Six Strategies to Retain DSPs
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are a critical resource for agencies that serve individuals with I/DD.
From assisting with activities of daily living to teaching skills that enhance independence, DSPs have a huge impact on individuals' quality of life. However, recruiting and retaining DSPs has been a challenge for many agencies. In fact, a recent report by ANCOR found that 90% of community providers in the US have experienced severe staffing shortages over the past year.
Here are six ways to enhance staff satisfaction and increase retention of your most valuable DSPs.
Offer recognition
Recognizing DSPs who've gone above and beyond goes a long way in making them feel respected and appreciated. This can range from formal recognition by the organization or simple acknowledgement of a job well done by a supervisor.
Provide opportunities for professional development
The best DSPs are passionate about what they do, so investing in their future just makes sense. This may include advanced training, continuing education opportunities, or a certificate program. Develop a career ladder to provide DSPs with a path to a leadership positions.
Ensure supervisors support DSPs
The relationship between a DSP and their supervisor has a significant impact on job satisfaction. According to The Guild, DSPs want supervisors who respect them as individuals, communicate openly, show appreciation for a job well done, and have an overall positive attitude.
Foster an effective workplace culture
For DSPs, the most important elements of an effective workplace culture are an environment where their professional and personal well-being are supported, competent and respectful leadership, and available training and career advancement opportunities.
Training and onboarding
Providing intensive training before a new DSP starts work on site can help set them up for success. It should include role-playing, hands-on practice, and specialized training tailored to the individuals they’ll be working with. Ongoing workshops and training sessions can help both new and experienced staff feel more cohesive and enhance their ability to work as a team.
Maximize efficiency
Minimizing time spent on routine tasks means DSPs have more time to focus on the individuals in their care. For example, working with your pharmacy partner to provide medications in compliance packaging that makes it easier for DSPs to administer medications while also reducing the risk of errors.
About Pharmacy Alternatives
One of the nation’s only I/DD-specific pharmacies, Pharmacy Alternatives provides comprehensive services for individuals with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Our pharmacy and account teams, many of whom have personal connections to the I/DD community, share a passion for caring for this unique population and understand their complex medication needs. With specialized consultant pharmacists and local account management support, we make medication management easy, so caregivers can focus on increasing independence and enhancing quality of life for the individuals they serve.