Submitted By: Erica Giaimo, QA Director, Welcome House, Inc.
The DSP Council is a committee of direct support professionals (DSPs) at Welcome House, Inc., providing direct care and support to individuals with diverse needs. The Council’s vision is to advocate for DSP interests, facilitate communication and collaboration, and empower and elevate DSPs. By doing so, it aims to enhance the DSP experience and improve the quality of care and support services offered to individuals.
“As the DSP Council, we become family. We hear each other out. We build the bridge to connect DSPs. I have become someone that others turn to, to help solve any concerns.”
Kelsey, DSP, Welcome House, Inc.
The Impact Of The DSP Council
The DSP Council has fostered a sense of community among DSPs and provided them with a voice within the agency. Meeting monthly, the Council receives leadership training and discusses various agency topics. Their feedback is directly communicated to agency administration for action. One suggestion was to improve communication with staff who express concerns and keep them informed about the actions taken. Another was to develop a mentorship program, which is currently in progress. Recently, the Council led an activity and introduced a new program called the “DSP Choice Awards” at the Welcome House All-Agency Meeting, recognizing DSPs who embody DSP values.
“I think that giving a voice to DSP workers is a great opportunity to make a difference. I look forward to helping in a positive way so we all can become better.”
Rochelle, DSP, Welcome House, Inc.
DSPs now have a community of like-minded individuals for support and guidance on DSP-related matters. The Council has championed increased transparency in agency decision-making and enhanced access to personal and professional resources, enabling DSPs to perform their duties more effectively. By listening to DSPs and amplifying their voices, the role has been elevated and empowered. Additionally, there is now a dedicated group advocating on behalf of all DSPs, serving as a valuable resource.
Steps To Implement A Similar Program
When we first developed the DSP Council, we formed a diverse group of people across departments to plan and facilitate the group. A mission and vision were created as well as the framework for the council (i.e.. monthly meetings, etc.). It was important that the council has buy-in from all levels within the agency to ensure DSP engagement and impact. Information from the DSPs is shared directly with administration after the meetings. The meetings are primarily run by DSPs and the initiatives are their original ideas.
“As a DSP Council member, I noticed that a sense of unity and empowerment has formed to help encourage DSPs to do their best work and rise up above average.”
Mary, DSP, Welcome House, Inc.
Organizations can implement a similar DSP Council by following these action steps:
- Establish a committee to create the DSP Council
- Develop the mission, goals, and structure of the DSP Council
- Provide information about the DSP Council and solicit members
- Provide training to members
- Facilitate regular meetings led by DSPs
- Maintain meeting agenda and notes
- Implement programs and initiatives
- Create communication channels and advocate for change
- Evaluate the program to ensure that the council is meeting DSP needs
- Sustain and Grow: Consider long-term funding and on-going recruitment
Challenges You May Encounter
Establishing a DSP Council comes with several challenges:
- Securing buy-in at all levels is crucial for the program’s success, and maintaining DSP recruitment can be difficult.
- It’s essential for DSPs to understand the Council’s value and feel that their participation is worthwhile to sustain their engagement.
- Implementing initiatives and responding to the Council’s feedback is important to demonstrate respect and investment in their efforts.
- High turnover rates among DSPs can impact the Council’s momentum and sustainability.
- Funding is another challenge; while our Council has received a grant for some initiatives, ongoing funding may be a concern.
About Welcome House, Inc.
Welcome House, Inc. is dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities live full and rewarding lives by providing a variety of residential services in an atmosphere of a caring community. Welcome House currently provides residential services to over 200 individuals with developmental disabilities every day in a total of 45 residential sites. The residential program creates a supportive atmosphere in which the residents of the homes can develop independence and a sense of competence by experiencing success at home and in the community. Welcome House is committed to ensuring excellence in care, compassion and the services we provide.
Welcome House staff is dedicated to working with each individual to achieve their maximum potential. We attempt to meet each person’s mental, physical, and social needs by actively seeking out individual strengths, interests or talents and building on them. In essence, the goal of Welcome House is to aim for each individual’s maximum potential in developing and maintaining a well-balanced and personally satisfying life.
You can learn more about Welcome House by visiting the organization’s website: https://www.welcomehouseinc.org/
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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.
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Creating Community & Sparking Action: Welcome House, Inc.’s DSP Council