For those who don’t, this means a shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSP). They are essential workers who are the front-line workers for service providers. They assist individuals with the most basic functions of everyday living. These functions include bathing/showering, transferring, dressing, walking toileting, eating, etc… The fewer DSPs a provider has, the fewer people they can serve – ultimately affecting the bottom line. Below are some key facts regarding the DSP workforce crisis here in the state of Pennsylvania.
Crisis Facts
01
Open Positions
“As of July 31, 2020, the open position rate was approximately 18.1% (compared to 19% as of June 30, 2019). The open position rate of 18.1% remains similar to the previous year despite the 37% to 80% decrease in individuals served across service types during the pandemic” (Alliance CSP, 2020).
02
The current turnover rate has nearly doubled due to the pandemic.
Pre-pandemic: 31.6% (June 30, 2019)
Post Pandemic: 55.9% (July 31, 2020)
03
Recruitment
It has been reported the costs of recruiting, hiring, orienting a new DSP can be as high as $4,000 per employee” (Spreat, 2020). Imagine replacing 5 employees within a few months – $20,000 replacement cost.
04
Wage Increase
An argument was “put forth that an increase in base [DSP] pay could actually save the Commonwealth [of Pennsylvania] money by reducing overtime costs, reducing recruitment costs, and reducing reliance of [DSPs] on public assistance” (Spreat, 2020).
05
Wages
Provider “rates are set by the state and funded through a combination of state and federal funding” (Spreat, 2020). Providers can’t accommodate higher wages or raise rates. Even with the recent rate increase – systematic under-funding presents itself as a thorn.
06
Quality and Training
Service providers are facing difficulty filling open positions with qualified staff sacrificing selectivity with quantity. Excessive reliance on overtime increases the challenges faced by DSPs, the individuals receiving services, and their families. Experience and adequate training will help ensure the health and safety of ALL.