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RESOURCES

Realistic Job Preview (RJP)

TennCare produced a Tennessee-Specific Realistic Job Preview (RJP) that focuses on Employment and Community First services and supports. Additionally, there are five Public Service Announcements (PSAs) with aligned targeted marketing flyers based on target audiences identified by TN key stakeholders.

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Use this tool to:

  • Communicate the job responsibilities to applicants

  • Share with recruitment partners and organizations to explain the role and inform their clients

  • Present to students and instructors to increase awareness and interest in the role

DSP Button Campaign

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DIDD initiated a marketing campaign to increase awareness of the DSP role. These "What is a DSP" buttons are meant to spark conversation about the DSP role to bring general awareness to the profession and attract potential candidates.

Use this tool to:

  • Promote a sense of pride among your staff regarding their profession

  • Share with your staff to boost your referral program

  • Use at recruiting events to begin a conversation about the role

  • Wear in the community to spark organic conversation for awareness and recruitment

  • Encourage clients to wear them to recognize staff and increase awareness of the role

DSP Career Pathway

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in Tennessee’s workforce and economy by providing necessary supports and services to people with disabilities of all ages. Entry level DSPs might begin their careers in the healthcare field. However, career opportunities abound. This tool highlights the different career growth opportunities that exist for someone who works as a DSP. See the official career ladder at this link: DSP Career Pathway (tn.gov)

Spanish Version

Arabic Version

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Use this tool to:

  • Recruit new employees into the field by highlighting the career growth opportunities that exist 

  • Communicate to candidates the relevance of this role to their future career goals

  • Retain current staff by encouraging their growth and showing them a path forward in your organization

  • Begin the conversation on training and development with current staff to help them reach their career goals

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What is a Direct Support Professional/Paid Caregiver Presentation

This slide presentation by TennCare provides a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Paid Caregivers, highlighting their essential support for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. It covers aspects of the roles such as responsibilities of the positions, benefits and challenges along with training options. (link to file)

Use this tool to: 

  • Educate community partners on the DSP/Paid Caregiver roles

  • Enhance recruitment/retention strategies through information sharing about the DSP/Paid Caregiver roles

What is a Direct Support Profession-One Page Flyer

This one-page flyer by TennCare provides an overview of the role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).  (link to file)
Uses of this tool:​

  • Job Fairs and Career Events: Distribute the flyer to attract potential applicants

  • Online Job Portals: Upload the flyer to online job portals and social media platforms to reach a wider audience.

  • Educational Institutions: Share the flyer with local colleges, universities, and vocational schools to inform students about career opportunities as DSPs.

  • Information Sessions: Hand out the flyer during informational sessions or workshops about the DSP role to provide a quick reference for attendees.

  • Partnerships with Community Organizations: Collaborate with community organizations that support job seekers to distribute the flyer and raise awareness about the DSP profession.

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DSP Integrated Education & Training (IET) Program

BlueCare, in collaboration with Adult Education, created an IET for the DSP role. This 5-week training program is catered specifically to ESL (English Second Language) individuals and teaches the fundamentals of DSP work to prepare jobseekers for a role in this industry. It provides foundational education on soft skills (business etiquette, attire, online security) as well as basic DSP background (person-centered supports, DSP role awareness). 


Use this tool to:

  • Recruit candidates who have basic training and expressed interest in these roles

  • Connect with the New American population

Coursera

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) has partnered with Coursera, one of the world's leading online learning platforms.
Coursera allows students to start most classes at their convenience and set work deadlines that accommodate their other time commitments. Questions can be sent to: dspspoc@gmail.com

Use this tool to:​

  • Upskill employees

  • Create customized professional development plans

  • Enhance staff trainings

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Additional Supports

1

WFD Consultations

Each MCO has a Workforce Development Team available as a resource and support to providers experiencing staffing challenges. These teams collaborate regionally to offer individual provider consultations catering suggestions and resources to your agency's specific needs.

2

WFD Office Hours

Every week BlueCare's WFD team will be available to answer your workforce development questions and offer resources and tools for your staffing needs. At your convenience, join one of these meetings on Thursdays at 9:00am CT/10:00am ET.

3

Quarterly WFD Trainings

Every quarter, the MCO's collaborate to host workforce development trainings for provider agencies. Each training is focused on a specific workforce development topic or resource, such as recruitment, retention, training, and more.

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