Form CMS-10512 Survey on Core Competencies for the Direct Service Workf

Table of Contents
Survey on Core Competencies for the Direct Service Workforce [Online] .............................................1
Welcome! .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Description of Services and Roles (series of text boxes linked to Survey Screen 1): .................................. 1
Section 1: Background Information.....................................................................................................3
Survey Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3
Purpose of the Survey: .............................................................................................................................. 3
Information about the Core Competencies for the Direct Service Workforce: ......................................... 3
Notice of Informed Consent ................................................................................................................5
Risks and Benefits: .................................................................................................................................... 5
Compensation: .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Notice of Privacy/Confidentiality: ............................................................................................................. 5
Voluntary Participation: ............................................................................................................................ 5
Directions: ................................................................................................................................................. 5
For More Information: .............................................................................................................................. 5
PRA Disclosure Statement ......................................................................................................................... 6
Focus of the Survey ............................................................................................................................7
Types of Workers....................................................................................................................................... 7
Types of Services Provided ........................................................................................................................ 7
Types of Service Settings ........................................................................................................................... 8
What’s Excluded ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Background Questions .......................................................................................................................9
Section 2: Core Competencies for the Direct Service Workforce ........................................................ 11
Overview of Core Competencies ............................................................................................................. 11
Core Competency Area #1: Communication ...................................................................................... 13
Core Competency Area #2: Facilitation of Individualized Services ...................................................... 15
Core Competency Area #3: Evaluation and Observation .................................................................... 17
Core Competency Area #4: Participant Crisis Prevention and Intervention ......................................... 18
Core Competency Area #5: Safety ..................................................................................................... 20

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Core Competency Area #6: Professionalism and Ethics ...................................................................... 22
Core Competency Area #7: Participant Empowerment ...................................................................... 24
Core Competency Area #8: Advocacy ................................................................................................ 25
Core Competency Area #9: Supporting Health and Wellness ............................................................. 26
Core Competency Area #10: Community Living Skills and Supports ................................................... 28
Core Competency Area #11: Interpersonal and Family Relationships ................................................. 30
Core Competency Area #12: Community and Service Networking...................................................... 32
Core Competency Area #13: Cultural Competency ............................................................................ 33
Core Competency Area #14: Education, Training and Self-Development ............................................ 35
Section 3: Training Perspectives and Options .................................................................................... 36
Survey on Core Competencies for the Direct Service Workforce ........................................................ 38
Thank You! .............................................................................................................................................. 38
For More Information: ............................................................................................................................ 38

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Survey on Core Competencies for the Direct
Service Workforce [Online1]
Welcome!
You are being asked to complete this survey because you work in long-term services and supports to
provide services to enable people who need assistance to live in the community, or you receive direct
services so that you can live in a home and community based setting. Four states are participating in this
survey project, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Directions: Please answer the following question then go to the next page. Click on the link options for
full descriptions.2 Select the audio feature to hear the information in alternative format. 3
[Insert audio option]
What best describes your role in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)?4 (Check all that apply)5
Direct service worker
Person who receives direct services
Family member and/or guardian of person who receives direct services (includes paid
and unpaid family caregivers)
Supervisor or manager of direct service workers
Agency or organization administrator

Description of Services and Roles
(series of text boxes linked to Survey Screen 1):
Home and Community-Based Services: Home and community-based services (HCBS) provide
opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own home or community. These
programs serve a variety of targeted populations groups, such as people with behavioral health needs or

1

This document contains a survey instrument to be administered via Survey Monkey. The content is to be reviewed and
approved by the Office of Management and Budget prior to finalization and pre-testing. Notes to the reviewer (regarding
survey logic and translation to online format) are described in footnotes.
2
When clicking on each link (underlined text), the respondent will be able to review definitions of HCBS and roles (described on
next page).
3
Please note that all text information on this survey screen will be offered in audio format.
4
Based on the answer to this question, the respondent will be guided through a particular track of the survey. Please note that the
survey questions and contextual information in this document (regarding instructions and informed consent) will be tailored
to specific respondent categories per survey logic methods. Questions to follow will be phrased as applicable to the
respondent’s role. Please refer to the supplemental document “CC Survey Logic Summary.docx” for information about the
survey structure; note the corresponding online survey screens are listed in bottom left-hand corner of each page.
5
If the respondent selects more than one category, then s/he will be routed to one track. (Any indication of Supervisor or Agency
in addition to others will indefinitely be routed to track C. If there is indication of person receiving services or family
member in addition to direct service worker, those respondents will be routed to track B.)

