This page is dedicated to bringing forward best practices, evidence-based strategies, tools and resources to those seeking employment in the direct support workforce and those employed as DSPs and looking for resources to improve the services or supports they provide.
The Rhode Island State Workforce Initiative for Training and Professional Development workgroup has endorsed and adopted the Direct Support Professional Competency Areas published by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. The competencies provide an outline of skills and knowledge needed in the role. These competencies are provided as guidance to help inform and elevate the direct support professional occupation.
This is a Spanish version of the Direct Support Professional Competency Areas published by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.
The Direct Support Professional Code of Ethics was developed by the National Association of Direct Support Professional to serve as an ethical guide. The Code of Ethics intends to guide direct support professionals in resolving ethical dilemmas faced in their profession every day.
The Standard Occupational Classification is used to classify workers into different groups to collect, calculate or disseminate data. There is no Standard Occupational Classification code unique to direct support professionals. The creation of this code would allow for the collection of data that would provide vital insights into the DSP role. There is legislation in Congress that would suggest the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to create that code.
This report for the period of July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023 provides a comprehensive summary of workforce data for Rhode Island, focusing on direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors (FLSs). It evaluates whether statewide efforts are effectively impacting workforce conditions. The report is designed to inform people with disabilities, their families, employers, state partners and policymakers.
This is the Spanish version of the report for the period of July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.
This is the plain language version of the report for the period of July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.
This is the Spanish plain language version of the report for the period of July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.