Gateways Community Services, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, is launching a free, professional workforce advancement program to increase the number of caregivers working in home and community-based settings (HCBS) in the State of New Hampshire.

The certified direct support professional (CDSP) program is offered by the Gateways Community Services funded by a Workforce Recruitment and Retention Strategies for Home and Community Based Services Grant from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Gateways to Direct Support Professional Credentialing Curriculum offers caring individuals a streamlined path to successfully becoming certified direct support professional (CDSP).

You will work directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and elderly individuals, with the aim of assisting the individual to become integrated into their community or the least restrictive environment.

CDSPs share similar job duties with professional caregivers; they may assist with activities of daily living, transportation, ambulatory transfers, medication assistance under a delegating nurse, food preparation, and other as-needed duties. Provides support with community integration, competitive integrated employment, and acts as an advocate in communicating the wants, needs, and goals of the individuals that they work for.

Employment is available in individuals’ homes, group homes, day program and at the individuals place of employment and is available all over New Hampshire

Download the program fact sheet:  English (PDF), Spanish (PDF), Portuguese (PDF)

When you become a certified direct support professional, you’ll learn essential skills to help you begin a career in human services. You’ll feel a sense of pride in your work knowing you have helped others live their lives to the fullest. You’ll also:

• Receive free online training and certification testing
• Get a $1000 bonus upon successful course completion
• See your name added to the New Hampshire certified direct support professional registry
• Connect with employers across New Hampshire
• Choose shifts that match your work/life balance
• Learn essential skills needed to succeed in your caregiving career
• Step up the career ladder with extra certifications that exceed national standards
• Realize a fulfilling and rewarding career

We anticipate that there will be 40 hours of free online training required to complete the certified direct support professional coursework. Participants will work at their own pace, with periodic evaluations throughout the curriculum. Assistance will be given by Gateways Community Services during this time to staff taking the curriculum.

You’ll learn many essential skills during your training. These include:

• History of NH Service Delivery System
• Communication
• Professionalism, responsibility, and ethics
• Person-directed practice
• Evaluation and observation
• Crisis prevention and intervention
• Safety
• Integrity and respect
• Empowerment, advocacy, and self-determination
• Health and wellness
• Community living skills and supports
• Community inclusion, networking, and relationships
• Cultural competency, respect, justice, fairness, and equity education, training, and self-development

Download the curriculum:  English (PDF), Spanish (PDF), Portuguese, PDF.

 The certified direct support professional (CDSP) training does not have an age requirement. There may be age restrictions with certain job positions depending on the program. Adult services require employees to be 18 years or older. FME programs could be younger than 18 years.  Employers must be aware of all employment rules for minors.

The overall goal of this initiative is to provide training and education for caregivers, and a pathway for career advancement. Train CDSPs with all the state-required training so they are fully trained when hired by an organization. The anticipated outcome for this initiative will result in more direct care workers and improved quality and sustainability of the direct care workforce.

The first 25 participants who complete the training and pass the competency exam will receive a $1,000 bonus as an incentive. 

Have more questions?  Contact us