Kansans Mobilizing for Direct Support Workforce Change
October 13, 2005 - Topeka, Kansas
Advisory Committee Meeting Summary

In Attendance
Kelly Atherton, Bonnie Duden, Sarah Emerick, Doloris Engel, Dan Hermreck. Marcie Grace, Pattie Knauff, Bobbie Keller, Tracy Melte, Marla Rhoden, Shelly May, Gary Merklein, Angie Reinking, Kelly Smith, Kathy Stiffler, Kathy Walter, Kathy Olson, Brian Bolen (for Margaret Zillenger)

Guests
Workforce Area 1: Deb Schiber
Workforce Area 2: Anna Marie Tetuan
Workforce Area 4: Kelly Snyder
Workforce Area 5: Ron Newlin

Meeting Overview

• Attendees devoted the first hour to reviewing progress and developing a work plan.

See Attachments 1 and 2

• A conference call was held with providing information about strategies that have been successful for Tennessee to build an active DSP organization.
• It was decided to continue this discussion with the KMFC partners in the future. Tennessee representatives are available for telephone consultation

See Attachment 3

• KMFC is a finalist for the Moving Mountains Award (rumor has it that there were a large number of applicants)
• The award will be given in San Diego at the Reinventing Quality Conference on February 12-14. We have not won yet. We need to submit names and numbers to Amy Hewitt for further review. Kathy Olson will coordinate getting the information to Amy

• WIA and Area Workforce Center Collaboration - Bonnie Duden

Representatives from four of Kansas' five workforce areas attended and discussed the challenges and opportunities available for working together to address challenges of recruitment and retention.

• Workforce centers can be of assistance in recruitment. Screening can direct appropriate candidates to you.
• Persons served through the workforce system receive long-term follow-up
• Funding for apprenticeship training could be available on an individual basis additional conversations need to take place.
• KMFC resources could be used by workforce centers
• We will continue to explore how to work together to improve the DSP workforce.

• Funding Discussions and Possibilities under review or consideration
• Community Based Jobs Initiative 3-year grant (proposal under review in highly competitive federal DOL competition.) Would fund CDS and apprenticeship for a limited number of sites, development of college degree program, and KMFC operating expenses. KUCDD, Labette Community College and KMFC employers have been involved in developing this proposal.
• State discussions are underway with Department of Commerce representatives-Bonnie Duden is providing leadership
• David Cleveland and Blake Flanders have been contacted
• Ongoing discussion with workforce centers regarding WIA funds
• Collaboration with Real Choice &ndash thanks to Shelly May
• Kansas' Real Choice Systems Change (RealChoice.org) has the task "To make home and community based services as accessible to individuals with disabilities or long-term illness as institutional or facility based care." One aspect of the strategic plan (Section VIII) addresses direct support workforce outcomes. KMFC may have a role in this. The strategic action plan goals related to KMFC are attached.

See Attachment 4

• SRS continues to have CDS under consideration should funds become available
• The College of Direct Support can be purchased for smaller groups. Members are considering how we might collaborate to explore this option. Contact Kathy Olson for additional information.

• Next meeting will be in Topeka on January 12th . (Location to be determined)

Prior to the next meeting:
KMFC will compile annual data summary
Send information to Amy regarding calls related to Moving Mountains Award
A conference call to plan KADSP will be held
Continued work toward securing funding
Conference call to determine involvement in Real Choices will be held

News Since 10-13 meeting.

• Acting SRS Secretary, Gary Daniels, included $210,000 for College of Direct Support access in his SRS budget. The request is currently in the enhanced budget (a wish list beyond the regular budget). It is a possibility that would mean funding for next fiscal year which would start July 1, 2006. Next thing to watch for is if the Governor includes this recommendation in her budget which will be available in January.

Reminder
Annual data due November 15th from original 15 KMFC employers. Contact Kathy Olsonfor assistance in completing forms.

Attachment 1

Summary of KMFC History by Participants in Attendance (may have omissions and inaccuracies since based on memory)

Year One

1. Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities funded project at $300,000
2. Agencies committed to invest staff time and effort to KMFC
3. Measured recruitment and retention among participants
1. Baseline data collected
2. Identified turnover rates
4. Individual agency plans developed with project personnel
5. College of Direct Support made available to selected organizations
6. Began developing apprenticeship standards for Ad Astra
7. Initial training provided on Removing the Revolving Door, Peer Empowerment Program, and Power of Diversity
8. Training
1. Staff attended mentoring training
2. Staff attended and became RRD trainers
3. Peer Empowerment training
4. Staff attended Power of Diversity
9. Tools for marketing and recruitment were developed
1. Participated in marketing toolkit development
2. Participated in RJP development
10. Following consultation and/or training
1. Enhanced new employee orientation
2. CCL formed a technical Assistance group &ndash selection, development, &amp implementation of mentoring project
11. National Dissemination
1. Presentation at NASDDDS Annual Conference- Shelly
2. Provided project overview of NASDDDS technical assistance teleconference - Shelly