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 1

mental illnesses, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities, as well as those in
aging population who have direct service needs.
Direct service worker: A paid employee whose primary job responsibility is to provide support,
training, and personal assistance to one or more adults who need support to live in their home or
community. For the purposes of this survey, direct service workers are considered to be all full-time and
part-time staff members who spend at least 50% of their hours doing direct service tasks. The type of
supports and services delivered by direct service workers vary widely, depending on a service recipient’s
needs and the type of setting in which services are delivered. There is no unified occupational title for
direct service workers.
Person who receives direct services: A person who receives services from a direct service worker in
his or her own home or community.
Family member and/or guardian of person who receives direct services: A family member,
guardian, and/or conservator of a person who receives support from a direct service worker through
home and community-based services.
Frontline Supervisor or manager of direct service workers: A paid employee who supervises and/or
manages the direct services provided to people in their homes and communities. This role may include a
broad range of diverse and often complex activities. These activities may range from: hiring, training,
and supervising staff; program planning and evaluation; advocacy; and working with families or
community members. Frontline supervisors often spend a portion of their time also providing direct
services.
Program directors or agency administrator: A paid employee in a leadership role who oversees the
delivery of direct services to people in their homes and communities. This role may include a broad
range of activities. These activities may range from: directing operations; financial management; policy
development and implementation; and overseeing the activities of service managers and other
employees.

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Section 1: Background Information
Survey Introduction
Directions: Click the video icon to view a presentation about this survey. 6
[Insert video icon]

Purpose of the Survey:
This survey is focused on employees who provide direct services to older adults and people with
disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illnesses,
and substance use disorders. The purpose of this survey is to evaluate the competencies and skills that
are needed by all community-based direct service workers. This includes workers within each sector of
long-term services and supports: aging, behavioral health (mental health and substance use), intellectual
and developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities.
A growing number of older people and people with disabilities in the U.S. need support or assistance in
their own homes and communities. However, there is a need for more workers and effective training to
provide this type of service. A skilled direct service workforce is critical to the wellbeing of individuals
who need support to live in the community. Your responses in this survey will help determine if the Core
Competencies for the Direct Service Workforce, which were identified in an earlier project phase, are
the representative of the skills needed to perform this work.

Information about the Core Competencies for the
Direct Service Workforce:
The Core Competencies for the Direct Service Workforce is a resource that informs direct support
service delivery. It describes best practices in community-based supports. The core competency set is
not intended to impose requirements for direct service workers upon entry to the workforce. The
purpose of the core competency set is to guide the development of training for direct service workers. It
is also intended to serve as the foundation for a competency model in this industry.
Upon completion of the current survey project, the resource will be released with a web-based toolkit.
Effective direct service workforce training tools and activities (such as performance evaluation tools and

6

For this section, three (3) videos will be developed to present the information reflected on pages 3-6. Per the survey logic
method, each video will present the same information in this section, but will be tailored to the nuances of the specific
respondent group: (A) Direct service workers, (B) Person receiving services and family members/guardians, or (C)
Supervisors, Managers, and Administrators. Each video will entail slides and audio (captioned). This will increase
accessibility of the information. Including the video option in the instrument will accommodate people who are not able to
read and/or who have trouble reading text from a computer screen. A summary of information covered in the videos is
provided below.
Each of the three videos will address: (1) Purpose of survey, (2) Directions, Consent, and Privacy information, (3) Information
about Core Competencies project, and (4) Focus of the survey, i.e. types of workers and services.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

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recruitment, hiring, and selection activities) will be developed based on the set. Implementation the
core competency set will lead to improved quality of training to direct service workers. The mission is to
promote a high quality of life for people who receive services and their families. A current version of the
core competency set (Version 3.0) is available to the public on the DSW Resource Center Website.

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Notice of Informed Consent 7
Risks and Benefits:
We are not aware of any risks of participating in this process. The direct benefit will be an opportunity
for you to review the DSW Core Competencies resource. This review may provide you with information
to enhance strategies of direct service workforce development. Participating in the study will help us to
validate a set of DSW core competencies.

Compensation:
You will not receive any payment or other compensation for completing the survey.

Notice of Privacy/Confidentiality:
Your responses are recorded anonymously. Your responses will be kept private under the guidelines of
the Privacy Act. In the event of any publication or presentation resulting from the research, no
personally identifiable information will be shared. Your name is not linked to your responses. Your
confidentiality will be kept to the degree permitted by the technology used. Your responses will not
affect your status as a service provider or recipient.

