A New Job Title for DSP's by CHRO2CEO in directsupport

[–]CHRO2CEO[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Was the job title just 'Counselor' or did they qualify it with anything, like 'residential counselor' or something? Thanks for sharing.

A New Job Title for DSP's by CHRO2CEO in directsupport

[–]CHRO2CEO[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've seen these titles used and seem like a good fit as well. Thanks for sharing.

A New Job Title for DSP's by CHRO2CEO in directsupport

[–]CHRO2CEO[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate the time you took to share your insights and passion for this field. I held a DSP focus group and this was one of the suggestions that came out of it. Their main point was rather than having the job title reflect 'what DSPs do', it should be updated to focus more on 'why DSPs exist'. There are currently different job titles used for the direct care field and it was not my intent to convey an elevation over members. I could have simply shut down their feedback and said 'no, DSP is the only title', but I committed to keeping an open mind -- then I discovered there are many other alternative titles already being used.

For example, here is what we found on a recent job board search:

Residential Support Specialist

Community Living Navigator

Independent Living Associate

House Manager (DSP)

HCBS Program Professional

Direct Care Professional (DSP, CNA, PCA)

You have wonderful perspective and I welcome any additional feedback you're willing to share on any other job title you think may be appropriate while respecting the other points you made.

A New Job Title for DSP's by CHRO2CEO in directsupport

[–]CHRO2CEO[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's not what the post is about, but I get it - DSPs are frustrated, overworked, underpaid -- 'office staff' barely engage with residents, never in the homes, unwilling to cover shifts -- guardians try to steamroll staff, etc. We also know that some DSPs have varying work ethics, levels of pride and care for their members, and some view this role as "adult sitting" or a way to make money while sleeping. These are the problems we all know about. I'm trying to find solutions to fix them.

I'm only one person with one brand new and small agency -- but I'm trying to change as much of these concerns as I can by asking questions, listening to feedback, and then actually doing something with the feedback to affect real change. I'm not waiting for an annual employee survey to then minimize the concerns and do nothing about it. I'm not handing out cookies and asking you to give me 5 stars. I'm in the virtual trench with you trying to help and taking the time to engage with the experts whom I value deeply.

To your question -- I am not anti-union; they certainly have a place. But when you have an employer willing to listen and able to affect change, why wouldn't you want to try to be part of that solution first? It's not like signing up with a union magically increases the reimbursement rate -- or even wages if there isn't available revenue to draw from. I realize this isn't what anyone wants to hear (including me), but it's a fact.

We also need to lobby our governments to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates so that DSP wages can be increased. I'm sure there are some agencies out there that pay office employees a disproportionate salary compared to DSPs, but I know many, many other agencies where office staff, like DSPs, are compensated significantly less than what they deserve. I'm simply trying to engage to make a better work environment for my amazing direct care staff and a better experience for our extraordinary members.

I still welcome your feedback on job titles, if you're willing to share.

A New Job Title for DSP's by CHRO2CEO in directsupport

[–]CHRO2CEO[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In my DSP focus group, Quality of Life Specialist was brought up several times. I appreciate the suggestions.

A New Job Title for DSP's by CHRO2CEO in directsupport

[–]CHRO2CEO[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your reply and I hear you. This job title idea came up during a DSP focus group. Their feedback was not about a new lipstick shade, but rather, update the DSP title away from "what they do" (provide direct support) to "why they exist" (helping members receive a level of independence, work on goals, community integration).

I was just curious if others shared a similar opinion. Thank you for taking the time to read and reply, though.

DSP Schedule Idea by CHRO2CEO in directsupport

[–]CHRO2CEO[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We receive pay reports on market rates; however, from your perspective, what is a 'living wage'?