Staff recruitment challenges and interventions in agencies supporting people with developmental disabilities

Recruitment challenges and costs were identified by administrators from 129 randomly selected agencies that provide residential, vocational, and other services to persons with developmental disabilities in Minnesota. Finding qualified applicants was the most difficult staffing problem reported. Common recruitment incentives included providing competitive benefits, allowing time off without pay, and offering paid leave time. Relatively few agencies used innovative strategies (e.g., bonuses for employees who recruit new workers). The average agency had vacancy rates of 6% in direct-support positions and 4% in first-line supervisor positions. On the basis of these findings, one could determine that the cost of advertising and overtime for vacant positions in Minnesota could approach $6.7 million per year.