1. Funding continued from Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
2. Continued to monitor turnover data
1. Data Collection
2. Track turnover
3. Year 1 summary completed
3. Job preview developed
4. Tools develop during the first year for distributed to all and implemented by many
1. Implemented RJP
2. Implemented realistic job previews and recruitment toolkit at DSNWK
5. Shared RJP at InterHab HR Network meeting
6. Revise curriculum for new staff orientation
7. CDS use expanded and use tailored to individual needs.
1. Used CDS for new staff orientation at DSNWK
2. Piloted CDS
3. Started CDS until funding issue
8. Participants expanded use of tools and strategies
1. Started using RJP for all potential new hires
2. Marketing package developed
3. Marketing Tools -- Used recruiting pamphlets at career fairs
4. Revised internal referral procedures, increased internal referrals
5. Use realistic for consumers and myself to help training hire staff for job
9. Apprenticeship in agencies
1. ISS/DSNWK pilot project
2. Started first CIP group
3. Certified eight CIP staff
4. Completed apprenticeship framework
5. Certified eight staff at ISS/DSNWK in CIP
10. Remove the Revolving Door Train-The-Trainer
11. College of Frontline Supervision Introduced
1. FLS online training at DSNWK
2. Two supervisors completed CFS
12. Taught Removing the Revolving Door
13. Taught Diversity Training
14. Collaboration among participants training was begun
1. Shared Diversity Training s/Starkey
2. Provided RRD training to multiple areas
15. Participated in Removing the Revolving Door
16. Training for mentors and coaches
17. Presentation at NADDC conference
18. Started using marketing toolkit in recruiting
19. Personal visits made to state DSP employers to discuss opportunities
1. Dan speaks to supervisors meeting at Nemaha County Training Center about project
2. Visited three CDDO areas to promote KMFC efforts statewide
3. Overview of KMWC to DPOK
20. Mentoring project
21. Agencies expanded implementation of recruitment and retention strategies
1. Added RJP toolkit and structured interview process
2. CCL -- RD & Train-the-Trainer
3. CCL -- Revisions to DSP training curriculum
4. Three TARC DST's complete an assigned course list from the CDS
5. TARC changed referral system based in information from RRD curriculum
22. TARC begins using RJP video
1. KADSP
2. TARC hosts second KADSP meeting
3. Websites
23. First three levels of Ad Astra developed
24. Governor signed proclamation for Direct Support Professional Day Kansans Mobilizing for Workforce Change Day
25. Presented testimony to long term care services task force (Kansas legislature)

State Conferences
Sarah Williams and Patty Dumovich presented at 2003 InterHab conference

12. Data summary through Oct 2004 completed showing decrease in turnover

1. Group -- Still alive and well!
2. KMFC applied for Moving Mountains Award and is a finalist
3. College of Direct Support
1. CDS appears in 2010 State Plan due to advocacy of many members
2. Information regarding availability of CDS cost reduction for ANCOR members disseminated to participants
3. CDS access is lost due to lack of funding although MC Strategies continued access to many organizations for 9 months allowing ongoing training
4. ISS and Starkey found local funding for CDS
5. Three additional TARC DSPs complete TARC&rsquos assisted CDS course list.
4. Collaboration to share resources
1. Agencies shared CDS administrative costs
2. Training for ResCare agencies in Wichita on mentoring was provided by Sarah Emrick &amp Patty Black-Moore when request was made
3. Regional group in Wichita share resources.
5. Personal successes initiated by DSPs
1. A TARC DSP who had completed CDS courses was promoted to position in the CDDO
2. A group of TARC DSPs in our seniors program ask for their title to be changed to "Direct Support Professional"
6. Tools and strategies continue to be used by agencies
1. Still using RJP, structured interviews and revised curriculums
2. Implemented new training curriculum for DSP (added Diversity, Professional Behavior, Conflict Resolution)
3. Continued use of RJP
4. Continued use of marketing toolkit
7. Website moved to KU server from Minnesota, revised and maintained
8. National and State dissemination activities
1. St. Louis Conference (Kathy and Kathy)
2. Dan and Kathy present at &ldquoSharing Our Best&rdquo conference in Beatrice, Nebraska about three retention strategies from the project
3. Kathy Stiffler presented at AFP Washington 2005
4. State Dissemination

Three presentations were made and a booth hosted at 2004 InterHab conference

9. Piloted College of Frontline Supervision in several organizations
10. Apprenticeship
1. Ad Astra Apprenticeship registered with state council Feb 2005
2. Signed apprenticeship agreement (CLASS and ISS)
3. Brochure on Apprenticeship developed
4. Agency experiences with apprenticeship

• Six new DSPs started CIP training
• Pilot CIP graduates received raise in pay at DSNWK
• One CIP graduate became a mentor for the next CIP class
• DSNWK CIP class

11. Develop a close working relationship with state Apprenticeship representatives
1. Representatives from workforce centers met with KMFC to discuss how to develop working relationships
12. Participants continue to seek state funding
1. Funding proposals for apprenticeship have been submitted to state and local programs
2. Funding request submitted to state Real Choice Grantee
13. Continue to Track Turnover

