NC needs workers who help people with disabilities. A new fund aims to do that.

New funding in North Carolina aims to hire more workers who help people with disabilities.

North Carolina is moving to address a critical healthcare workforce shortage that affects thousands of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Through a new $3 million investment, the state aims to transform how it recruits and retains the essential workers who provide daily support to its most vulnerable populations.

Photo courtesy of Andrej Lišakov/Unsplash.

Major funding aims to strengthen disability support workforce

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has launched a comprehensive initiative to combat the shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs) across the state. Over 140 provider agencies and employers have received funding to enhance their ability to hire, train, and maintain qualified staff who work directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The investment provides immediate support through multiple channels:
– Hiring and retention bonuses for DSP staff
– Enhanced on-the-job training programs
– Childcare assistance for workers
– Development of new career advancement pathways
– Implementation of wage protection measures for full-time positions

Innovation in recruitment and retention

Beyond direct financial support, NCDHHS is rolling out several innovative programs designed to create a more sustainable DSP workforce. A new multimedia recruitment campaign will help attract potential candidates, while a streamlined HR onboarding system aims to simplify the hiring process.

Two specialized mentoring initiatives are being introduced to provide crucial support for new and existing DSPs: Peer-to-peer mentoring connecting experienced DSPs with new hires, and leadership mentoring programs to foster professional development.

Looking ahead: Sustained support for disability services

The current funding represents just the first phase of NCDHHS’s comprehensive workforce development strategy. A second round of DSP incentives is scheduled for spring 2025, focusing on recruitment, retention, and training programs. These efforts align with the department’s Inclusion Connects initiative, which seeks to expand service access and choices for individuals with I/DD while promoting their full participation in community life.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by Cardinal & Pine staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.