Employment and Community Services

Our standards reflect leadership in the field internationally through the promotion and advancement of equity, inclusion, and access to programs and services that provide employment and life skill development and support for persons to live and work as independently as possible.

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What we accredit

Standards for the following types of programs/services are in the Employment and Community Services (ECS) Standards Manual:

Download program descriptions
  • Employment Planning Services
  • Services Coordination
  • Respite Services
  • Family Services
  • Employment and Career Centers
  • Affirmative Business Enterprise
  • Behavioral Consultation Services
  • Employee Development Services
  • Home and Community Services
  • Comprehensive Benefits Planning
  • Employment Skills Training Services
  • Foster Family Services
  • Centers for Independent Living
  • Organizational Employment Services
  • Personal Supports Services
  • Community Employment Services
  • Flexible Supports Planning
  • Host Family/Shared Family Services
  • Employer of Record for Support Services
  • Self-Employment Services
  • Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services
  • Community Housing and Integration
  • Short-Term Immigration for Support Services
  • Services for Children and Youth
  • Supported Living
  • Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention
  • Supported Education Services
  • Assistive Technology Supports and Services
  • Mentor Services

Specific population designations

The following may be added to a program:
  • Standards for Workforce Development Services
  • Older Adults and Dementia Care
  • Medically Fragile
  • Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Children and Adolescents
Welcome to Employment and Community Services and Vision Rehabilitation Services

Welcome video

This video provides an introduction to accreditation in Employment and Community Services and Vision Rehabilitation Services and the programs included.

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Get to know the standards

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Education and training

See the training calendar for details about our training opportunities and educational webinars.

Explore what we offer
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Purchase the standards

The standards are available for purchase through our online store.

Go to online store

Additional information

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CARF Connection blog

Learn about current trends, improving services, and the latest CARF news.

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Promising Practices

Read articles that spotlight innovative provider practices.

Read Promising Practices
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Performance Management Workbook

Designed to walk providers through the process of designing a performance management system.

Download workbook

We are your partner for quality and success

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Value of accreditation

Our consultative peer-review process promotes active, dynamic planning focused on impact and outcomes. Learn how we can help your organization.

Learn more
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Steps to accreditation

Accreditation takes time to prepare for and requires ongoing improvement efforts. We will be with you every step of the way.

Review the steps
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We’re here to help!

No matter where you are in your accreditation journey, we are here to answer your questions and provide assistance.

Contact us

The Managing Director

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Chasity Chamberlin
Managing Director of Employment and Community Services

Chasity Chamberlin brings decades of experience in residential, employment, and community integration programs to her role.

Go to Chasity’s profile