Prior to the pandemic keeping group homes and facilities that care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities staffed was difficult. Now that the pandemic has plateaued, we are seeing an even bigger decrease in employees and desire to work in these settings. In 2019 there was a 43% turnover rate for DSP’s. Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) are people who work hand-in-hand with people with disabilities to ensure their ability to take part in normal day-to-day activities as well as to facilitate in engaging in their social environment. Tasks can include anything from helping their people with transportation needs, bathing/dressing, aiding in paying bills or any daily tasks that may be difficult to do on their own. Direct Support Professionals are extremely essential all the time and especially at this point in our world. The work is beyond fulfilling, the ability to bring feelings of accomplishment and happiness to those who may feel hindered by their disabilities. You find yourself wondering why there is such a shortage for these workers, and I will tell you it’s not because the job itself is not enjoyable. Funding for these employees is slim to none, pay rates can begin anywhere from $10-$14 an hour. No one can make a sufficient enough living off of a pay rate like such. People want to work these positions, they want to help people, but you have to make sure your own affairs are in order as well. Additionally, Covid has deterred many from wanting to work in such close contact with people, especially those in congregate living situations. Covid has also applied more pressure in the sense that the DSP’s who have stuck around are required to take on more hours, more responsibilities, and more consumers thus spreading themselves too thin to be allocating appropriate attention to each one.
What can be done to resolve this? There are many steps that people could be taking to turn this situation in the right direction. For starters, a look over and implementation of spending plans for companies that hire DSP’s. If the hourly was increased, then the position itself would be more desirable to new applicants and current employees. Through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Biden administration has noticed the wage gap and tried to add proper compensation. States are able to submit spending plans for that funding. Increased wage would allow people to provide for themselves sufficiently while providing for their consumers sufficiently. Additionally, more employees mean less employee burnout and turnover. Another could be advertising both the joys of this work and the Covid precautions places are taking to try to avoid spread in close-contact work. Many of the companies that outsource DSP’s have really buckled down during these times as they would like to see their consumers happy and healthy. Unfortunately, people do not know this and getting the word out would only be beneficial.
Direct Support Professionals are a vital part of a person with disability’s life, so it is just as important that they get treated in that manner. If you or anyone you know could be interested in a position like this there are many local opportunities in all cities and areas. So many places are in critical need. No prior experience is required, the companies take care of all of the necessary training for their employees. Almost anyone can be a DSP, the experience itself looks great on any resume. If you want to enjoy your job while simultaneously touching someone’s life in such a positive way, this is the job for you.
Check out websites like indeed, linked-in, glassdoor or handshake to find job listings in an area near you!
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-09-24/low-wages-and-pandemic-gut-staffing-support-for-those-with-disabilities