Direct Support Professionals Orientation

Partnership for People with Disabilities

Developmental Disabilities DSP and Supervisor Competencies Checklist

(for DD Waiver providers of Agency-Directed Personal Assistance, Agency-Directed Companion, Agency-Directed Respite, Center-based Crisis Services, Community-based Crisis Services, Crisis Support Services, Community Engagement, Community Coaching, Group Day Services, Group Home Residential, Group Supported Employment, Independent Living Supports, Individual Supported Employment, In-Home Support Services, Sponsored Residential, Supported Living Residential, and Workplace Assistance)

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) Competencies Checklist is designed to ensure a more consistent level of expertise among DSPs and Supervisors who provide supports in Virginia's developmental disabilities (DD) services system. "DSP" refers to staff members identified by the provider as having the primary role of assisting an individual on a day-to-day basis with routine personal care needs, social support, and physical assistance in a wide range of daily living activities so that the person can lead a self-directed life in his own community. The Competencies Checklist was developed by professionals with knowledge in best practices and in accordance with established orientation requirements for Virginia's DD waivers per 12VAC30-122-180. The three competency areas are: 1. Demonstrates person-centered skills, values, and attitudes; 2. Understands and applies service requirements; 3. Supports health and wellness.

Initial Competence is required prior to providing direct reimbursable supports for competency area #3, and within 180 days of hire for all other competencies. Proficiency with all competencies must be re-confirmed annually thereafter.

Competency Area, Sub-area, and Competency DSP Initial Competence
(Prior to 180 days of hire)		 DSP Proficiency
(Annually after 180 days)		 Supervisor Initial Competence
(Prior to 180 days of hire)		 Supervisor Proficiency
(Annually after 180 days)
#   Initials/Date Initials/Date Initials/Date Initials/Date
1. Demonstrates person-centered skills, values, and attitudes.
1.1 Understands and applies person-centeredness.
1.1.1 Applies core person-centered values including listening to, respecting, and honoring the individual’s choices and preferences, and balancing what is important TO the person with what is important FOR the person.        
1.1.2 Applies person-centered principles to support the individual in developing and maintaining community connections (e.g., community presence, community participation, and community connection) based on the individual’s choices and preferences.        
1.1.3 Applies person-centered principles to support the individual in using their gifts and talents and making a meaningful contribution in their community.        
1.1.4 Applies person-centered principles to support the individual’s right to make informed decisions about their life, including the right to dignity of risk, and is aware of the process for obtaining an informed decision.        
1.2 Applies essential direct support practices.
1.2.1 Models person-first language in all communication, including verbal and written correspondence, to reflect the belief that the person is not defined by their disability.        
1.2.2 Supports the individual to build and maintain unpaid/natural relationships (family, friends, neighbors, etc.) and avoids becoming the person's only friend or social contact.        
1.2.3 Recognizes when the individual is experiencing a crisis and acts to manage the crisis in a way that respects the individual’s human rights and is consistent with the individual’s Person-Centered Plan, Behavioral Support Plan (if applicable), and provider policies.        
1.2.4 Maintains the privacy of the individual (HIPAA) and is aware of how to share and protect information related to the individual.        
2. Understands and applies service requirements.
2.1 Applies essential knowledge related to DD waivers and services.
2.1.1 Understands Virginia’s DD Waivers (Community Living, Family and Individual Supports, and Building Independence) and the services that can be provided under each.        
2.1.2 Understands the components of the individual’s Person-Centered Plan and uses the information to help the individual achieve desired outcomes.        
2.1.3 Completes documentation and billing records in a timely manner and in compliance with all DMAS and DBHDS requirements (e.g., documenting activities, service delivery logs, progress toward outcomes).        
2.1.4 Reports suspected or known abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately to the Adult Protective Services (APS) or Child Protective Services (CPS) hotline and follows provider policies regarding reporting.        
3. Supports health and wellness.
3.1 Applies essential health, safety, and communication practices.
3.1.1 Applies universal precautions (e.g., handwashing, use of gloves) as needed, in addition to any specific infection control procedures required by the individual’s health status.        
3.1.2 Recognizes and promptly reports changes in the individual's mental, physical, or behavioral status to the supervisor and/or designated health professional as required by provider policy.        
3.1.3 Assists the individual with communication (e.g., listening for communication from behavior, use of communication devices) to understand the person’s wishes, needs, and concerns.        
3.2 Supports well-being, health, and independence.
3.2.1 Provides proper positioning, lifting, transferring, ambulation, and physical supports to ensure safety for the individual and themselves.        
3.2.2 Applies knowledge related to medication administration, including “rights” of medication administration, recognizing side effects, and following protocols for reporting errors.        
3.2.3 Supports the individual in maintaining healthy skin and recognizes signs of skin breakdown.        
3.2.4 Supports the individual in maintaining oral health and recognizing signs of tooth decay or gum disease.        
3.2.5 Supports the individual in maintaining good nutrition and hydration and recognizes signs of dehydration, constipation, and aspiration pneumonia.        
3.2.6 Recognizes risk factors for choking and implements prevention strategies, including proper supervision and applying prescribed diet/liquid texture modifications (if applicable).        
3.2.7 Supports the individual in following an exercise routine that promotes wellness.        
3.2.8 Supports the individual in following prescribed guidelines for the proper use of assistive technology (e.g., hearing aids, wheelchairs, communication devices, grab bars).        
(DMAS P241a)
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Confirmation of Completion and Proficiency

DSP Initial Competence
(Prior to 180 days of hire)		 DSP Proficiency
(Annually after 180 days)		 Supervisor Initial Competence
(Prior to 180 days of hire)
Printed name
 Printed name
 Printed name
Signature
 Signature
 Signature
Date
 Date
 Date
Supervisor Proficiency Reconfirmation Signatures (Annually after 180 days)
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Printed name
 Printed name
 Printed name
 Printed name
Signature
 Signature
 Signature
 Signature
Date
 Date
 Date
 Date
If at any time a DSP or DSP Supervisor is found to be deficient in any competency area, the provider must document actions taken and the date that restoration of ability is confirmed pursuant to 12VAC30-122-180.