognition of the CRC Credential CRCC engages in various ways with employers to increase their awareness, appreciation, and recognition of the CRC credential in their hiring and staffing practices. From face-to-face meetings with “top brass,” to ongoing contacts with hiring managers, CRCC continually promotes the benefits and return on investment of hiring CRCs. Despite hurdles that can impede progress, such as legislation and unions, CRCC remains steadfast in its employer advocacy efforts.

Get Involved!

We realize this takes time from already busy schedules, but think about the return on investment for you.

Advocating with your own employer and others in your community strengthens your credential and promotes new and continuing opportunities for career advancement. Ultimately, it also impacts the quality of services for individuals with disabilities. Surely we can all – employers included – get behind that!

The Time is Now – Share Your Efforts As rehabilitation counselors, advocacy is engrained within us all and we all have something we can contribute for the betterment of the rehabilitation counseling profession and for those we serve. CRCC welcomes you to share your efforts and success stories in one or more of CRCC’s social media channels so we may support each other in our advocacy work:

Put your advocacy skills to practice and promote your CRC credential. CRCC has a variety of resources that can help. Visit our “Promote Your Credential” webpage at https://www.crccertification.com/promote-CRC.

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CRCC COMMUNITY

CRCC COMMUNITY Your Passport to Professional Excellence

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

CRCC CO

M

CRCC COMMUNITY

M

UN

By the Numbers

ITY

CRCC

ASPIRE

®

KEY METRICS

Launched in October 2015, CRCC ASPIRE is an online job board connecting employers who value the CRC in their hiring practices with highly qualified CRCs and CRC Applicants.

As of 6/30/2017

2,621 Total Registered Job Seekers 377 Total Searchable Resumes 148 Total Registered Employers 7/1/2016 – 6/30/2017

47 New Job Postings 3,889 Job Posting Views 169 Applications Submitted

By the Numbers

7/1/2016 – 6/30/2017

Open to anyone interested in the rehabilitation counseling profession, CRCC ENGAGE is a professional networking platform where subscribers can create meaningful, engaging dialogue through information sharing, discussion groups, and resource libraries. Following strong participation in its first year (CRCC ENGAGE was launched in August 2015), activity and conversations on CRCC ENGAGE continue to build as CRCs and rehabilitation counseling professionals rely on CRCC ENGAGE as a key resource for their professional information and networking needs.

KEY METRICS 4,473 Unique Logins 1,048 Content Contributions 183 New Discussion Threads Join in the Discussions on CRCC ENGAGE

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CRCC COMMUNITY

CRCC ENGAGE to Launch New Forum

Supporting CRC Certification As the number of individuals with disabilities continues to grow, the need for quality services and supports – the need for CRCs – is stronger than ever.

And CRCC is dedicated to filling the pipeline.

CRCC has a long history of reaching out to accredited colleges and universities in an effort to encourage students to enter the rehabilitation counseling profession and become CRCs. At the university level, CRCC provides a variety of materials to faculty and program administrators highlighting the benefits of certification.

CRCC initiatives within the rehabilitation counseling profession have included participation in industry conferences; national, industry-specific, and targeted social media advertising; CRCC videos and materials delivered across a variety of platforms, and; targeted email messaging.

“We reach out to the profession and to students at the graduate level for a number of reasons,” says April Smith Miller, CRCC Marketing and Communications

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

Manager. “We want individuals to be aware of the CRC credential and all the benefits it brings, particularly for those who are about to enter the job market. We also want to provide support in the CRC Exam application and preparation process.”

For all CRC applicants, non-certified rehabilitation counseling professionals, and master’s-level rehabilitation counseling students, CRCC currently offers the CRC Certification Now Facebook Group for those individuals who have applied or who intend to take the CRC Exam. As part of the CRC Certification Now Facebook Group, members receive communications about the benefits of certification, requirements and preparations for taking the CRC Exam, and application deadlines.

It’s also an opportunity for group members to share questions. But it has its limitations.

“Not all rehabilitation counselors and students embrace Facebook as a platform for interaction and communication in a more professional capacity,” states Smith Miller. “But what we are seeing, is an increasingly large number of CRC Exam-based

CRCC COMMUNITY

discussions on CRCC ENGAGE, our professional discussion and networking platform.”

The numbers are fairly impressive. During FY’ 20162017, 19% of all new discussion threads on CRCC ENGAGE – nearly 1 in every 5 – centered on the CRC Examination, including discussions on study materials and test preparation tips. Even more revealing was that those threads accounted for 25% of all content contributions/replies.

