About
About
About the Certified Direct Support Professional (CDSP) Initiative
The Certified Direct Support Professional (CDSP) Initiative is an innovative workforce development pilot program created by Gateways Community Services in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. It is designed to provide a rewarding career path for anyone interested in becoming a Direct Support Professional and offers a structured path to certification.
Participants will gain essential skills to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and elderly individuals, empowering them to achieve greater independence and community integration.
What We Offer
- Collaborative Expertise: Our curriculum was developed by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and modified to meet NH state rules and regulations, ensuring a high-quality and comprehensive educational experience.
- Flexible Learning: The program offers 40 hours of self-paced online training, which allows participants to learn at their own pace and is supported by regular assessments and guidance.
- Multilingual Access: To make the program more accessible, the curriculum is available in Spanish and Portuguese.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates are placed on the New Hampshire Certified Direct Support Professional Registry, which helps connect CDSPs to employers for employment opportunities.
- Incentive Bonus - The first 25 participants who complete the program early and pass the competency exam will have the opportunity to receive a $1,000 bonus.
What You Will Learn
Participants will be trained in essential caregiving skills, including:
- New Hampshire Service Delivery System
- Communication
- Professionalism, Responsibility, & Ethics
- Person Directed Practice
- Evaluation and Observation
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention
- Behavioral Supports
- Rights
- Empowerment, Advocacy, & Self Determination
- Integrity & Respect
- Safety
- Community Living Skills & Supports
- Supporting Individuals Choice & Robust Community Based Living
- Cultural Competency, Respect, Justice, Fairness, & Equality
- Self-Care
Upon completing the program, participants will be well-prepared to work in various settings, such as individuals’ homes, group homes, day programs, and workplaces, with the ability to choose flexible shifts that align with their work/life balance.
Why Choose to Become a CDSP?
Becoming a Certified Direct Support Professional (CDSP) opens doors to new job opportunities throughout New Hampshire. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to work in diverse settings, such as group homes, day programs, and workplaces, while offering flexible work hours to support a healthy work/life balance.
At the core of the CDSP Initiative is a mission to strengthen the direct care workforce in New Hampshire by providing accessible training and certification to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who speak English as a second language. This initiative seeks to improve the quality and sustainability of care for individuals needing home and community-based services by empowering participants with adaptable skills and knowledge to succeed.