FSSA Update: Indiana Direct Support Workers: We need to hear from you!

The state of Indiana is looking for 8-10 direct support workers to serve on an advisory group to share your experiences and needs. The state knows that you are the backbone of the long term services and supports system.

​Who: Direct support workers help older adults and people with disabilities to work and live where they want. This includes individual homes, assisted living facilities, nursing facilities, group homes or a home shared with their caregiver.
Examples of direct support workers include:

• Home health aides
• Personal care attendants
• Certified nursing assistants
• Licensed vocational nurses
• Direct support professionals
• Community health workers

​Please note: We are not looking for directors, managers, owners or other administrative staff to apply. We want to hear directly from the staff working in the field and providing care and support to others.

What: We want to hear:

• What is important to you?
• What training would be helpful for your job?
• What, if any, barriers exist to staying in your job as a direct support worker?
• What would help you continue to stay in your job as a direct support worker?

When: Beginning in early 2022, the advisory group will meet at least four times a year for the next three years. We know your time is valuable - advisory group members will receive a gift card for participation.

How: If you would like to join the Direct Support Workers Advisory Group, please complete this form by clicking here or contact April Young at ayoung@advancingstates.org or 202-898-2578 by Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021

Please consider sharing this message with our networks and encourage direct support workers to apply. Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration is making a concerted effort to thoughtfully capture direct support worker feedback and wants the group to be as reflective of the workforce population as possible; therefore, we are looking for diverse representation from across the state.