New Jersey announced a $3 million program Tuesday to improve training for workers who care for people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, in the latest attempt to boost an industry plagued by low pay and high turnover.
Employees of the group homes and therapy programs used by an estimated 26,500 New Jerseyans with disabilities will be eligible for $1,000 apiece to put toward training and certification costs, the state Department of Human Services said .
Known as direct support professionals, or DSPs, the aides who help with daily tasks of life, such as dressing, eating and getting to appointments, have long complained they do hard work for little pay. That often results in high vacancy rates and turnover, affecting the quality of life for the people they serve, say advocates, families and those in the industry.
In March, a survey by disability advocates including United Cerebral Palsy found that the vast majority of companies that care for people with developmental disabilities have faced "moderate to severe staffing shortfalls" and almost half have had to discontinue services .
“Direct support professionals provide vitally important support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may live full and healthy lives in their communities,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
New training goal for direct service professionals
The state’s new plan includes offering DSPs certification from the National Association of the Dually Diagnosed as a way to assure families and employers that the aides are skilled in assisting those with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions.
The department's goal is to certify up to 3,000 DSPs with the money.
More: Disability programs face 'severe' labor shortages in NJ, nation. Here's how to fix it
“Direct support professionals are crucial in helping individuals live fulfilling lives within their communities,” added Adelman, who said the state has also worked to shore up the workforce by increasing wages in recent years.
Agencies must aim to certify 10% of DSPs
Agencies participating in the program must aim to have at least 10% of their DSPs certified, Tuesday's announcement said.
“This certification will help ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with mental health needs, receive the best care possible,” said Jonathan Seifried, assistant commissioner of the state's Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today .
Email: myers@northjersey.com ; Twitter: @myersgene
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ announces $3M to boost training of disability aides as group homes face labor crisis
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