Direct Support Professional Pay Advantages And Disadvantages

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The Ultimate Payoff To work as a Direct Support Professional has many advantages and disadvantages, you have to be in for more than just the money, because believe me it is not enough. Financial compensation is a major issue in the field of direct support for intellectual developmental disabled individuals (IDD) consequently insufficient funding causes a constant revolving door of staff changes. I was watching a video on Youtube, titled “The Cost of Compassion” which stated for Community Agencies there is not enough funding in the state Medicaid for DSP workers. Despite good intentions and want and need for the client’s well-being DSP staffs are most times forced to leave. Most DSP’s have their own families and households to care for, and minimum wage just does not pay the bills. There has been reported to be a crisis in DSP staffing. DSP staffing has flat lined in the last 8 to 10 …show more content…

The lower scale of compensation is from southern and western states whereas the higher range is from more northern states and some west coast. The average cost of living in the USA is roughly about 48,000 as reported on Economic Policy Institute website. The average DSP makes roughly between 18,000 and 33,000 as reported from PayScale.com. From the numbers I see that is nearly not enough for a DSP to adequately support themselves. Despite what the numbers say many people get in this field because they have a heart for helping others. Although underpaid much DSP’s have to receive detailed training and meet strict qualifications. Some of these include a HS Diploma or an equivalent, physical, PPD, Hepatitis B series shots. Also, a Criminal background is conducted. The hiring agency most times provide the paid training to include medication training, Daniel’s Law, DDD standards, nutrition/diet, CPR, First Aid, Your Safe I’m Safe Techniques, and many more depending on the serviced

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