CMS Resources on Strengthening the Direct Service Workforce

NAHC Report

Direct service workers provide essential supports to older adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavioral health needs.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the release of an online training course and a series of resources that offer strategies and information on self-direction, strengthening the direct service workforce (DSW) in rural areas, and strategies emerging from CMS’ 2021 DSW State Medicaid Learning Collaborative.

Although the resources are from CMS, private duty operators should be aware that they are useful for private duty, as well.

Each resource is described below.

• The online training, Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-directed Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), provides guidance and information for people who self-direct, or wish to self-direct, their HCBS, as well as others interested in information on finding, hiring, and retaining direct service workers. The interactive training is free to access.
• Strengthening the Direct Service Workforce in Rural Areas summarizes the challenges of ensuring an adequate DSW in rural areas and strategies that state Medicaid and partner agencies and rural stakeholders can use to deliver high-quality HCBS.
• The Self-direction Briefing Paper Series is designed for policymakers and stakeholders to inform conversation and policy regarding HCBS self-direction and the DSW.
• Emerging Strategies for States: DSW Learning Collaborative Summary summarizes themes, challenges, and strategies from state Medicaid and partner agencies participating in CMS’ 2021 DSW State Medicaid Learning Collaborative.