RALEIGH—The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Community College System have partnered to launch an Advanced Training Certificate program for current Direct Support Professionals or people interested in pursuing a career in the field. The DSP workforce is critical in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and thrive in communities of their choice. They provide a wide range of supports from daily tasks like bathing, eating and taking medications to connecting people with community resources and employment opportunities.
"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."
The pilot program is being offered for free through the continuing education programs at Stanly Community College, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and Forsyth Technical Community College beginning in August or September. It may expand to more community colleges in 2026-27.
The certificate consists of two eight-week continuing education courses. The sessions will be offered virtually, making it easier to participate and expanding access to individuals not located near one of the pilot college campuses.
The certificate is geared for current DSPs looking to enhance their skills but is also available to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in the field. Individuals interested in earning the certificate should contact the continuing education office at their preferred campus for registration information and the schedule. Space in each course is limited.
"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," said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. "Through this collaborative effort, we’ve developed a statewide curriculum that promotes credit mobility, expanded faculty capacity, and aligned training with real workforce needs. This is exactly the kind of responsive, student-centered programming that makes our colleges such powerful engines for community well-being and economic advancement."
The certificate program is part of a NCDHHS commitment to address the critical shortage of DSPs who provide in-home care and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Carolina. In September 2024, NCDHHS launched a campaign targeting high school and community college students and people who are unemployed or underemployed to educate and motivate them to consider a career in human services.
As part of its Direct Support Professional Workforce Plan, NCDHHS awarded $3 million in grants to more than 140 provider agencies and employers of record this year. These funds went to recruit, support, train and retain DSPs through hiring and retention bonuses, on-the-job training and childcare assistance.
"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."
