Need for Direct Support Professionals Rises Amid Pandemic
Area organizations that support people with developmental disabilities are facing a major hiring crisis, made significantly worse by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a critical role in helping to empower and equip people receiving services to live, work, and thrive in their neighborhoods,” says Stephanie Porter, Chief Human Resources Officer at The Arc Baltimore.
“While the work is highly rewarding, the normal stress of the job, coupled with the health risk necessitated by the close personal contact required to ensure that those with disabilities are safe and getting the supports they need, have made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain DSPs,” Porter continues.
Nationally, the average turnover for DSPs has increased to nearly 50%, with only 21% staying six to 12 months on the job, according to the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).
To counteract this trend, The Arc Baltimore and other provider organizations throughout Maryland have banded together to encourage more people to consider the benefits of a career as a Direct Support Professional.
The Arc, for example, is offering a hiring bonus of $1,500, a referral bonus of $500 (for existing DSPs who refer prospective employees), a 403(b) retirement plan, medical benefits, flexible schedules, part- and full-time positions, personal and vacation time, and the opportunity to work in neighborhoods that are close to their own homes.
“We are also providing tuition reimbursements, and there are numerous growth opportunities,” adds Kathleen McNally Durkin, The Arc Baltimore’s Chief Executive Officer. “The real payoff, though, is the opportunity to have an incredibly fulfilling career. DSPs are the backbone of the support system for people with developmental disabilities, providing personal care, coordinating health and social services, assisting in building job skills, and so much more.”
For more information about Direct Support Professionals and available job opportunities, contact The Arc Baltimore at 410-296-2272 or apply directly at www.thearcbaltimore.org/apply.
About The Arc Baltimore
The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities (autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability) to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. The Arc Baltimore is an indispensable resource, providing employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, respite care, public policy advocacy, and information and referrals. For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org or call 410-296-2272.