Voluntary Participation:
Your decision to be in this research is voluntary. You can stop at any time. You do not have to answer
any questions you do not want to answer. Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect
your current or future relations with the National Direct Service Workforce Resource Center, your
employer, or the services you receive.

Directions:
Please complete the survey by using this secure website. The survey will take approximately 30 minutes8
to complete. Follow the instructions on each page. Completing and submitting this survey indicates you
have consented to participate in this study.

For More Information:
If you have questions about the purpose of the survey or how to respond, please contact the Direct
Service Workforce Resource Center toll-free at 1-877-822-2647, or by email:
info@dswresourccenter.org.

7

This subsection of the online survey is designed to comply with consent form guidelines per the University of Minnesota
Institutional Review Board (IRB). Informed consent and confidentiality notices will be presented in the section video
(described previously as tailored to respondent group) and will include both text and audio format.
8
Estimated time burden will be measured in pretesting and reported in OMB description. The results of pretesting will be used to
revise and update the survey.

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PRA Disclosure Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
information collection is 0938-NEW. The time required to complete this information collection is
estimated to average 30 min per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing
data resources, gather the data needed and complete and review the information collection. If you
have comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form,
please write to:
CMS, 7500 Security Boulevard,
Attn: PRA Reports Clearance Officer,
Mail Stop C4-26-05, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

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Focus of the Survey9
This survey is about people employed or contracted to be direct service workers in home and
community-based settings. Please keep the following information in mind as you go through each page.

Types of Workers
The direct service worker’s primary job responsibility is to provide support, training, and personal
assistance to older adults and/ people of all ages with support needs (based on behavioral health,
physical disabilities, and/or intellectual or developmental disabilities). For the purposes of this survey,
direct service workers are considered to be all paid staff members who spend at least 50% of their hours
doing direct service tasks.
The direct service workforce includes the following job titles and those in similar roles:

►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►

Personal Support Specialists (PSS)
Home Health Aids (HHA)
Direct Support Professionals (DSP)
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
Homemakers or home attendants
Personal Attendants (PA) or Personal Care Attendants (PCA)
Psychiatric technicians or aides
Peer support workers
Residential or vocational counselors
Addiction counselors

Types of Services Provided
This survey refers to direct service workers who provide the following types of services:

►
►
►
►
►
►

9

Community living supports
Personal care
Private duty nursing
Home maker/ home chore
Adult day care
Adult day health services

Information in this subsection will be presented in the section video (described previously as tailored to respondent group) and
will include both text and audio format.

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►
►
►
►
►
►
►

Respite
Ongoing supported employment services
Attendant care
Peer support
Residential counseling
Supported employment
Addiction counseling

Types of Service Settings
This survey refers to direct service workers who provide services in the following home and communitybased settings:

► Residential services—Supports provided to a person living in a community home with two or more
people of any age with disabilities or who are aging (e.g., group home, Assisted Living Facility).

► In-home supports/Home care—Supports provided to a person in their own home or in the home of
a family member in which they reside.

► Community-based services such as day programs and rehabilitative or medical supports—Supports
provided outside an individual’s home such as adult day care and adult health care services,
rehabilitative services, day training and rehabilitation services, case management and disability
specific non-school based services to children and youth with disabilities (e.g., respite, drop in
centers).

► Job or vocational services—Supports to help individuals to locate, acquire and keep a job for which
they are paid. This includes services such as job coaching, supported employment, work crews,
sheltered workshops, and job training.

What’s Excluded
For the purposes of this survey, please do not include employees who provide therapy services, such as
occupational therapists.
In addition, please do not include employees who provide services in the following settings:

► Institutional settings such as ICF-MRs, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, or
Rehabilitation Facilities.

► School settings for children through 12th grade.

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Background Questions
Directions: Please respond to the questions below based on your role in home and community-based
services.
1.

How long have you worked in this field or received services?
Years,

Months

2.

In which of the following service areas do you currently receive, provide, supervise or administer
services? (Select the main area that you work in or receive services from, most of the time. Click
on the link options for full descriptions 10)
Aging and Elderly Services (Service recipient population: People who are 65 years of age
or older with chronic illness or disability, cognitive impairment or dementia)
Behavioral Health Services (Service recipient population: People who experience mental
health conditions, psychiatric disabilities, or disorders related to substance use)
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services (Service recipient population: People
who experience limited mental capacity and difficulty with adaptive behaviors; people
who experience severe, long term disability that may affect cognitive ability, physical
functioning, or both)
Physical Disabilities Services (Service recipient population: People who experience a
physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities)

3.

