Recruitment and Retention

The BJBC quarterly newsletter contains two stories on building a stronger workforce. “Capturing the Training Needs of Direct Care Workers” describes preliminary findings from a study in which direct-care workers and supervisors are surveyed about how effective their training has been and what else they need to provide quality care. “Matching Direct Care Workers with the Families Who Need Them” describes the searchable web-based registries in several states that bring people together.

This report provides background on MLTSS to brief the intellectual and developmental disability community, as well as the President and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, on managed care and changes in LTSS administration so that they may take action and influence outcomes. The report also contains a number of recommendations related to disability stakeholder engagement, choice and self-determination, consumer protections and rights and quality measurement.

A survey of state aging, disability and Medicaid agencies was conducted in 2012, in order to better understand challenges and concerns for funding and providing quality LTSS. Five common themes were identified in this report, including staff turnover and reductions during a sluggish recovery of state budgets. Other findings include an overall expansion of home and community-based services, LTSS transformation and reduced funding and high demand for non-Medicaid aging and disability services.

The Alternative State Application Program is a program designed to appoint qualified persons with disabilities through an on-the-job examination period. Attached is a presentation on the program put out by Utah's Work Ability. The presentation includes information on positions available, eligibility, the application process, and more.

This Power Point presentation was put out by Utah's Work Ability for the fall Employer Workshop. The presentation educates consumers, families, and professionals on the Americans with Disabilities Act, available technology, agency services and supports, and more and how they can all be used as valuable resources to help the deaf and hard of hearing.

How does the state of South Dakota provide outreach, including personal testimonials, important suggestions, and resources to individuals with disabilities seeking to maintain their benefits while also working? This July 2010 newsletter is one example of MIG outreach work being done in the state in order to provide these services. May be replicable by other states seeking to reach out to similar demographics.

On September 1 & 2 2010, over 50 stakeholders representing service providers, families, advocates and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities came together at Oregon's Silver Falls Conference Center for the Employment First Summit, the kick-off event for the Employment First Outreach Project. Employment First's goal is full employment for working age adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oregon. To learn more, explore this paper with recommendations.