CERTIFICATIONS IN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACHES

The Perfect Credential For The Career You Want...

The better question is probably, “why not?” EBP’s are proven approaches for any organization to function in as well as working with people. What other approach would you subject another human being to if it’s not one that is proven to produce optimum desirable outcomes?

Also it has increasingly become a requirement by most funding agencies, clients, victims, governments, taxpayers and the community at large. Working with patients is a delicate act requiring organizations and practitioners to demonstrate expertise every time in their delivery of services.

The CEBO is the certification process designed for organizations. It is a self-evaluation and external review program which provides a standard method for organizations to become certified as Evidence-Based Organizations. In doing so the certification process recognizes abilities and accomplishments they demonstrate in the area of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices. In addition the program also provides an outstanding opportunity for organizations to enhance their evidence-based approaches, culture and proficiency.

The Certification for Evidence-Based Professionals (CEBP) is a training and self-study program followed by a half-day proctored exam which provides individuals with a standard method to become certified. It recognizes the abilities and accomplishments these individuals have demonstrated in the area of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices. The Certification program creates progressive professional development and provides an outstanding opportunity for individuals to become highly knowledgeable and skilled in evidence-based approaches.  The program enhances the capabilities of these individuals and the agencies within which they work; aids in the recruitment and retention of skilled and talented staff members; and enables participants to become part of a nationwide network of professionals devoted to improving their productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness, along with enhancing the performance of their agencies and organizations.

Although the evidence-based movement has been around for decades in the medical health care field, it is relatively young in the human and social services field. Younger still is the movement to establish a standard certification process for such organizations. That effort officially got underway in August, 2013 when Joyfields Institute for Professional Development worked with the EBP Society, the Society for Evidence-Based Organizations and Professionals to institute the program.

The process of getting certified is rigorous and can take 6 – 12 months to achieve a Provisional Certification. Achieving a Full Certification can take as much as 24 months. Since its inception seven months ago, one (1) organization has achieved the Provisional Certification status. A few others are currently undergoing the process.

Over the years well-meaning organizations adopt often economically prohibitive model programs and practices for serving their clients to the exclusion of an evidence-based organizational framework. Such programs fade away when funding is exhausted. On the other hand practices installed at evidence-based organizations (EBO’s) thrive and continue to serve their clients for very many years. Becoming an EBO provides that evidence-based organizational framework to sustain practicing agencies and the model programs they choose to adopt for serving their clients.

• Beyond the obvious advantages noted previously, organizations in the program enjoy some key benefits;

  • Evidence-based benefits: Certified agencies will likely find it easier to gain funding and stakeholder support, recruit and retain qualified and skilled personnel. Evidence-based standards generate data that can be used in day-to-day leadership and management. Organizational decision-making also will be guided by solid data and research evidence.
  • Establishment of measurable criteria for improving operations: Through the certification processes, agencies continuously review policies, programs, and practices and have the ability to make identified improvements when deficiencies are recognized.
  • Enhanced staff morale and professionalism: Certifications are awarded to highly proficient agencies and organizations that embrace evidence-based approaches. Staff of these organizations typically experience higher job satisfaction and morale.
  • Improved Training: Certification will require written policy and procedures to establish evidence-based training and professional development for agency personnel. The professional growth of employees is viewed as a key aspect of becoming and maintaining a CEBO.

• • The following five areas are emphasized:

    • Knowledge and use of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices
    • Demonstrating effective leadership
    • Organizational culture and assessment
    • Strategic planning, performance measurement, and program evaluation
    • Building capacity and sustainability

The certification programs were officially launched in August 2013 by executives and an advisory team of evidence-based and strength-centered professionals at Joyfields Institute for Evidence-Based Professionals and Society for Evidence-Based Organizations and Professionals, EBP Society.