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

1. Listen

2. Read

It’s important to understand why a DSW quits. Not all DSWs leave due to burnout; some may leave because they had a child, graduated from school, or because they realize being a DSW is not the right career choice for them. It’s important to find out from the DSW why they are leaving.

We listed signs of stress and burnout in previous lessons of this module, but sometimes it might be hard to tell if a DSW is stressed or burnt out. You can find out why a DSW is leaving by conducting a/an:

Exit Interview

Ask the DSW questions about what they liked about the job, what they disliked, and why they are leaving. An interview may make the DSW uncomfortable, so having a friend or family member you trust ask the DSW questions may be a good idea.

You can use what they tell you to find out if DSWs are leaving because of stress or burnout. If a DSW says they are leaving because they are stressed or because they are working too many hours, that might be burnout. You can’t always help a DSW who is stressed or experiencing burnout, but there are some ways you can make their job a little less stressful.

Survey

A survey is another option to getting a DSW's feedback. Surveys don't require face-to-face time, which might make DSWs more comfortable responding to questions you might ask in an exit interview. It also gives them time to think about their answers. You can use the same questions you would ask in an exit interview, such as asking what they liked or didn't like about the job and what made them decide to leave the position.