For the first half of 2019, ICI’s Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC-CL) will provide training to enhance the skills of Minnesota direct support workers who are employed through self-directed programs such as PCA Choice, Consumer-Directed Community Supports (CDCS), and the Community Support Grant (CSG) programs. Starting on January 29 in north Minneapolis, there will be 20 interactive sessions — 3.5 hours each — held in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota through June. The trainings, supported by the Service Employees International Union and the Minnesota Department of Human Services, will provide practical tips to increase direct support workers’ skills in self-directed, community-based services, and increase their well-being. Training and support for the direct support workforce has long been a priority for the RTC-CL. This project includes a newly-developed curriculum and an opportunity to connect with direct support workers around Minnesota. Attendance in a session can be applied towards a $500 stipend.

“As support services become more individualized, direct support workers play a critical role in supporting quality, self-directed lives in the community,” says trainer Lynda Lahti Anderson. “But this means that direct support workers are increasingly working in isolation, and stress and burnout are industry problems. These sessions are introductions to supporting choice and self-direction for people receiving supports, and self-care practices for direct support workers.”

Registration is limited to people hired through PCA Choice, CDCS, and CSG programs. For more information please visit z.umn.edu/Directworkertraining