Which of the following services do you currently receive, provide, supervise, or administer?
(Check all that apply)
Community living supports
Personal care
Private duty nursing
Home maker/home chore
Adult day care
Adult day health services
Respite
Supported employment services
Peer support
Residential counseling
Addiction counseling
Other (please describe)

10

When clicking on each link (underlined text), the respondent will review “Service recipient population” text.

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4.

Do you (or your family member/guardian) direct your own services? (Such as consumer-directed,
participant-directed, or self-directed state service programs)11
Yes
No

11

Example of question variation (based on survey logic by respondent group):
Direct service worker version (A): Does the person you support direct his or her own services? (Such as…) Yes/no
Supervisor and Administrator version (C): Do you have any programmatic or fiscal responsibilities within participant-directed
services? (Such as…) Options: Yes/no. If yes, please describe: ______

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Section 2: Core Competencies for the Direct
Service Workforce
Overview of Core Competencies
Directions: In this section, you will be asked to review full content of the Core Competencies for the
Direct Service Workforce. Click the video icon to view a presentation about this section of the survey.12
[Insert video icon]
Please keep in mind the core competency set is structured by the following:

12

For this section, three (3) unique videos will be developed to present the information reflected on pages 8-9. Per the survey
logic method, each video will present the same information in this section, but will be tailored to the nuances of the specific
respondent group: (A) Direct service workers, (B) Person receiving services and family members/guardians, or (C)
Supervisors, Managers, and Administrators. Each video will entail slides and audio (captioned). This will increase
accessibility of the information. Including the video option in the instrument will accommodate people who are not able to
read and/or who have trouble reading text from a computer screen. A summary of information covered in the videos is
provided below. Each of the three videos will address: (1) Brief overview of the competencies, (2) Instructions: How to
review the competencies and respond from the primary sector perspective, i.e. “consider one worker who provides services to
you and the skills that the person needs to perform the job well.”

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The structure of the set of core competencies, which categorizes specific skills into groups.
In the following pages, you will be asked to review each of the 14 core competency areas listed below.
Please read the competency area description on the top of each page. Then respond to questions based
on the related skill statements. 13

DSW Core Competency Areas (Version 3.0)
Communication
Facilitation of Individualized Services
Evaluation and Observation
Participant Crisis Prevention and Intervention
Safety
Professionalism and Ethics
Participant Empowerment
Advocacy
Supporting Health and Wellness
Community Living Skills and Supports
Interpersonal and Family Relationships
Community and Service Networking
Cultural Competency
Education, Training and Self-Development

13

Information in this table will be presented in the section video (described previously as tailored to respondent group) and will
include both text and audio format.

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Core Competency Area #1: Communication
Competency Description: The DSW recognizes communication as a core function of support, and uses
person first language and effective communication skills to establish a supportive and collaborative
relationship with the participant and his or her family.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-D), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
14
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Uses effective communication skills: The
DSW uses effective, respectful
communication skills. This includes active
listening, paraphrasing, and using openended questions to create open
communication with participant.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Uses positive communication strategies:
The DSW has knowledge of and uses positive
communication strategies (verbal and
nonverbal) that are appropriate and specific
to the needs of participants.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Uses service terminology: The DSW uses
service terminology as needed for effective
service delivery, explaining as necessary to
participants and family members to ensure
understanding.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Communicates with others
appropriately: The DSW communicates
with participants and their natural support
systems in a respectful and culturally

☐

☐

☐

☐

14

Example of question variation (based on survey logic by respondent group) - Direct service worker version (A): Does this
statement describe skills that you and other direct service workers need to perform your jobs? Do you and other direct service
workers currently receive enough training to achieve these skills?

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SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

YES

NO

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
14
skills?

YES

NO

appropriate manner, using preferred
language when possible, respecting cultural
differences, and recognizing non-verbal
communications.

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Core Competency Area #2: Facilitation of
Individualized Services
Competency Description: The DSW provides person-centered services to support participant’s
preferences, strengths, interests and goals, and participates in multidisciplinary teams, with participant
approval.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-I), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Maintains professional relationships:
The DSW maintains collaborative
professional relationships with the
participant and all support team members
(including family/friends, as desired by
participant).

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Assists individualized plan: The DSW
assists in the development of an
individualized plan based on participant
strengths, preferences, needs, and goals.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Implements individualized plan: The
DSW implements a participant’s
individualized plan to achieve goals
collaboratively identified with participant,
based upon his or her preferences,
strengths, needs, and interests.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Contributes to team: The DSW
contributes as part of a multidisciplinary
team, participating in team building and
group processes.

