Community SupportsDirect Support Workforce Development

In initiatives to enhance the Direct Support Workforce, The Boggs Center is collaborating with a number of public and private provider agencies and networks in a variety of initiatives to strengthen recruitment, retention, and supports for direct support professionals.

The major components of the project are:

• Statewide utilization of the College of Direct Support
• The New Jersey DSP Career Path
  

Statewide Utilization of the College of Direct Support

As a result of work done by the NJ DSP Workforce Development Coalition and the dedication of stakeholders to improving the human services workforce, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) purchased the College of Direct Support (CDS) for use statewide. As a result, agencies that provide licensed day and residential services to individuals receiving services funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCBS) (in NJ known as the Community Care Waiver [CCW]) have access to the innovative online education system. These agencies are required to use the College of Direct Support’s Learner Management system to track the completion of mandatory Pre-Service Training and receive the added benefit of access to more than 30 cutting edge courses focused around core competencies of direct support professionals and frontline supervisors.

Boggs center staff perform responsibilities related to statewide administration of the College of Direct Support. This involves management of the online system and providing technical assistance to CDS agency administrators and other stakeholders related to use of the CDS. An additional function of the statewide CDS administrator is managing the CDSTA email address and CDS Administrator listerv aimed at providing updates and technical assistance to CDS users in New Jersey.

The Boggs Center conducts training and technical assistance activities focused on statewide use of the College of Direct Support. Project staff present CDS Administrator Training and a workshop entitled “Making the CDS work for your Agency.” CDS Administrator Forums are aimed at providing one-on-one TA and updates to CDS Agency Administrators. Project staff complete data analysis and reporting procedures related to use of CDS curriculum and tracking of pre-service training. The Boggs Center also coordinates the Division’s stakeholder group, The NJ Partnership for Direct Support Professional Workforce Development, aimed at providing direction to statewide workforce development initiatives.

For more information on statewide utilization of the College of Direct Support, visit the Division of Developmental Disabilities website.

For the latest on DSP Workforce Development Initiatives across the state, read the NJ Workforce Development Insider:

• Winter 2012 Newsletter
• Fall 2011 Newsletter
  
  

New Jersey Direct Support Professional Career Path

In 2007, the NJ Direct Support Professional Workforce Development Coalition began piloting of a Career Path for Direct Support Professionals. This two-year project ending in September 2009 is funded through a grant from the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Through coordination by The Boggs Center, eight agencies, Allies, Inc.; The Arcs of Atlantic, Middlesex, Somerset, and Warren Counties; Bancroft; Matheny Medical and Educational Center; and UCP of Hudson County, piloted the career path for three years.

The voluntary career path process utilizes the online College of Direct Support in combination with onsite mentors and competency-based portfolio development. The goal is that this process provides the recognition and training necessary for people to remain in the field of direct support, therefore contributing to a reduction in turnover while also enhancing professional skills. Completion of each level of the career path results in a standard state certificate and together give DSPs the opportunity to apply for national credentialing through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).

The NJ DSP Career Path is now available for agencies across New Jersey through statewide availability of the College of Direct Support. Career Paths are recommended by the National Direct Service Workforce Resource Center as a method to increase the retention and skills of direct support professionals across sectors. The availability of a consistent, portable career paths benefits many stakeholders. It benefits individuals with developmental disabilities being served by the Division of Developmental Disabilities through an increase of skills in DSPs, consistency of care, and an increase in dependable supporter relationships. Direct Support Professionals receive increased recognition and confidence along with enhanced knowledge and skills. Agencies benefit through increased staff skills leading to a more dedicated and professional workforce that commit fewer incidents and provide higher quality support.

For information on the Career Path and how agencies can offer it to their staff, please contact Colleen McLaughlin or Shellyann Dacres.

New Jersey Direct Support Professional Career Path Resources

Guidelines for Level 3 Mental Health Supports

Career Path Coordinator Manual

Additional Resources for CDS Administrators

CDS Administrator Webinar 03.14.2012

Boggs Center Training Resources

Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series

Management skills training courses

New Jersey Training Network

Rutgers School of Social Work Certificate Program in Developmental Disabilities

National Links

National Direct Service Workforce Resource Center

Human Services Research Institute

College of Direct Support

National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals

PHI

Project Director: Deborah Spitalnik
Program Staff: Colleen McLaughlin, Shellyann Dacres