NJ Direct Support Professional (DSP) Work Force Development Coalition Receives Career Path Pilot Program Grant for DSPs

ABCD congratulates the NJ Direct Support Professional (DSP) Work Force Development Coalition on being awarded the Career Path Pilot Program grant through the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities. Several of ABCD's member agencies are participating in the grant and the College of Direct Support! ABCD is very excited to be working on issues of professional development for DSPs on behalf of its member agencies that are participating in the College of Direct Support through the DD Council grant or independently. We welcome your feedback and we have set up a participant list serv as we will be involved with the Boggs Center and participating agencies on tracking the progress of the Program. Check back for updates on the Program, and good luck to all participants from ABCD!

New Job Opportunities at Jawonio

DIRECT/SENIOR SERVICES WORKERS FT & PT, Individuals needed to perform personal care & support activities for consumers including grooming, feeding, washing, moving, lifting & other related responsibilities. Senior Worker acts as shift charge, assigning & assisting with consumer care. Training offered to gain proficiency in these areas. Requires HS grad or equivalent & trainingexp working w/ Developmentally Disability population preferred.

TREATMENTSPECIALIST P/T, Responsible for the clinical &behavioral care services for assigned consumers: In conjunction with Master's level psychologist to develops goals, objectives & methodologies. Performs direct counseling & intervention as needed. BA degree plus 5 yrs related field exp or Associates degree plus 10 yrs related field.

HOUSE SUPERVISOR F/T, To supervise the operation of assigned residence, including supervising of Senior and Direct Service staff. Associates degree required plus at least 3 yrs of experience in the MR/DD field, or Bachelor's Degree plus 1 year exp.

New Training Opportunities for DSPs

(1) The Certificate in Developmental Disabilities is designed to provide community care staff with an opportunity for professional development. This certification process will also assist individuals and agency staff in meeting future proposed requirements to certify all personnel that provide direct care and services for the developmentally disabled.

The Certificate consists of four courses: Survey of Developmental Disabilities, Health Issues Across the Life Span, Program Planning, and Issues in Developmental Disabilities. Each course consists of 45 hours of instruction and practice, and is worth 3 credit hours which can be counted toward the Associate's Degree of Human Services Technician.

The Certificate in Developmental Disabilities is offer at Ocean County College* and Camden County College. For futher information please contact:

Ocean County College

Acting Dean Richard Strada

Social Science, Education, and Public Service Department

(732) 255-0400, Ext. 2211

RStrada@ocean.edu

Camden County College

Habiba Soudan, Coordinator

(856)227-7200, Ext. 4352

hsoudan@camdencc.edu

(2) The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center, in conjunction with UMDNJ and The Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, provides training opportunities for DSPs, school districts, employment agencies, provider agencies, people with disabilities and families.

The Boggs Center Training Calendar for July-September 2007 is now available online at The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities website or by calling 732.235.9300. Training areas include Supported Employment, Direct Support, Essential Lifestyle Planning, Individual Habilitation Plans, and Positive Behavorial Supports.

(3) The Health Education Network will be conducting two training workshops entitled "An Insider's Perspective on Autism and Asperger's Syndrome-Bridging the Gap Between Understanding and Intervention" on March 1 and 2, 2007 in Edison and Saddle Brook, NJ respectively.

Continuing Education credits are available for therapists, nurses, and other professionals are available. Visit The Health Education Network's website for more information and registration.

Resources for DSPs

Direct Support Professionals (DSP)-Workforce Development

US Department of Health and Human Services Report on the Supply of DSPs: This report by HHS examines the shortage of DSPs supporting persons with developmental disabilities and the impact this shortage has on services.

2006 DSP New Jersey Career Path Forum Summary Report: This report gives an overlook of the discussions that took place at the 2006 New Jersey DSP Career Path Forum and outlines future steps needed to develop a statewide career path for DSPs.

Employment Resource Guide

ABCD represents member agencies that provide an array of community- based services. All member agencies are continuously seeking qualified candidates. Below are a listing of our agencies, contact information, types of positions available, and regional locations.