☐

☐

☐

☐

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SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

E. Supports participant goals: The DSW
reviews progress towards participant
outcomes, and collaborates with participant
to identify alternative goals to be shared
with multidisciplinary team.

☐

☐

☐

☐

F. Supports service transitions: The DSW
supports successful transitions across
services, including promoting delivery of
appropriate services based on the
participant’s strengths and needs, and
facilitating transition into home and
community-based settings.

☐

☐

☐

☐

G. Fosters a supportive environment: The
DSW fosters a supportive environment,
providing person-centered supports and
services using a strengths-based approach
to promote the participant’s development
of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary
to achieve goals.

☐

☐

☐

☐

H. Documents information: The DSW
collects, compiles, documents, and reviews
pertinent participant information to ensure
effective service provision, consistent with
agency standards and in compliance with
applicable administrative rules.

☐

☐

☐

☐

I. Uses documentation: The DSW uses
documentation effectively and submits
records to appropriate sources in a timely
manner to promote consistent delivery of
services.

☐

☐

☐

☐

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Core Competency Area #3: Evaluation and
Observation
Competency Description: The DSW understands formal and informal assessment practices and is able to
respond to the needs, desires and interests of the participants.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-D), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Supports assessment: The DSW initiates
or assists in the initiation of an assessment
process by gathering information from
multiple sources including formal and
informal networks.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Uses assessment information: The DSW
can review and discuss findings from the
various assessments and evaluations that
inform individualized services and plans.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Reassesses goal progress: The DSW
collects data regarding the progress and
achievement of goals, and regularly seeks
input from the participant, and his or her
family as requested, regarding satisfaction
with progress towards goals to inform the
plan and services.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Conducts observations: The DSW
conducts observations from a culturally
relevant perspective and uses results to
support the independence, health and
wellness of the participant.

☐

☐

☐

☐

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Core Competency Area #4: Participant Crisis
Prevention and Intervention
Competency Description: The DSW identifies potential risks, crisis situations, and/or behaviors, and uses
appropriate procedures to de-escalate the situation and minimize potential for danger, using strategies
specific to the environment and as outlined in the participant’s plan.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-F), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough tr
aining to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Identifies risks and crises: The DSW
recognizes the indicators of risks and
participant crisis situations, and identifies
appropriate person-centered prevention
strategies.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Uses positive behavior support
strategies: The DSW uses positive behavior
support strategies to promote wellness,
recovery and crisis prevention when a
participant engages in potentially
challenging or dangerous behavior.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Intervenes appropriately: The DSW uses
appropriate intervention strategies to
defuse a crisis situation.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Seeks assistance as needed: The DSW
recognizes the need for and seeks
additional assistance at any point of a crisis.

☐

☐

☐

☐

E. Monitors and reports: The DSW continues
to monitor situations and effectively
communicates with the participant and/or
family or team members to reduce risk
while complying with regulations for
reporting.

☐

☐

☐

☐

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SKILL STATEMENT

F. Assesses contributing factors: The DSW
recognizes his or her role during conflict or
crisis situations, identifies how his or her
behavior affected the situation, and
changes behavior to minimize potential for
crisis or conflict.

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Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough tr
aining to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

☐

☐

☐

☐

Page 19

Core Competency Area #5: Safety
Competency Description: The DSW understands ways to support a participant to be safe and adhere to
procedures necessary to maintain a safe environment, in order to reduce risks and be prepared for
emergencies.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-E), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Identifies, prevents, and reports abuse
and neglect: The DSW understands and
demonstrates his/her responsibility to
identify, prevent, and report abuse,
exploitation, and neglect.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Understands maltreatment and related
mandates: The DSW understands types and
indicators of abuse according to state law
and organizational policies, including
physical abuse, psychological abuse,
exploitation, neglect, and improper use of
physical and chemical restraints, and
implements methods to prevent them.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Practices emergency preparedness: The
DSW is prepared to maintain the
participant’s health and safety in the event
of emergency (fire, natural disaster, terror
threat, etc.), and is practiced in emergency
procedures.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Assists safe community living: The DSW
facilitates learning and assists a participant
to develop and retain safe community living
skills.

