ADEC Provides Free National DSP Certification for Employees

ADEC is excited and proud to announce that they are now members of The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

With this new partnership, all DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) who work at ADEC will now have the unprecedented opportunity to attain a National DSP Certification. ADEC will be providing all access to the program and necessary materials, but when a DSP completes the program, their certification will be theirs, recognized throughout the entire U.S. It’s a prestigious certification, a career boost, and invaluable training for any DSP.

DSP Certification Program Mission:
To recruit and retain the best quality Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and provide the highest quality of person-centered services to people with disabilities. ADEC strives to empower employees through continuing education and professional certification opportunities.

To be eligible for the program, DSPs must:

  • Have been employed with ADEC for a minimum of 6 months
  • Have no current performance or attendance issues
  • Have a recent positive performance review
  • Be able to commit to 10 hours of training a month
  • Have a positive manager recommendation

ADEC is currently the only NADSP member offering this program in Northern Indiana. The option for certification will be an on going benefit offered by ADEC, and completion of the certification program will also improve career options and compensation within the company.

Additional benefits of the program include pay raises for completion of every training level. Level 1 is .25 cents, Level 2 is another .25 cents and completion of Level 3 is .50 cents, for a total of a dollar per hour raise. The high-quality, advanced DSP training will also enhance your work life, further your career goals, and improve the lives of those we serve.

Successful completion will also give you the ability to mentor other DSPs through the program and the ability to share your knowledge with co-workers. Ongoing positive career benefits like consideration for management positions, faster promotions, pay increases, and expertise in your field.

Curriculum & Resources

The certification program curriculum is through Open Future Learning, an online training platform devoted exclusively to the field of IDD. Training topics are relevant, topical, and thought-provoking. Open Future Learning takes a modern and dynamic approach to instruction, utilizing interactive learning, multiple available formats, podcasts, and testimonial style videos from industry professionals, individuals with IDD, and their families.

Some topics covered include:

  • Autism & Sensory Processing
  • Dementia Strategies
  • Down Syndrome
  • Abuse Prevention
  • End-of-Life Care
  • Diversity
  • Challenging Behavior

and so much more…

How to Apply for the Program:

Applications can be completed on the Career Center on ADP.
Human Resources will review your file and contact your manager for performance feedback and approval. You will meet with an HR representative for an interview. You will be notified of your acceptance and then scheduled for orientation to start your new DSP career path!

If you do not work for ADEC, but are interested in becoming a DSP, job openings can be found on ADEC’s website.