UCEDD Expanding the PUblic Health Workforce
Project Description:
This project is designed to impact the public health workforce crisis by identifying issues critical to local providers as they examine the recruitment and retention difficulties within their Direct Support Professional (DSP) workers and subsequently providing resources to address these difficulties. Anticipated activities will address recruitment efforts since provider agencies report that they are struggling with how to advertise DSP positions so that applicants have a better understanding of the job when they choose to apply, thus reducing the time wasted interveiwing candidates who either do not accept the position or work one day and quit. Additionally, the training of DSPs will be addressed, looking at the mechanism for training (on-line self-guided modules, face-to-face sessions, on the job mentoring, etc.) as well as the content. One area of training that will be addressed directly is related to positive behavioral supports. Anecdotal data reveals that many DSPs leave their positions because of their difficulty responding to people with disabilties who present with "challenging behaviors". These behaviors, especially when the individuals have a comorbid developmental disability and mental health condition, may present significant risk of injury to the indiviual and/or the staff. The frustration of not knowing how to respond to these behaviors contributes to burn-out and loss of staff. Additionally, the lack of ability to respond appropriately leads to intrusive, inappropriate and even abusive treatment of people with disabilities. Even more of a concern is that these behaviors often lead to the individual being moved to a more restrictive placement, sometimes temporary (psychiatric treatment facility) and sometimes permanent (ICF). The UCEDD will develop a training/certification process to train community-based staff in analysis of behavior and the development of positive behavior support plans in the context of supporting the person to live the life he/she wants to live.
Keyword(s):
Covid-19; Public Health Workforce
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County, State
COVID-19 Related Data:
Yes