☐

☐

☐

☐

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 20

SKILL STATEMENT

E. Provides first aid and emergency
response: The DSW provides first aid and
safety procedures based on the needs of the
participant when responding to
emergencies.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

☐

☐

☐

☐

Page 21

Core Competency Area #6: Professionalism and
Ethics
Competency Description: The DSW demonstrates professionalism by respecting participant rights in
accordance with relevant ethical standards and legal protections, and recognizes his or her own personal
wellness as it relates to effective service provision.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-H), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service workers
need to perform their jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Behaves professionally and ethically:
The DSW is aware of his/her professional
performance and compares this to ethical,
legal, and professional standards to
enhance performance.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Understands role and boundaries: The
DSW understands and demonstrates
his/her collaborative role in relation to the
participant and adheres to boundaries in
various settings.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Fulfills responsibilities: The DSW
demonstrates professionalism and
responsibility, including timeliness,
accountability, and appearance appropriate
to his/her work environment.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Complies with laws, regulations,
policies, and ethical codes: The DSW
conducts all professional activities in
accordance with relevant Code of Ethics
(NADSP, USPRA, etc.) and applicable laws,
regulations, and agency policies.

☐

☐

☐

☐

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 22

SKILL STATEMENT

E. Manages stress and maintains personal
health: The DSW understands the
importance of stress reduction and uses
strategies to promote personal wellness.

F. Respects and promotes participant
rights: The DSW respects and promotes the
participant’s right to privacy, respect, and
dignity.

G. Respects privacy and confidentiality:
The DSW respects the confidentiality of
participant information in all verbal and
written communication, as directed by the
participant, and adheres to the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
of 1996 (HIPAA).
H. Explains participant rights and
safeguards: The DSW informs the
participant of his or her rights, and
procedures that safeguard these rights.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service workers
need to perform their jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

Page 23

Core Competency Area #7: Participant
Empowerment
Competency Description: The DSW supports the participant to lead a self-determined life by providing
information necessary to make informed decisions and advocate on his or her own behalf.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-D), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement
describe skills that direct
service workers need to
perform their jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Supports individual decision-making and
goal achievement: The DSW supports the
participant to identify goals, make informed
choices, and follow-through on responsibilities.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Promotes self-determination: The DSW
promotes participant engagement in the
design of support services, involving the
participant and others at the request of the
participant in the process, and inquiring about
satisfaction with current services.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Supports self-advocacy: The DSW supports
the participant to advocate for oneself by
increasing awareness of self-advocacy
methods, providing information on peer
support and self-advocacy groups, and
assisting the participant to speak on his or her
own behalf.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Facilitates informed consent: The DSW
provides information about human, legal, civil
rights and other resources, and supporting
access to information that allows the
participant make informed decisions about
community living, work, and social
relationships.

☐

☐

☐

☐

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 24

Core Competency Area #8: Advocacy
Competency Description: The DSW understands diverse challenges facing participants (e.g., human
rights, legal, administrative and financial) and is able to identify and use effective advocacy strategies to
overcome such challenges.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-D), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Facilitates advocacy process: The DSW
supports the participant to identify, gather,
and review information and aspects of an
issue concerning the participant’s rights to
promote self-advocacy.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Identifies advocacy resources: The DSW
has awareness of participant rights, services,
and community resources, or knows where
to direct the participant to learn more and
secure needed supports.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Identifies strategies to meet needs: The
DSW supports the participant to overcome
barriers when his or her service needs are
not being sufficiently met.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Recognizes barriers in services and
community: The DSW identifies the barriers
that sustain stigma, oppression,
discrimination, and prejudice in our society
and service system, and how this impacts
the participant.

☐

☐

☐

☐

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 25

Core Competency Area #9: Supporting Health
and Wellness
Competency Description: The DSW assists the participant and supports the development of skills to
maintain health and wellness in all areas of his or her life.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-I), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Promotes physical, spiritual, emotional,
and social wellbeing: The DSW promotes
the health and wellness of the participant in
the areas of physical, spiritual, emotional,
and social wellbeing.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Facilitates medication administration:
The DSW accurately administers
medications, or assists participants to selfadminister medications, in accordance with
state regulations and agency policy and
procedures.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Supports participant-directed spiritual
or religious practice: The DSW supports
the participant to express his or her personal
faith and observe religious or spirituality
practices, as directed by the participant.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Facilitates disease prevention and
health maintenance: The DSW promotes
the participant's knowledge and skills in
disease prevention and maintenance of his
or her own health, including sexual health
and wellbeing.

☐

☐

☐

☐

E. Uses universal precautions for infection
control: The DSW demonstrates and assists
the participant to apply standard infection

☐

☐

☐

☐

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 26

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

F. Promotes access to healthcare: The DSW
supports the participant in scheduling,
keeping, and following through on all health
appointments, as desired by the participant
or according to his or her plan.

