Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide necessary support and services to people with disabilities of all ages and in a number of settings including group homes, day programs, home & community-based services, and vocational rehabilitation.They work with individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities who need support with daily tasks and community engagement.
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) Career Pathway Certificate will teach best practices for the DSP in relationship to state regulations and state-level requirements for this profession. By combining the College of Direct Support (CDS) and the NJ DSP Competencies in this in-depth course of study, the Direct Support Professional Career Pathway Certificate will be able to ensure that they are supporting personal autonomy, access to integrated settings, informed choices, and person-centered practices for the individuals they will serve.
Program Eligibility
- An applicant must be 18 years of age or older by the time of the internship.
- Current high school students, college students, and adults interested in a career pathway serving clients. They must be dedicated to improving their clients' well-being and handle emergency situations calmly.
- Students will select a career pathway and participate in associated training programs or credit courses.
Training Benefits
Rowan College of South Jersey will offer the Direct Support Professional Career Development program.
- No training costs to eligible students
- Earn the Direct Support Professional Career Development Certificate
- Industry-recognized credentials earned
- Stipened for completing benchmarks
- Internships with local employers
This is an excellent opportunity to be trained as a DSP without any financial burdent.
Steps to Certification
The Direct Support Professional Program includes courses, modules, and internships. Courses and modules are in-person and online. The whole process will be completed in one year.
- Fill out an application
- Complete Direct Support Training Course (In-person & online)
- 80 hours internships
- Select a Career Pathway
- Complete a Certified Nurse Aide porgram and earn college credit; OR
- Take two college level courses on the topic of social work and human services
- Potential employment available upon the program completion
Employment
NJ Department of Human Services
Jobs that Care New Jersey
http://dspnj.org/
Direct Support Professionals Career Development CenterAs a student in or a graduate of the DSP Career Development Program, you can access a full array of services and supports available to you at the DSP Career Center, housed at the New Jersey Association of Community Providers, including a mentor program, career guidance, and career pathway supports. Please visit
https://njacp.org/dsp/ for more information.
The Direct Support Professionals Career Development Program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.
