Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-Directed HCBS

Welcome to the online training series titled "Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-Directed HCBS." This interactive training series was created for individuals who self-direct home and community-based services (HCBS), their family members, and others who are authorized to provide support, where appropriate. Others working with caregivers and direct support staff in the community might also find some of this content relevant and helpful. Each learning module in the series includes content that focuses on two primary sets of skills needed to direct services effectively:

1. Recruiting and hiring the right direct service worker (DSW), including the development of a personal profile and detailed job description, advertising, interviewing, and selection; and
2. Managing DSWs, including training, supervising, professional development, performance evaluation, rewards and recognition, poor performance and termination, scheduling, pay, benefits, and employment-related taxes.

Instructions on how to use the various features in this training are provided on the next page, How to Use These Modules.

Click the table of contents icon in the top left-hand corner of the training to view the navigation pane and skip ahead to specific modules or lessons.

Modules and Lessons Included in This Training

Module #1 - Understanding Self-Directed Supports

• Lesson 1.1 What are Self-Directed Supports?
• Lesson 1.2 Managing Your Self-Directed Supports

Module #2 – Finding the Right DSW for You

• Lesson 2.1 Finding the Right DSW for You
• Lesson 2.2 How Can I Recruit the Right DSW?

Module #3 – Selecting and Hiring the Right DSW for You

• Lesson 3.1 Creating a Realistic Job Preview
• Lesson 3.2 Preparing for and Conducting Interviews and Reviewing Results
• Lesson 3.3 How to Hire the Right Person as Your DSW

Module #4 – Welcoming and Training Your New DSW

• Lesson 4.1 Welcome and Orientation of Your New DSW
• Lesson 4.2 Developing a Training Plan
• Lesson 4.3 Providing Feedback and Recognition to DSWs

Module #5 – Supporting DSW Professionalism

• Lesson 5.1 Performance, Boundaries, and Professionalism
• Lesson 5.2 Effective Communication and Resolution of Conflicts
• Lesson 5.3 Addressing DSW Poor Performance

Module #6 – Recognizing and Managing DSW Stress and Burnout

• Lesson 6.1 Impact of Stress and Burnout on DSWs
• Lesson 6.2 Identifying DSW Stress and Burnout
• Lesson 6.3 Managing DSW Stress and Building Resiliency

Watch this video for an overview of the training series and a demonstration of how to use the features in this platform.

Sponsorship

This project is sponsored by ​the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

GoTo Next Page

The word "Goto" is preferred by screenreaders and means the same as "Go to." You can use the "Goto Next Page" or "Goto Previous Page" button to move forward and backward in the modules.