Year 4 (No funding)

1. Group still active
2. Consulted with successful DSP group in Tennessee to learn how to grow and better support KADS
3. CDS request appears in the SRS Secretaries enhanced budget request for 2006.
4. Presentation made at 2005 Interhab conference in Kansas City &ndash Gary, Bonnie, Kathy, Kathy

Kansas Mobilizing for Direct Support Workforce Change Work Plan
-- Attachment 2
(Initial Planning Draft -- Work Stopped Due to Lack of Time)

Attachment 3

Revitalizing Kansas Association of Direct Support Professionals
Discussion from KMFC Advisory Meeting of 10-13-05

Where is KADSP?

• Original KADSP members have been promoted or left positions
• The DSPs should have a way to have their voice heard to improve wages and status of the profession. KMFC would like to support this growth.
• Limited participation may be due to lack of funds for DSPs to become involved. Paid time and travel expenses likely limit involvement.
• Website exists but needs to be updated. (Is website the best way to reach DSPs?)
• Kathy Walter and Marcie have hosted most recent meeting but did not attract DSPs
• DSP conference sponsored by InterHab provides one training option but has not been led by DSPs
• A small training or one-day conference for DSPs could help promote interest
• Efforts have been made by KMFC and employers to host meetings but we need to focus to sustain and grow an organization. To be successful in Kansas we need DSPs and employers committed to the organization

Consult to assist in planning the future.
Marcie Grace and Sarah Emrick arranged a telephone consultation with a representative from one of the strongest Direct Support Professional Organizations in the nation.

Danyetta Najoli, Chair
Direct Support Professionals Association of Tennessee, Inc. (DSPAT)
Nashville, TN
615-248-5878 ext. 11 office
http://www.dspat.org/

Funding the Tennessee DSP organization

• Organization began with a small monetary gift from parents of $500.00 designated for start up
• Leadership and advocacy from a dedicated and articulate DSP, Earl Foxx, is responsible for much of the development and growth of the organization.
• Earl developed a relationship with state deputy commissioner of MRDD services and invited him to accompany him in accepting the Moving Mountains Award. The commissioner sent letters to Tennessee organizations in support of the DSP organization. Advocacy at this level is credited with eventual state funding.
• Subsequent to winning the Moving Mountains Award state funding in the amount of $130,000 per year for 5 years
• Funding has enabled the group hire 2 full time staff (DSPs) and 1 part time staff to promote the organization, to pay for travel and to offer awards to DSPs. These individuals came from the DSPs involved in the original organizational effort. The positions are an executive director,business coordinator, and part time assistant coordinator.
• The ARC has provided some assistance with fiscal management although the group plans to develop the structure for independent management in the future.

Strategies to promote DSP participation in Tennessee

• Partner with other organizations to hold conferences
• Provide free membership with conference/training registration
• Free training to members
• Provide financial awards or gift certificates to DSP members who are identified as outstanding (received a grant to fund this recognition use $25.00 gift cards up to a major award of $1500.00)
• Provide members with discounts at local merchants
• DSP staff make personal visits to organizations to meet with DSPs and management
• Have potluck dinners in the park to attract DSPs
• Distribute brochures and have website
• Encourage agency directors to purchase memberships for all DSPs or for a block of DSPs
• Tennessee has $10 dues and does not yet pay dues to the national organization at this time although as the organization develops membership dues could be increased to link to the national group.

What next?
A conference call will be scheduled with interested KADSP members to discuss the development of KADSP further.
As needed, consultation from other DSP organizations is available.

Attachment 4
Strategic and Action Plans -- KS Real Choices

VIII. Direct Support WorkForce Outcomes

16. 50% more Kansans receiving long-term supports have a competent, adequate, stable workforce/support system allowing people to live where they choose including the following elements:

• The workforce is adequately trained based on consumer participation and design
  
• Personal Assistants/Care Givers (paid and unpaid) are valued/supported
  
• A workforce database
  
• Increase pay/benefits/mileage
  
• Based upon coordination between providers
  
• Including coordination of projects
  
• Automation for care providers and
  
• Without disincentives for private pay.

17. Individuals are able to get the assistance they need wherever they are, supported by a work force that has maximum flexibility to support them.

[1] Possible strategies include:

1. All personal attendants and employers have access to attend introductory sessions on the rights of individuals supported and the general features of the Personal Care Attendant profession.
2. Identify the pressure points in the system to promote personal care attendants as viable career choice.
3. Amend Kansas provision of Medicaid waiver so consumer/customer receives extra hours to pay for necessary health and safety training.
   
4. A state wide conference to strategize solutions to issues of pay, mileage, benefits is organized and held. Ultimate conference goal would be formation of continuing statewide PCA organization.
   
5. Persons who use services must be included as resources in core courses and ongoing training for all persons working to support people with long-term care needs.
   
6. Review and amend tax disincentives that discourage private pay for PCA's.