☐

☐

☐

☐

G. Implements health treatments as
needed: The DSW supports the participant
in implementing health and medical
treatments, including assisting with the use
of prescribed equipment, supplies, and
devices as appropriate, and as determined
by the needs and desires of the participant.

☐

☐

☐

☐

H. Facilitates healthy nutrition: The DSW
facilitates healthy nutrition by assisting the
participant to develop or maintain
knowledge and skills with meal planning,
food preparation and serving, food shopping
and handling, in accordance with the
participant’s preference and plans.

☐

☐

☐

☐

I. Monitors health and wellness: The DSW
recognizes and promotes participant
knowledge of abnormal signs and symptoms
of common diseases and conditions of body
systems, and takes necessary informed
action in collaboration with the participant.

☐

☐

☐

☐

control procedures in all activities.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 27

Core Competency Area #10: Community Living
Skills and Supports
Competency Description: The DSW collaborates with the participant to identify specific supports and
interventions to meet his or her unique strengths, needs, and preferences, and promote chosen and
valued social roles.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-E), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Provides personal care as needed: The
DSW assists the participant to meet his or
her physical (e.g., health, grooming,
toileting, eating) and personal management
needs (e.g., human development, sexuality),
building on participant strengths and
capabilities, and providing skills training
when needed.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Facilitates home and community living:
The DSW assists the participant with
household management (e.g., meal
preparation, laundry, cleaning) and with
transportation needs, as directed by
participant and his or her plan, to maximize
independence, high quality of life, and
community living.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Identifies and uses resources needed for
health and safety: The DSW supports the
participant in identifying, securing, and using
needed equipment (e.g., adaptive
equipment) and therapies (e.g., physical,
occupational and communication) to
promote health and safety.

☐

☐

☐

☐

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 28

SKILL STATEMENT

D. Supports participant relationships: The
DSW supports the participant in the
development and/or maintenance of
friendships and other relationships as
chosen by the participant based on his or
her interest and preference.
E. Promotes participant engagement in the
community: The DSW encourages and
supports the participant to develop and
continue fulfillment of chosen, desired, and
valued social roles.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

Page 29

Core Competency Area #11: Interpersonal and
Family Relationships
Competency Description: The DSW engages in support that recognizes, respects, and values the role of
family and social relationships as an essential component of the participant’s quality of life and
community living.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-F), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement
describe skills that direct
service workers need to
perform their jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Recognizes the role of family: The DSW
understands and respects the leadership role of
family members in planning, guiding, and
supporting services and supports with and/or
for the participant, as appropriate based on the
participant’s experience.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Builds positive relationships: The DSW seeks
information and builds knowledge to
understand the nature and dynamics of family
and social relationships within the participant’s
life.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Tailors services to the individual, family,
and community: The DSW tailors services and
supports to unique characteristics and
experiences of the participant, family, and
community.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Maintains appropriate boundaries: The DSW
establishes and maintains appropriate social
and physical boundaries in relation to the
participant and his/her family members (and
other members of his/her natural support
system, including friends and those who the
participant considers significant in his/her life).

☐

☐

☐

☐

E. Listens, communicates, and collaborates

☐

☐

☐

☐

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 30

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement
describe skills that direct
service workers need to
perform their jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

☐

☐

☐

☐

effectively: The DSW utilizes clear, effective,
and respectful communication skills in all
interactions with the participant’s family
members and other members of his/her natural
support system.
F. Respects privacy in home and communitybased settings: The DSW provides support that
is informed by and respectful of the
participant’s rights to privacy and confidentiality
within the home environment, community
settings, and service system.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 31

Core Competency Area #12: Community and
Service Networking
Competency Description: The DSW is familiar with formal and informal supports available in his or her
community and skilled in assisting the participant to identify and gain access to such supports.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-D), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Identifies resources and options: The
DSW assists the participant to identify his or
her preferences and needs for community
supports using a person-centered approach,
and works with informal and formal support
systems to identify and access community
connections.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Facilitates access to community
resources: The DSW provides coordination,
support, and follow-through to promote the
participant’s access to available community
resources as determined by, or in
collaboration with the participant.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Assists full participation in the
community: The DSW assists the participant
to access and participate in integrated,
meaningful activities, promoting the
participant’s ability to live in a community of
choice.

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Promotes natural supports: The DSW
promotes the use of natural supports
(including family, friends, neighbors, and
coworkers), within the participant’s
neighborhood, community, and workplace.

