You are meeting for the first time with a 45-year-old male who is considering employment...

The best way to know more about a job seeker is to ask him directly about his background and desire for services. This is consistent with the principles of self-determination, empowerment, and person-centered planning that are part of the CESP Domain 2 Individualized Employment and Career Planning1. Asking him directly also shows respect for his autonomy and preferences, and allows him to share his strengths, interests, and goals in his own words. Asking family and clinicians, reading his case file, or placing him in a job without his input may provide some useful information, but they may also be biased, outdated, or irrelevant to his current situation and aspirations. Moreover, they may undermine his confidence and motivation to pursue employment. References: 1: CESP Content Outline - CESP