Direct Support Professional Resource Guide
Resources to support DSPs across Prince George’s County
What is a Direct Support Professional?
U.S. Department of Labor
Not sure what a Direct Support Professional does and their importance to the community? Click the link below to learn more from the Department of Labor:
PBS Learning Media
Employees at Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services address the unique needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health needs. Find out more about the work of a Direct Support Professional
Apprenticeship Programs
Humanim
Humanim has partnered with the Maryland Department of Labor to offer a Youth Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship Program that provides high school students in their senior year paid on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and certification.
Training/Online Learning
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
has on online learning website with more than 300 courses developed by content experts and accredited by leading organizations.
Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE)
has on online learning website with more than 300 courses developed by content experts and accredited by leading organizations.
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
NADSP, a national professional association for DSPs, has created a set of professional credentials, which DSPs earn by completing coursework from an NADSP accredited education program.
SEEC
SEEC provides workforce training for Direct Support Professionals and others in the disability services field that meet the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Job-Related Topics
Communication & Person‑Centered Support
NADSP- Building Meaningful Relationships in Direct Support
Recorded webinars and resources focused on ethical practice, trust‑building, respectful communication, and more.
Management/Leadership Roles
How to Become a Manager: 10 Steps for When You’re Ready to Be the Boss
Cooks-Campbell, Allaya. (2023, February 10). Ready to be the boss? Learn how to become a manager
DSP Supervisor Orientation Training: Enhancing Supervisory Skills (Module 1)
Although created by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services specifically for those who work within the DD waivers in Virginia, this module contains helpful information for everyone.
Self‑Care, Stress Management, and Resilience
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)– Reclaiming Mental Wellness in Direct Support Work
NADSP – Compassion Fatigue to Compassion Satisfaction
Trauma‑Informed Care for Direct Support Staff
Illinois Crisis Prevention Network – Trauma Informed Care: Supporting People with IDD
The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice & Disability, HealthMatters Program- Brain Health and Trauma-Informed Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Other Resources
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
NADSP has compiled resources to assist direct support professionals. These include guides, toolkits, and more that cover a variety of topics related to the direct support professional workforce.
Inclusion in this playlist does not imply endorsement by the Prince George’s Provider Council.