AASD and DSD eList announcement
Date: June 24, 2022
To: Direct support professionals (DSPs), service providers, lead agencies and other interested parties
From: DHS Aging and Adult Services and Disability Services divisions
Purpose: To share resources for DSPs
Contact: PositiveSupports@state.mn.us
Available resources for direct support professionals
Direct support professionals (DSPs) are an essential part of the disability, aging and behavioral health service systems. In order for them to successfully do their jobs, they need the resources necessary to live healthy, happy lives. The following sections include information about programs and other opportunities that help support these important health care workers.
Health, dental and vision insurance
Options for affordable coverage:
· Public health care programs or advance premium tax credits through MNsure: Visit MNsure to view options for affordable health, dental and vision insurance. Free help with applying is available from navigators. Navigators can help in many different languages.· Health reimbursement arrangements (HRA): Learn about an option for people who pay for health insurance outside of their workplace that gives a tax advantage to both the employer and employee. DSPs should ask their employer if an HRA is an option.Child care, housing and food assistance
Resources to fulfill these basic needs:
· Help Me Connect: Learn about resources for pregnant people and families with children 8 years old or younger.· DHS child care: Find additional resources to help families find and pay for child care.· MNbenefits.mn.gov: Apply for food, shelter or child care assistance.Education
Funding for further education and training:
· Institution’s financial aid office: There are many programs to support students with paying for college tuition and other expenses. DSPs should talk to the financial aid office of the college or university they would like to attend for more information.· Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Dual-Training Pipeline: Get more information about this program that provides targeted instruction and on-the-job training. · DLI Apprenticeship program: Ask your employer if they offer apprenticeships.Remote work
Work-from-home model for DSPs:
· DHS remote support service functions: Visit this site to see examples of remote support options. Remote support is a relatively new method of support gaining popularity in human services. It could provide DSPs with the option to occasionally work from home, which is becoming increasingly important to employees in all industries. DSPs can work with their employer to explore how remote supports can be offered in conjunction with more traditional service models.Stipends and wages
Bonus payments and enhanced rates:
· Minnesota frontline worker pay: Apply to determine eligibility for a bonus payment for people who worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. The application for this payment closes at 5 p.m., July 22, 2022.· DHS enhanced rates and training stipends for support workers: Learn how DSPs in personal care assistance (PCA) positions can receive a 7.5% pay increase when they complete required training and support people in eligible situations.Previous eList announcements
AASD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD STAKEHOLDER ARCHIVE
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