In November 2022, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a grant opportunity called the Direct Service Workforce Investment Grant to support the direct services workforce. This grant is available to providers who were active during the 2022 fiscal year (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022) and provide any of the following services:

  • Community/Day Habilitation

  • Participant Assistance and Care

  • Residential Habilitation and Support (Hourly & Daily)

  • Respite Care

  • Structured Family Caregiving

  • Waiver Transportation

FSSA defines a Direct Service Worker as a person who provides hands-on care and direct support to individuals receiving services as listed above.

CFLT will receive this grant in 3 installments beginning in January 2023, spring 2023, and summer 2023. This grant requires that 95% of the funds of the grant be given to Direct Service Workers in forms of employee retention programs and incentives.

CFLT will use the funds in the following way:

  • Week-end differentials for DSPs working in 24-hour waiver homes.

  • Evening and night shift differentials for DSPs working in 24-hour waiver homes.

  • Attendance incentives for all DSPs.

  • Quarterly bonuses for DSPs who meet 80% or higher of their Balanced Score Card goals..

  • Recognition rewards for exceptional work and positive attitudes

  • Bonuses for Structured Family Caregivers

  • Increased mileage rates

  • 8 week GROW (Get Ready for Opportunities at Work) classes offered to DSP’s to gain valuable information about the DSP role as well as business operations to build DSP career pathways. DSP will be paid during the class as well as receive a bonus at the end of classes.

CFLT understands that a well-trained, fairly compensated, and respected direct support professional (DSP) workforce is essential to providing the necessary supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities where they live and work. CFLT also understands that DSP’s are one of the most integral person in the lives of those receiving services. CFLT is grateful to receive this grant that will help to support and maintain quality DSP’s that work tirelessly day in and day out to ensure those receiving services live their best life and to their full potential.