Two UCEDDs Unite: A New Partnership to Strengthen New Jersey’s Direct Support Workforce

New Brunswick, NJ — In a significant move to bolster the stability and quality of support for individuals with disabilities, two University Centers on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) have launched a joint state-wide project.

The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is sponsoring and hosting a major collaboration with Direct Support Workforce Solutions, the national consulting group of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration.

Launched in August and continuing throughout the year, this initiative brings national expertise to the local level, aiming to address the critical challenges facing the direct support professional (DSP) workforce in New Jersey.

A Comprehensive Approach to Workforce Development

Led by Direct Support Workforce Solutions, the project focuses on implementing evidence-based strategies to improve recruitment, training, and retention across the state. The collaboration features three distinct workforce programs:

• Workforce Strategies Series: A 10-part webinar series paired with learning forums that function as a community of practice that provides broad education on today’s workforce challenges and practical solutions.
• Workforce Consulting: Direct Support Workforce Solutions is providing targeted consultation to selected providers, help them implement strategies that strengthen staff recruitment and retention.
• Frontline Supervisor Training Program: A year-long, blended learning, cohort-based program specifically designed for Frontline Supervisors.

Elevating Frontline Supervision

A key component of this partnership is strengthening frontline supervision. The year-long training program builds both foundational and advanced supervision and management skills.

To ensure the highest standard of education, the program leverages New Jersey's state-wide license for DirectCourse's College of Frontline Supervision, Management and Leadership (CFSM). CFSM is a premier online, competency-based training solution rooted in the National Frontline Supervisor's competency set, ensuring New Jersey supervisors are trained in alignment with national best practices.

Leadership Perspectives

The leaders of this initiative emphasize that this work is critical to the sustainability of disability services.

"The direct support workforce is the backbone of our service system. By partnering with the University of Minnesota, we are expanding access to national-level expertise for New Jersey providers. We are committed to giving our organizations the tools they need to support the professionals who support our community."

— Colleen McLaughlin, Co-Director, The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development

"We are excited to collaborate with The Boggs Center to implement sustainable workforce solutions. Whether it is through our webinar series or the intensive Frontline Supervisor training, our goal is to professionalize the field and create environments where DSPs can thrive. When we support the workforce, we ultimately improve outcomes for people with disabilities."

— Kris Foss, Director, Direct Support Workforce Solutions

Recruit. Train. Retain. We make it possible. Contact Direct Support Workforce Solutions today for more information and a brief no-cost initial consult.