Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Employment Outlook

Provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities or illness who require help with personal care and activities of daily living support (e.g., feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation). May also provide help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry. Work is performed in various settings depending on the needs of the care recipient and may include locations such as their home, place of work, out in the community, or at a daytime nonresidential facility.

Sample of reported job titles:

Caregiver, Home Care Aide, Medication Aide, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Personal Care Aide, Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Personal Care Attendant (PCA), Resident Care Assistant (RCA)

Earning Potential in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN:

● Workers on average earn $23,910. ● 10% of workers earn $22,290 or less. ● 10% of workers earn $29,780 or more.

Earning Potential in Tennessee:

● Workers on average earn $23,370. ● 10% of workers earn $18,770 or less. ● 10% of workers earn $29,450 or more. ● 2028 Projected Employment 34,180 ● Projected Annual Job Opening 2018-2028 5,080

Class Objective Certification

This training program is designed to provide participants with the skills needed for an entry-level direct care position.

Fees None

Delivery Method

Virtual Coursera training course including a weekly virtual peer learning session that includes job preparation, resume and interview workshops, and other work readiness skills.

Duration

Recommended 4-6 week program, about 16-20 hours per week (self paced learning program)

Prerequisites & Assessments

Participants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass required Northstar and CASAS assessments. Pass Northstars assessments: Computer Basics with an 85% or higher, Internet Basics with an 85% or higher, and Windows 10 with a 75% or higher. Has internet access and a computer or laptop (if not, this will be addressed during enrollment)

Curriculum

This course contains 13 modules, including how to work effectively with the elderly, children, patients with mental and physical disabilities, meal preparation, family spending and budgeting, taking care of the home, safety, and personal care. Each module has readings and quizzes for participants to complete.

Accreditation

Foundations for Assisting in Home Care Certificate (Coursera)

Space Requirements

Computer lab/classroom space (can be done with 1 computer lab/classroom, but 2 would be ideal) (Shared)

Staff

1-2 instructors per healthcare program (some specialization, but also overlap, which could look like 1 instructor covering two programs) 1 Healthcare (combined with Technology?) Recruiter

Equipment

10 laptops to rent out to virtual participants Hotspots for participants to rent out Mouses, pens and paper, folders/binders

Supplies

Instructor and participant guides (available in Spanish)

Stipends

No