Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced an initiative Monday intended to develop and retain a skilled direct support professional workforce.
The state Department of Mental Health (DMH) Division of Developmental Disabilities has developed the "Missouri Talent Pathways," a registered apprenticeship program blending on-the-job training and technical instruction. The program culminates in participants earning a certificate as a Certified Direct Support Professional.
As a registered apprenticeship intermediary, the division and its community partners will have access to an expanded application pool, traditional workforce development programs and a career ladder framework for direct support professionals.
"This registered apprenticeship will increase career opportunities to more Missourians and is a great example of the kind of innovation that occurs in state government," Parson said in a news release. "It's programs like this one that allow Missouri to consistently rank among the top states for apprenticeship opportunities. We look forward to this program helping expand health care workforce solutions while improving our ability to care for some of Missouri's most vulnerable citizens."
The COVID-19 public health emergency magnified the impact of the staffing crisis within DMH and community partners, DMH Director Valerie Huhn said in the release. The apprenticeship should act as a part of efforts to stabilize the direct support professional workforce through construction of a solid career pathway, she said.
Objectives of the Missouri Talent Pathways apprenticeship include increasing competency of national best practices and statewide applicability and portability, improving cost and time efficiencies and expanding talent pipelines.