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As part of the investment, the department awarded more than 140 provider agencies and employers of record with grants to recruit, support, train and retain direct support professionals (DSP). The grants will be distributed this year and directly improve the working lives of DSP through programs such as hiring and retention bonuses, on-the-job training and child care assistance.
In addition to the provider grants, NCDHHS is funding several pilot programs that are launching later this year. The projects include the development of a wage protection program for full-time direct support professionals and career advancement opportunities, a DSP recruitment multi-media campaign, and implementing an HR onboarding system to streamline employment for DSPs. There are also two DSP mentoring programs that are launching this year, one focusing on peer-to-peer mentoring and the other program focusing on leadership-to-DSP mentoring.
A second round of DSP incentives that focus on recruitment, retention and training will be made available in spring of 2025. Applicants that submitted proposals previously will be eligible to apply again as long as the proposals fall under the recruitment, retention or training program type. The NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services will announce the opening of the second round of DSP incentives soon.
These efforts are part of the DSP Workforce Plan that aligns with NCDHHS’ Inclusion Connects, which is dedicated to connecting people with I/DD to more choices and more access to services and supports. The department is committed to creating a more accessible and supportive North Carolina, enabling people with I/DD to live more independently and participate fully in the community of their choice.
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