Incompass Michigan recognizes the staffing challenges in both recruitment and retention issues within the Direct Support Professional workforce and the impact on providing consistent and high-quality services, particularly for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

This is an application based program and is being offered at a significantly reduced price of $700 thanks to grant funding by the Enterline Foundation.

Led by Kimika Garrett, Organizational Kimistry, the pilot includes 4 segments.

Program Orientation: Aug. 7, 9:00-10:00am via Zoom
For leadership and DSP supervisors of participating organizations. Program objectives and structure will be reviewed as well as expected outcomes and introduction to cohort community of practice. Pre-programming surveys will need to be completed.

Segment 1: Leadership Strategy Planning Session for Senior Leaders 
Sept. 24, 1 day workshop in Lansing

For members of senior leadership teams who are responsible for the recruitment, retention and engagement of DSPs.

Purpose: To equip leadership teams with the tools and knowledge to develop an action plan and implementation plan that will result in meaningful organizational changes that support the recruitment, retention, and engagement of DSPs. 

• Analyze current organizational culture and identify the specific Journey Pathways their organization will participate in: Recruitment & Onboarding; Employee Engagement & Development and/or Employee Retention
• Develop a strategic implementation plan focusing on recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and retention.
• Integrate change management principles to ensure smooth adoption

Segment 2: DSP Supervisors Coaching and Development Session 
Oct. 23, 1 day workshop in Lansing

For employees who are direct supervisors of DSPs.

Purpose: To equip DSP supervisors with the leadership skills to effectively coach, develop, and support DSPs in their roles.

• Leadership styles and effective communication with DSPs.
• Performance Management for Supervisors (includes coaching techniques).
• Motivating teams through reward and recognition.
• How to hire and onboard for retention.

Segment 3: Journey Specific Workshops
Nov. 20, Dec. 9, Jan. 15

Virtual, three hour workshops for leaders and employees who are responsible for the recruitment, retention and engagement of DSPs within their organization.

Purpose: Provide actionable guidance and training on specific employee experience journeys including:

• Content development and integration planning
• Training for additional team members on change management and implementation strategies to ensure seamless adoption

Workshop Pathways:

• Recruitment and Onboarding: Nov. 20, 9am-Noon via Zoom 
  Structured recruitment process with interview guides, internship/apprenticeship programs, partnerships with local schools and workforce development organizations, and onboarding plans/process.
• Employee Engagement and Development: Dec. 9, 9am-Noon via Zoom 
  Career ladders, training and professional development opportunities, career development plans, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Employee Retention: Jan.15, 9am-Noon via Zoom 
  Recognition programs, work-life balance programs, retention programs, and feedback systems including pulse surveys and employee engagement surveys with Action Planning Teams.

Segment 4: Integration Support 

These advisory consultations will be scheduled independently with participating pilot organizations with a focus on troubleshooting and guidance.

Purpose: Support organizations in implementing their plans effectively.

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Capacity is limited for this pilot and will be available based on the order of applications received with priority to the first 12 applicants from Incompass Michigan member organizations. Applications open June 24, interested organizations are encouraged to apply promptly. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the pilot. Applicants will be notified by July 22 if they are accepted into the pilot.

At least one person from your organization must be available to participate in each Segment, as well as the Program Orientation, in order to be accepted into the cohort. Make up sessions will not be provided and organizations may be removed from the pilot if they are unable to maintain a commitment to attendance, refunds will not be provided.

Required: applicants must provide services to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Contact LDELL@incompassmi.org with any questions.