A Synthesis of Direct Service Workforce Demographics and Challenges Across Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities, Aging, Physical Disabilities, and Behavioral Health

This cross-disability synthesis white paper presents an overview of direct service workforce (DSW) challenges and practices across sectors and provides a call to action regarding these issues. Little has been written about how DSW jobs vary by population served. Beyond demographics and challenges, the authors also examine the development of different service models, promising practices and areas for planning and action. The appendix catalogs core competencies for each group.