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 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).

A mentor is an experienced individual who supports and guides you through the learning process. In the CDSP Program, your mentor will help you apply course material, set goals, and address challenges. They provide feedback, share real-world insights, and ensure you stay motivated and on track to successfully complete the program and excel as a Direct Support Professional. 

As a mentee, you play an essential role in the mentorship process. You are expected to actively participate by meeting with your assigned mentor (via phone or video call) at least three times. This is a requirement to receive the student bonus while participating in the program. To learn more about your responsibilities, download the Mentee Expectations document.

Mentee Expectations (English)       Mentee Expectations (Spanish)     Mentee Expectations (Portuguese)

Mentee Expectations - Alvirne Students

You will work directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and aging adults, with the aim of assisting the individual to become as independent as possible and to become integrated into their community.

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 for the first 25 students who pass the competency exam
• 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 students 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. If you are 16 years of age or older, you can work in our Family Managed Employee programs as a Direct Support Professional. Employers must be aware of all employment rules for minors.

Gateways Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) or Family Managed Employees (FMEs) earn between $14.00 and $22.00 per hour, depending on the family’s budget. Other organizations offer hourly pay ranging from $15.00 to $20.00 and provide structured bonuses of 30, 60, and 90 days of employment. Some also offer sign-on bonuses as an additional incentive. Currently, Gateways Community Services is offering a $250 hiring bonus and a $250 retention bonus after 60 days of employment with us.  This is in addition to the $1000 bonus for completing the CDSP program.

Obtaining a Direct Support Professional certification is highly valued, often leading to higher pay and serving as a stepping stone for career advancement within organizations. Please be aware that a valid work permit is required for employment with Gateways Community Services or any organization listed in the Employment section of our website.

The primary goal of this initiative is to offer comprehensive training and education for caregivers while creating a clear pathway for career advancement. By ensuring CDSPs complete all state-required training, they will be fully prepared upon being hired by an organization. The expected outcome of this initiative is an increase in the number of direct care workers, along with enhanced quality and long-term 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. *(Competencies must be completed by December 31, 2025.)

Have more questions?  Contact us

If you do not have access to the internet or a laptop, please call (603)476-3410 or email cdspcert@gatewayscs.org. We may be able to assist you.