Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is investing one million dollars in our providers to offset increased costs due to the DSP shortage. As a member of our local provider community, you are at the forefront of the ongoing DSP staffing crisis. Providers and DSPs are working every day to make sure people are healthy, safe, and receiving the services they need. HCDDS recognizes and appreciates the incredible work being done by our DSPs and our providers. 

It's important that we continue to empower providers during this time, so we are introducing an initiative to help offset increased costs of responding to the current staffing crisis. In addition to marketing open positions through DSPOhio, HCDDS is introducing a Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program for agency providers for non-Medicaid reimbursable costs as highlighted below.

Reimbursement can be requested for approved funds from 9/1/21 to 12/31/21 on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available. To request reimbursement, please complete the Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Form found here and include the required supporting documentation for the corresponding reimbursement item listed below. Requests will be approved by HCDDS within two weeks and checks will be issued from Southwest Ohio Council of Governments (SWOCOG). Agency providers can request multiple reimbursements, but we ask you to limit requests to one request form per month. HCDDS will evaluate this program and explore continuing it at the end of 2021.

Funds must be used to support DSPs that are serving individuals in Hamilton County who also receive services from HCDDS. If you have a specific request that falls outside the guidelines above or any questions related to the workforce sustainability reimbursement program, please contact [email protected] with details.

This initiative is only one piece of the solution. There is no quick or simple fix to this crisis as providers and county boards of DD across Ohio confront staffing shortages right now. We continue to partner with providers, other county boards, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and our statewide trade association on long-term solutions to the DSP crisis.

We'll continue to work closely with our local providers to respond to your needs, support your work, and improve services for people with developmental disabilities in our community.

Read more details about the Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program below. 

DSP New Hire Training

• Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program Request Form 
• Documentation of date of hire for new employee
• Documentation trainings were completed
• Completed W9

• Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program Request Form
• Documentation of date of hire for new employee
• Documentation trainings were completed
• Completed W9

 

• Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program Request Form
• DirectCourse transcript detailing 60 hours of completed coursework
• Employment Experience Form
• Completed W9

 

In a handful of situations, agency providers who work across the state have temporarily moved DSPs from other areas of the state to help with local DSP shortages. As these funds are not typically reimbursable, HCDDS is able to reimburse for the cost of the hotel up to $130/day.

Due to the DSP workforce crisis, many DSPs are working excessive hours. HCDDS will reimburse agency residential providers for the half-time paid to DSPs as this is not reimbursable by Medicaid.

HCDDS appreciates the hard work and dedication of DSPs and will reimburse up to $25 per DSP for agencies celebrating DSPs during DSP Appreciation week (September 12-18^th). Funds can be used for gift cards, gift baskets, meals, etc. DSPs must work regularly with individuals supported by HCDDS.