ERIC Number: EJ1302708
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Jun
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1934-9491
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Available Date: N/A
Direct Support Professionals' Perspectives on Workplace Support: Underappreciated, Overworked, Stressed Out, and Stretched Thin
Johnson, Katherine E.; Bailey, Caitlin E.; Weiss, Nancy R.; Eidelman, Steven M.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, v59 n3 p204-216 Jun 2021
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce has experienced a multidecade period of disinvestment in the field leading to DSPs being in high demand, while efforts to recruit, train, and retain these professionals pose challenges. To gain a better understanding of the needs of DSPs themselves, 440 survey responses and 24 interviews of DSPs were analyzed to understand what would help DSPs do their jobs better and ensure they feel more supported by their agencies. Results revealed six distinct support needs: (a) ensure quality participatory management practices, (b) provide fair compensation and recognition, (c) enhance access to training opportunities, (d) assure reliable and quality staffing, (e) adequately fund basic needs of both programs and people receiving support, and (f) maintain reasonable job expectations.
Descriptors: Intellectual Disability, Allied Health Personnel, Needs Assessment, Participative Decision Making, Compensation (Remuneration), Professional Recognition, Training, Financial Support, Work Environment, Stress Variables
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. P.O. Box 1897, Lawrence, KS 66044-1897. Tel: 785-843-1235; Fax: 785-843-1274; e-mail: AJMR@allenpress.com; Web site: https://meridian.allenpress.com/aaidd
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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