☐

☐

☐

☐

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 32

Core Competency Area #13: Cultural
Competency
Competency Description: The DSW engages in support that recognizes and values diverse worldviews
and experiences and is capable of adapting supports to the unique needs of participants in a culturally
competent way.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-E), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

A. Practices cultural awareness: The DSW
supports participants from diverse
backgrounds by engaging in self-reflection
and learning opportunities designed to
increase awareness of diversity and
cultural competence.

☐

☐

☐

☐

B. Mitigates cultural bias: The DSW
recognizes his or her own personal biases,
stereotypes, and prejudices and does not
allow them to interfere with interactions
with others.

☐

☐

☐

☐

C. Assesses cultural needs: The DSW
respects unique cultural needs and
preferences of each participant to provide
culturally competent services and
supports.

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

D. Provides culturally relevant services:
The DSW provides culturally relevant
learning, social, and recreational
opportunities for participants.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 33

SKILL STATEMENT

E. Tailors services to unique
characteristics: The DSW provides
support based on the individual
characteristics of the participant and his or
her family as appropriate, incorporating
sensitivity to culture, religion, race,
ethnicity, linguistics, disability,
developmental level, age, health status,
sexual orientation, and gender into daily
practices and interactions.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

☐

☐

☐

☐

Page 34

Core Competency Area #14: Education,
Training and Self-Development
Competency Description: The DSW identifies and seeks opportunities for professional development,
education, and training as appropriate to the participant and reflecting emerging evidence-based
practices.
Directions: For each statement listed below (A-D), please answer the following questions by selecting
“yes” or “no”. In your responses, please consider whether each statement is relevant to direct service
workers in your sector(s): aging, behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
physical disabilities services.

SKILL STATEMENT

A. Engages in training and professional
development: The DSW completes required
training education/certification and
continues professional development.

B. Seeks feedback to improve performance:
The DSW seeks feedback from multiple
sources, including participants and family
members as appropriate, and uses
performance evaluations to improve
performance.
C. Uses evidence-based skills to improve
service: The DSW learns about and uses
evidence-based skills as identified in
participant's plan.

D. Completes required documentation: The
DSW learns and remains current with
appropriate documentation protocols, tools,
and technologies.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Does this statement describe
skills that direct service
workers need to perform their
jobs well?

Do direct service workers
currently receive enough
training to achieve these
skills?

YES

NO

YES

NO

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

Page 35

Section 3: Training Perspectives and Options
Directions: Please respond to the following additional questions about the core competencies based on
your experiences and current perspective.
5.

When considering the workers you have contact with, how many skills reflected in the
competency set do you think direct service workers currently have?
All of the skills
Most of the skills
Some of the skills
Few of the skills
None of the skills

6.

If a direct service worker received training to achieve the skills described in the core competency
set, how much would this improve the quality of direct services that she or he delivers?
Greatly improve the quality of direct services delivered
Moderately improve the quality of direct services delivered
Slightly improve the quality of direct services delivered
No improvement in the quality of direct services delivered

7.

What are the most effective training methods for direct service workers? (Check all that apply)
Online training
In-person training class
On-the-job instruction provided by a supervisor or mentor
On-the-job instruction provided by person receiving services or family member
Combination of online training and on-the-job instruction
Other (please describe)

8.

How should direct service workers be recognized after completing training? (Check all that apply)
Enhanced wages to reflect increased competency
Credit toward a human service related degree, i.e. Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS)
Credit toward a national credential or certificate career program in direct service work
Certificate of recognition from the state or employer
Other (please describe)

9.

What barriers exist to provide additional or ongoing training to direct service workers?
Please indicate:

10. What structural changes might improve access to training direct service workers? (Check all that
apply)
Mandated training requirements
Voluntary recognition programs (such as credentialing or certification programs)
Enhanced state or federal funding for training
Community college credits for training

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 36

Access to Department of Labor Apprenticeship Programs
Other (please describe)

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 37

Survey on Core Competencies for the Direct
Service Workforce
Thank You!
Thank you for completing the survey. Your responses to questions will be used to finalize a valuable
resource for the direct service workforce. You can click the “Previous” button to review your responses
as desired.
Please submit your survey responses by clicking the “Done” button on the bottom of this page. Your
contribution to this project is very important.

For More Information:
If you have questions about the purpose of the survey or how to respond, please contact the Direct
Service Workforce Resource Center toll-free at 1-877-822-2647, or by email:
info@dswresourcecenter.org.
Visit the project web page at http://dswresourcecenter.org/tiki-index.php?page=competenciesreview.

[Online Survey: Screen 20]

Page 38