A New Forum on CRCC ENGAGE It was a natural fit to create a new forum on the CRCC ENGAGE platform – one dedicated to those who have applied, and are considering applying for, CRC certification. CRCC ENGAGE will soon be launching its new forum, which will include: • Directories – private, professional network where participants can manage their profile and connect with their peers.

•

Discussions – where participants can meet, collaborate, ask questions, provide responses, and discuss topics of interest, including CRC Exam preparation.

• Resource Libraries – where participants may build and share a knowledge base of CRC Exam study materials, articles, and more.

“Through the new forum on CRCC ENGAGE, participants will be able to continue their discussions in a more robust and interactive environment."

April Smith Miller CRCC Marketing and Communications Manager

CRCC will announce and promote the new forum on CRCC ENGAGE through e-communications, social media, the CRCC website, and direct outreach to CRC applicants, educators, and rehabilitation counseling professionals. All individuals currently in the CRC Certification Now Facebook Group will also be invited to move to the new forum on CRCC ENGAGE.

Are You Interested?

Be the first to hear when the new forum is available on CRCC ENGAGE.

Click here to start receiving CRCC e-communications.

The new forum on the CRCC ENGAGE platform will be free and available to all interested parties.

“Through the new forum on CRCC ENGAGE, participants will be able to continue their discussions in a more robust and interactive environment, while also having access to helpful resources and materials” explains Smith Miller. “We’re also evaluating opportunities to provide mentorship a bit farther down the road.

It’s an exciting time to be a part of the CRCC COMMUNITY!”

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CRCC COMMUNITY

By the Numbers

7/28/2016 launch – 6/30/2017

Launched in July 2016, CRCC e-UNIVERSITY continues to grow as new courses are continually added and as CRCs and rehabilitation counseling professionals rely on CRCC e-UNIVERSITY for their ongoing continuing education and professional development needs.

COURSE CATALOG 20 Total Courses Available, 6 in Ethics 82 Total Clock Hours Available LEARNER DATA 4,116 Total Unique Learners 5,632 Total Course Registrations TOP ETHICS COURSES 1 Ethics: Wellness & Self Care 2 Ethics: Working with Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities 3 Ethics: Working with Students with Disabilities 4 Ethics: Practical Applications TOP GENERAL COURSES 1 Motivational Interviewing and Individual Placement and Support Tools 2 Job Placement Provision: Key Factors and Challenges 3 Transition: Creating a Career Exploration Curriculum 4 Resilience and Disability COURSE SATISFACTION AS REPORTED BY LEARNERS 94% Content had practical relevance 95% Content satisfied own educational learning needs and expectations 95% Would recommend CRCC e-UNIVERSITY to colleague 99% Course feedback was informative Check out all the courses on CRCC e-UNIVERSITY

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

CRCC COMMUNITY

CRCC e-UNIVERSITY:

Relevant, Real-World Content Makes the Difference

94% of CRCC e-UNIVERSITY e-learner survey responders report that course content has practical relevance – an impressive statistic, but by no means a coincidence. In fact, it’s the exact result that CRCC e-Learning Manager Susan Brown Zahn is after.

“It’s so much more than just having relevant topics – it’s about the content that supports the topics,” says Brown Zahn. “We dig deep to identify the most relevant, current topics affecting rehabilitation counselors across a wide variety of practice settings and we align those topics with experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the field who then develop the content. It’s the expertise and insights of our SMEs, along with our course development process, that make our course content incredibly practical and relevant.”

The strength of CRCC’s e-learning approach is evident in the expertise and diversity of CRCC e-UNIVERSITY’s faculty. Eighteen esteemed professionals/SMEs have created the twenty courses currently offered, including two faculty members who have authored a Multicultural Counseling Competency Series, composed of five individual multicultural counseling courses.

CRCC e-UNIVERSITY Course Development

Topic/ SME

Content Development

Peer Review

Copy Editor

Course Launch

Topics and SMEs “It all starts with identifying potential topics that are relevant and meaningful,” says Brown Zahn. “We’re always researching the most current practices and challenges that rehabilitation counselors face across all practice settings.”

What does that research look like? Potential course topics are identified through series editors, rehabilitation and general counseling journals, conference agendas, trends in the field, and feedback from a variety of knowledgeable sources including CRCC Board and Committee members, CRCs, SMEs, peer reviewers, and other rehabilitation counseling professionals in the field.

