I-Team Certified in CE
Published August 18, 2025
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional employment services, Merrick’s Independent Services team (I-Team) recently completed the Minnesota Customized Employment (MN-CE) training program and is now officially certified in Customized Employment (CE).
First, what is CE? CE is a person-centered approach that aligns job opportunities with the unique skills, interests, and needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as the specific needs of the employers. The CE process consists of three primary steps: discovery, job development, and employment support. The discovery phase acts as the foundation of the entire CE process.
The MN-CE training program consists of 40 hours of classroom instruction plus additional time outside of class for homework. A key requirement of the program is for each participant to develop a CE plan for a job seeker. This process involves interviewing members of the job seeker’s support team and observing the individual in their home, at work, and in other frequented settings. Participants then compile their findings to identify the job seeker’s needs, skills, strengths, and interests.
When asked about their biggest takeaways from the training, the I-Team emphasized how the CE process challenges them to look beyond surface-level information. It encourages deeper engagement with the job seeker and promotes creative thinking when identifying meaningful employment opportunities.
For example, as a part of her homework, Merrick’s Career Exploration Counselor, Sandy Olson, chose to work with Kate, a client from one of our off-site work crews – a person she has coached for over three years. Before the training, Sandy believed she knew Kate quite well. But by applying the CE process, she gained a completely new perspective and a deeper understanding of her abilities and potential.
For an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment, this level of insight is invaluable. We’re excited to see how the CE process will further enhance our ability to support clients in finding not just any job—but the job they truly want and deserve.