Sherlock Workforce Initiative Project

Description

Conducts training and technical assistance to recruit, select, hire, train, and retain direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors (FLSs), ultimately improving services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Rhode Island. Areas of support and technical assistance include developing a realistic job preview and corresponding marketing materials; providing in-depth technical assistance and training to providers to implement workforce strategies that will result in retained DSPs and FLSs; providing in-depth technical assistance and training to people who self-direct their services, their families, and their fiscal intermediaries that will result in retained DSPs; developing a bi-annual data portal for all employers to enter their workforce data and report a summary to the State of Rhode Island; and developing a credentialing or training program for DSPs and FLSs employed by Rhode Island employers. Activities also include training employees from the Paul V. Sherlock Center to become workforce coaches to promote sustainability and developing and guiding statewide workgroups with corresponding goals and tasks.