Direct Support Professionals Academy
Project Description:
The Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire, the NH Bureau of Developmental Services, and the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities piloted this project for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The goal of the Direct Support Provider Academy is to enhance the skills of this critical workforce resource, reflected in attainment of a Certificate in Person-Centered Care issued by UNH.
A pilot training program for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) will include an on-the-job mentoring component. This pilot training program's goal is to build competency and confidence of DSPs providing direct care to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. This training program will reflect the outcomes of a training needs assessment of participating agencies and existing competencies. It is scheduled as a 12-week program, running from October 2023 – February 2024. Once trainees have completed their online training, there will be a 26-week on-the-job training with the support of monthly in-person seminars for the trainees.
The DSP Academy will allow workers to have improved knowledge, skills, competence, and confidence in the field when it comes to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These competencies will be cross-walked with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) competencies.
Keyword(s):
direct support professional; workforce development; training
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees
Area of Emphasis
Employment-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