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CRCC COMMUNITY

“Our content development process may take a bit longer, but the results speak for themselves. We’re very proud of what we’ve created at CRCC e-UNIVERSITY.” Susan Brown Zahn, CRCC e-Learning Manager

Content Development

Peer Review and Copyediting

Once a topic and SME are confirmed, the content development process begins. The first step for the SME is creating a content outline. From there, they determine how challenges and issues within the topic area are approached, including defining the issue, determining what information is relevant, and understanding that it’s not always a decision that needs to be made, but rather how the issue is aligned and what external resources are needed to address the issue. Finally, critical paths and optimal solutions are considered with a focus on what constitutes a successful outcome and how that might vary both across practice settings and on a case-by-case basis. Throughout the content development process, careful attention is given to the concepts of holistic counseling, full inclusion, and empowerment.

Once content has been fully developed, it then goes to Peer Review, where 2-3 experts in the topic field review the course manuscript to provide additional input and perspective. Peer reviewers are different for each course based on their specific areas of expertise as required by the course topic and content.

“SMEs are so very generous with their time and their expertise,” explains Brown Zahn. “These are people who are working in the field, spending weeknights and weekends over and above their current workload to develop outstanding course content. They give back to the field by allowing our e-learners to essentially step into their practice, experience the issues and challenges they face, and with expert guidance, evaluate optimal approaches and solution sets, and determine what constitutes success for their clients and customers.”

Copyediting is the last step to finalizing course content.

Here, the copyeditor polishes the course manuscript by making the content more conversational. Additionally, all references are verified.

CRCC e-UNIVERSITY Platform Once the course manuscript has cleared copyediting, it’s then loaded and tested on CRCC e-UNIVERSITY’s digital learning platform, a process that typically takes up to two weeks. Once all testing has been successfully completed, the course is added to the CRCC e-UNIVERSITY Online Course Catalog and “launched” via e-marketing and social media.

The Coming Year CRCC e-UNIVERSITY will introduce additional courses as often as possible throughout the coming year, building upon an already solid foundation in Ethics, and expanding the menu of General courses in key areas including case management, independent living, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and diabetes. Of course, quality through relevant, real world content, developed and taught by experienced SMEs will continue to be the hallmark of all CRCC e-UNIVERSITY courses.

“Our content development process may take a bit longer,” explains Brown Zahn, “but the results speak for themselves.

94% say our content has practical relevance. 95% say our content satisfied their educational learning needs. 99% say our feedback for learning activities, knowledge checks, and examinations was informative. We’re very proud of what we’ve created at CRCC e-UNIVERSITY. You don’t find our quality and depth of content in the CE world every day.”

And Susan’s exactly right – you don’t find that every day.

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CONNECTIONS | FY' 2016-2017 Annual Report

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

FINANCIAL SUMMARY CRCC operates on a fiscal year (FY) that begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th. The financial data in this summary is for the most recent FY concluding on June 30, 2017.

CRCC’s annual audit and financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles by Desmond & Ahern, Ltd., a certified public accounting firm located in Chicago, Illinois. The full CRCC audit is complete with reports indicating a clean audit and with financial statement disclosures being neutral, consistent, and clear.

CRCC’s operating revenues were $1,899,611 and operating expenses were $1,989,840, resulting in a net operating loss of $90,229.

CRC certification, renewal, and continuing education continue to be the main sources of revenue for CRCC. The CRCC COMMUNITY – CRCC ASPIRE, CRCC

ENGAGE, and CRCC e-UNIVERSITY - reflects initial technology investment and continued support with increased revenue growth projected going forward.

While CRCC’s staff and labor allocation at 40% of operating expenses is consistent with industry norms, it’s important to note that for CRCC, this is the engine that supports all certification operations. Essentially, 40% of operating expenses supports 86% of operating revenues.

For perspective, in this past FY 2016-17 alone, CRCC staff processed over 22,000 submissions!

1,227 CRC Exam applications 2,348 certificant renewals 8,889 requests for pre-approved

CE (Continuing Education) 5,923 requests for post-approved CE 4,075 requests by CE providers

for program approval

OPERATING REVENUES

6%

OPERATING EXPENSES

8%

8% ALL OTHER

ALL OTHER

6%

CRCC COMMUNITY

MEETING

40%

STAFF/LABOR

6%

12%

BUILDING

CONTINUING EDUCATION

11%

TECHNOLOGY

27%

CERTIFICATION

47%

RENEWAL

14% CRC EXAM PRODUCTION

15% CRCC COMMUNITY

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Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) 1699 East Woodfield Road, Suite 300 Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 Phone: (847) 944-1325 www.crccertification.com