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

1. Listen

2. Read

Sometimes DSWs don't work out and you need to let them go.  Have a plan in place before you end their employment. Things to consider before you terminate a DSW’s employment:

• If you are not the employer, notify the employer (such as the authorized representative).
• Notify your financial management service agency that you need to terminate a DSW.  They can give you information on how to make sure the process you use is legal.
• Determine how and when the DSW will receive their last paycheck.
• Decide when and where you will talk to the DSW.
• People can become very upset when they are being terminated.  For safety, you may want to have another person with you or close by when you have this conversation.  Consider asking your service coordinator for assistance.
• Decide how you will collect keys – do you need to change locks and passwords? Consider investing in a smart lock to eliminate the need to give DSWs keys.