North Raleigh Today

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced a $3 million investment aimed at recruiting and retaining direct support professionals (DSPs). These professionals are vital in assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live independently within their communities.

"Every person in North Carolina should have the support they need to thrive in their communities," stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "We must prioritize and invest in the workforce that is charged with caring for people. Not only to ensure individuals and families have the right care when and where they need it, but also for the long-term well-being of our state."

More than 140 provider agencies and employers will receive grants to enhance recruitment, training, support, and retention efforts for DSPs. The funding aims to improve working conditions through initiatives like hiring bonuses, on-the-job training, and child care assistance.

Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services said: "Direct support professionals are essential in helping people with I/DD live and work in the communities of their choosing. These efforts are one part of a multi-faceted plan to create a workforce pipeline and give employers the tools they need to recruit and retain a strong, well-qualified DSP workforce to help as many people with I/DD as possible."

NCDHHS is also launching pilot programs later this year that include developing a wage protection program for full-time DSPs, career advancement opportunities, a multimedia recruitment campaign for DSPs, an HR onboarding system for streamlining employment processes, as well as two mentoring programs focused on peer-to-peer mentoring and leadership-to-DSP mentoring.

A second round of incentives focusing on recruitment, retention, and training will be available in spring 2025. Previous applicants may reapply if their proposals align with these focus areas. The NCDHHS Division will announce details soon.

These initiatives are part of the broader DSP Workforce Plan aligned with NCDHHS' Inclusion Connects initiative which aims to provide more choices and access to services for those with I/DD. The department remains committed to fostering an accessible environment that supports independent living within chosen communities.