The Self-Perpetuating Turnover Cycle: Frontline Supervisors and Direct Support Professionals Reflect on Its Causes
Sarah A Hall1, Lynda Lahti Anderson1, Sandra L Pettingell1
1University of Minnesota.
Inclusion (Washington, D.C.)
|March 3, 2025
Summary
Direct support professionals (DSPs) face significant recruitment and retention challenges, impacting services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Addressing these issues is crucial for workforce stability and quality care.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Workforce Studies
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors (FLSs) are essential for home and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- The workforce has faced persistent recruitment and retention challenges, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze national DSP and FLS perspectives on factors influencing turnover and retention.
- To understand the impact of workforce challenges on the IDD community and services.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the fourth Direct Support Workforce COVID-19 Survey.
- Collected national perspectives from DSPs and FLSs on workforce issues.
Main Results:
- Identified key obstacles in recruiting and retaining DSPs and FLSs.
- Documented negative workplace outcomes linked to turnover.
- Highlighted detrimental effects on essential supports and services for people with IDD.
Conclusions:
- The study underscores a critical workforce crisis in IDD services.
- Policy and practice recommendations are proposed to mitigate turnover and improve retention.
- Addressing these challenges is vital for sustaining community living and support for individuals with IDD.
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