Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)
Credential: Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)
Credentialing Agency: Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission
Renewal Period: 5 years
The Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission, Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional certification for those wishing to demonstrate credibility and competence in the field. Candidates for the CDMS come from a variety of backgrounds such as human resources, nursing or occupational health. A CDMS may act as a case manager for disability cases, help organize and run disability management programs for employers, and assist in the administering of employment leave and benefits. To obtain the CDMS, candidates must meet eligibility criteria and pass an exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 0201 Human Resources Management Series |  Some |
|
| 0260 Equal Employment Opportunity Series | Some |
|
| 0360 Equal Opportunity Compliance Series | Some |
|
| 0361 Equal Opportunity Assistance Series | Some |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite: The applicant must be currently employed in the field of absence and disability management
- Experience: 2080 hours
- Education: Bachelors
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 5 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission
1120 Route 73
Suite 200
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Phone: 844-681-8156
Fax: 856-439-0525
Email: info@cdms.org
Education REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline, or RN state licensure
Experience REQUIREMENTS
At the time of application, the candidate must be currently employed in the field of absence and disability management. CDMS only accepts paid employment to fulfill employment criteria. Internships and volunteer activities are not acceptable employment experience.
Criteria 2:Candidates must be able to attest that within the past 36 months a minimum of 2080 hours of their documented work experience aligns with at least 2 of the 4 domains/practice areas.
Written Exam
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Disability and Work Interruption Case Management (35%)
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Perform comprehensive individual case analyses and benefits
assessments using best practices to develop appropriate interventions. - Review and assess disability case management interventions to ensure quality care, recovery, and cost-effectiveness.
- Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders using effective communication strategies to optimize functional recovery.
- Perform worksite/job analyses using observation, assessment, interview, and records review to determine the requirements of jobs and appropriate accommodations.
- Develop individualized return-to-work/stay-at-work and worker retention plans consistent with practice standards and program policy by collaborating with relevant stakeholders to facilitate successful employment outcomes.
- Implement interventions using appropriate counseling and behavior change techniques to optimize functioning and productivity.
- Coordinate benefits, services, and community resources to facilitate optimal functioning in a cost-effective and medically appropriate way.
- Monitor case progress by assessing medical conditions, health status, and functional capacity on an on-going basis to optimize recovery and facilitate successful employment outcomes.
- Disseminate appropriate information, keep stakeholders informed, document case activities, and prepare reports in compliance with standard practice and regulations.
- Develop and implement solutions that optimize the overall health and productivity of workers by addressing their health and work/life issues impacting employment outcomes.
- Coordinate service providers to maximize the quality of services and return on investment.
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Perform comprehensive individual case analyses and benefits
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Workplace Intervention for Disability Prevention (30%)
- Implement disability management practices through training, education, and collaboration to integrate prevention and change organizational behavior/culture.
- Develop and administer a comprehensive transitional work program through collaboration with stakeholders to facilitate optimal productivity and worker retention.
- Develop an interactive, organizational process for accommodation needs, incorporating appropriate resources for optimal functioning in the workplace.
- Recommend workplace strategies to address ergonomic, safety, and risk factors using available data to prevent disability and mitigate loss.
- Recommend strategies that integrate benefit plan designs and related services to promote prevention, optimal productivity, quality care, and cost containment.
- Promote health and wellness interventions that demonstrate measurable value by targeting the specific needs of workers and the organization.
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Program Development, Management, and Evaluation (20%)
- Establish disability management program goals by assessing organizational needs and evaluating best practices.
- Design the disability management program in cooperation with stakeholders, using supporting policies, best practices, roles, and benchmarks to achieve established program goals.
- Assist in the design of a financially sustainable disability management program.
- Provide staff development consistent with disability management program goals and the financial plan.
- Select disability management program performance metrics based on goals, design, best practices, and benchmarking data to assess effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
- Implement cross-functional/multiple stakeholder processes consistent with disability management program philosophy, objectives, and best practices to meet program goals.
- Educate and train stakeholders to promote disability management program goals.
- Monitor the disability management program's operational and financial performance using established metrics to identify costs, trends, and productivity loss for the purpose of program evaluation and return on investment.
- Integrate data to support decision making for disability management program improvement, assessment of cost-effectiveness, and return on investment.
- Procure internal and external services using selection criteria to achieve disability management program goals.
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Employment Leaves and Benefits Administration (15%)
- Manage employment health-related leaves in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements to maintain legal and regulatory compliance.
- Identify risks associated with health-related work interruptions and employment leaves to enhance organizational decision making.
- Effectively communicate and explain essential elements of benefits and employment policies to workers to mitigate adverse impact and facilitate informed decision making.
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) examination:
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)
Renewal Period: 5 years
MOST
OTHER