RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Community College System have announced a new partnership to launch an Advanced Training Certificate program designed to strengthen the state’s Direct Support Professional workforce.
The initiative targets current Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and individuals interested in entering the field, addressing a critical shortage of workers who provide essential services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across North Carolina.
Program Details and Availability
The pilot program will be offered free of charge through continuing education programs at three institutions beginning in August or September:
- Stanly Community College
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
- Forsyth Technical Community College
The certificate consists of two eight-week continuing education courses delivered virtually, expanding access to participants regardless of their proximity to campus locations. Officials indicate the program may expand to additional community colleges in 2026-27.
Space in each course is limited, and interested individuals should contact the continuing education office at their preferred campus for registration information and scheduling details.
Addressing Workforce Needs
“This partnership with North Carolina’s Community Colleges will strengthen and retain our direct support professionals workforce,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “The advanced training certificate provides an opportunity for individuals to obtain new skills and training to support this critical profession that cares for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Carolina.”
DSPs play a vital role in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live independently in their communities. Their responsibilities range from assisting with daily activities such as bathing, eating, and medication management to connecting individuals with community resources and employment opportunities.
Broader Workforce Strategy
The certificate program represents one component of NCDHHS’s comprehensive approach to addressing the DSP shortage. In September 2024, the department launched a recruitment campaign targeting high school students, community college students, and unemployed or underemployed individuals to promote careers in human services.
As part of its Direct Support Professional Workforce Plan, NCDHHS allocated $3 million in grants to more than 140 provider agencies and employers this year. These funds support recruitment, training, and retention efforts through hiring bonuses, retention incentives, on-the-job training, and childcare assistance.
Community College System Partnership
Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System, emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative.
“North Carolina’s community colleges are proud to partner with NCDHHS to launch this vital training program that not only addresses the state’s growing need for direct support professionals but also opens doors to long-term career opportunities in behavioral health,” Cox said. “Through this collaborative effort, we’ve developed a statewide curriculum that promotes credit mobility, expanded faculty capacity, and aligned training with real workforce needs.”
Connection to Broader Inclusion Efforts
The DSP workforce enhancement aligns with NCDHHS’s broader Inclusion Connects Program, a collaboration between the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services and Medicaid. The program provides resources for connecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to appropriate services and supports.
“These efforts reaffirm NCDHHS’ dedication to enhancing opportunities for North Carolinians with I/DD by creating a more accessible and supportive community,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. “DSPs are essential to building a comprehensive system of care that promotes inclusion and connectivity.”
For more information about the Inclusion Connects Program and to sign up for updates, visit the NCDHHS Inclusion Connects website.
