DSP Workforce is in Crisis. We Can't Wait for Funding.

We cannot wait for additional funding in the state budget. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce that serves individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) under the Division of Developmental Disabilities in New Jersey is in crisis in NOW. This crisis is being fueled by abysmally low wages that are driving people away from the direct support field, leaving NJ residents with I/DD without the supports they need to achieve what we all want—a life well lived in the community of our choice.

DSPs have the primary responsibility for, and are the front line of assuring the health, welfare and safety of people with I/DD in the community. Their work is demanding and requires skill and training to implement complex behavioral health plans, oversee and administer essential medical care, and comply with comprehensive regulations and reporting requirements. DSPs serve as problem-solvers, advocates, companions, mentors, and caregivers, yet their average starting pay is just $11.00 an hour. A rate far less than the high-level of responsibility required for the job.

People who want to dedicate their lives to serving others simply cannot afford to consider direct service work as a viable employment option. Low wages are forcing many DSPs to work multiple jobs or receive public assistance just to make ends meet. Equally troubling, the lack of compensation is contributing to an approximately 44% turnover that is interfering with the continuity of care that individuals with I/DD need to feel safe and secure. And with many retailers already paying $15-$18 p/h and New Jersey’s minimum wage on a path to $15 for jobs that require significantly less responsibility, skill and demand, the crisis is only getting worse.

In a recent survey of DSPs in NJ, over 90% noted low wages as their greatest workforce challenge. The revolving door of DSPs wreaks havoc with New Jersey providers, agencies trying to maintain day programs, and those in engaged in the system of self-direction. High turnover results in increased overtime costs, increased stress and burnout, safety risks, increased training costs, poor morale, the list goes on and on. It’s also taking a financial toll on family members who may be forced to miss work to care for their loved one, let alone the emotional stress of dealing with ever changing staff.

The responsibilities we require of our DSP’s are intricate, exacting, and certainly warrant more than $11.00 per hour. Attracting and retaining well-qualified, caring and competent DSPs is integral to the success of the I/DD community at large. If we are unable to secure a competitive hourly wage for DSPs, the risks our already vulnerable population are facing as result of the DSP workforce crisis will become more severe and infiltrate all aspects of their life. They will never be able to reach their potential.

We as a society can do better than this. We must. We implore Governor Murphy to include the additional $20 Million in funding the Legislature added to FY20 in the final budget he signs into law. The state must make a long-term commitment to securing competitive DSP wages that reflect the skill and responsibility required for the job. Time is running out and we cannot wait.

Maryalice Byrnes, New Jersey Parents of Developmentally Disabled Adults

Valerie Sellers, CEO, New Jersey Association of Community Providers