How did the DSP training come about?
In 2000 the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) began collaborating with the BHSI to develop and implement a statewide curriculum for DSP’s in adult mental retardation and developmental disabilities services. This work was guided by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives of DHHS, providers, families, and the Consumer Advisory Board. Speaking Up for Us also reviewed drafts of the Curriculum as well as assessing its content to ensure that it meets the needs of the consumers, and reflects the most up to date practices in the field. Curriculum modules are regularly reviewed by BHSI with feedback from Instructors and other professionals.
The curriculum is being implemented in all three regions of Maine. Over 100 individuals are certified as DSP Instructors, offering training across the state. While it is anticipated that a requirement will be set in place in December, 2007, as of September, 2007 the specific regulations have not yet been put in place.
How does someone access the DSP training?
I am a small provider. Where can my employees take this training, and how much will it cost?
Training schedules are available online here. In this schedule, you may view dates, times, the City/Town as well as contact information if you are interested in enrolling in the training. The cost for taking the entire course or individual modules is set by the Instructor or Agency offering the training.
I’m an experiences Instructor, but there are other people in our agency who have more expertise in some topics. Can they teach some of the modules? Do they have to go to an Instructor training course?
If you become a certified Instructor you may use guest Instructors or people with specific expertise in an area for 4 of the 14 modules. The certified Instructor must teach 10 of the 14 modules. The guest instructors do not need certification, but they are expected to train all the material contained within each module they teach. The agency Instructor is responsible for what and how they teach, and for ensuring the quality of the training.
Our agency already has a training program that includes many of the topics in this curriculum. Can we have our current training program approved as being equivalent to the new curriculum?
Equivalent curricula could still vary significantly, and thus would defeat the goal of a consistent statewide curriculum. If you hire new employees who have been trained in the DSP at another Agency, you should be confident that their training was based on the same curriculum. Therefore, existing curricula will not be approved as equivalent.
Equivalent curricula are not approved, but what about the Mental Health Support Specialist (MHHS)?
The MHSS curricula are the exception to the rule. Any individual completing training in the DSP or the MHSS Curricula on or after October 1, 2006 will receive credit for the following modules on a reciprocal basis: Documentation (Module 8 of the DSP); Confidentiality (Module 3 of the DSP); and Sexuality (Module 11 of the DSP).
This reciprocity applies equally to individuals who have completed the APL, the DSP curriculum, or a combination of the two. Validation of completion of the APL testing, the DSP Curriculum, or the MHSS Curriculum will require the student requesting credit to provide either a copy or an original of the certificate received upon completion of their training. For individuals seeking credit form their MHSS completion to be applied to the DSP certification, BHSI requires the individual to complete the MHSS Equivalency form and submit it to BHSI along with a copy of their MHSS certificate.
Our agency covers some topics more extensively than the new curriculum does. Do we have to cut back on those topics?
No. The new curriculum establishes a basic foundation of knowledge and skills. You may not subtract from the curriculum, but you may provide additional training on any or all topics.
What are the qualifications to become a DSP Instructor?
Please contact David Kinsella, LCSW, BHSI Division Manager for more information. Email: Dkinsella@bhsi.net
What arrangements have been made for DHHS staff?
Non-clerical Regional and Central office staff in Developmental Services are expected to participate in the training. Timeframes for implementation of training for Developmental Services staff will be determined by each office, and Developmental Services staff may obtain training from any source that is available.
What arrangements have been made for family members?
Family members who are paid to provide services under the Maine Care Waiver are expected to participate in the DSP. Family members may obtain training from any BHSI certified source that is available.
What arrangements have been made for independent providers (sole proprietors)?
Sole proprietors and their staff are expected to participate in the DSP. Timeframes for implementation of training for sole proprietors and any staff employed by them are set forth in MaineCare rule. Sole proprietors may obtain training from any BHSI certified source that is available.
What does the Curriculum consist of?
The Curriculum was designed to establish a consistent, statewide foundation of knowledge and skills that would be portable across the entire state for all DSP workers. The certification process allows workers to change jobs without the need for repeated training, as well as ensuring agencies that newly hired personnel have received a foundation of knowledge that prepares them for work as a Direct Support Professional.
While the DSP Curriculum was initially phased in during 2002-2003, there are courses available now across the entire state and the Curriculum has, in many agencies, become an integral part of the Orientation process for new employees. The entire curriculum requires 45 classroom hours and covers the following 14 modules:
A test is required at the end of each module, and participants must successfully complete all modules for certificate. BHSI awards certificates of completion for both the APL and the DSP curriculum. It also maintains a database of Certified DSP staff and DSP certified Instructors.
The Curriculum does now include First Aid, CPR, Mandt, NAPPI or other courses with recognized standard curricula and certification, but there are areas within Modules 10, 13, and 14 where these and other topics required by licensing or accreditation could be inserted.
Themes throughout the curriculum include:
How does the roster form work?
BHSI emails an Excel document to an Instructor, the document I called an Attendance Roster form. Instructors will use an Instructor DSP Module Attendance form at each module training to keep track of students they provide training to for each module. After completing a series of the 14 modules of training, the Instructor will take the 14 attendance forms and transfer the module completion information over to the Attendance Roster Form. After reviewing the roster form, Instructors will email the form to tpillsbury@bhsi.net for processing. After the roster has been uploaded, certificates will be issued quarterly to the Instructor for students completing the 14 modules.
For complete information regarding the DSP forms and protocol, Instructors should download the Policies & Procedures Manual.
Further questions? Please contact:
David Kinsella, LCSW
BHSI Division Manager
Phone: 207-321-6081 x101
Email: dkinsella@bhsi.net