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Independent Living News & Policy from the National Council on Independent Living

Survey for Iowa, New York, Washington, & Texas – Core Competencies for the Direct Service Workforce

Source / Contact: The Lewin Group

Do you employ someone to provide direct services and support for you or a family member at home or on the job? Or do you get paid to provide direct services to someone else? Direct services include things like personal assistance, personal care, home health and direct support. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is conducting a survey to gather feedback from people who receive direct services about what skills they look for when they hire someone and what skills they think it is important for their employees to have. People who provide direct services for individuals with disabilities are also encouraged to complete the survey.

This research is being conducted in Iowa, New York, Texas and Washington and the findings will contribute to the completion of a “core competency” set for direct service workers. If you live in one of these states and either employ a direct service worker or work as a direct service provider, please consider reviewing the skills listed in this survey and providing your feedback about how important you think they are.

Complete the survey. For more information about this study, please contact the CMS Direct Service Workforce Resource Center at [email protected].