Direct Support Professional 1 Microcredential

In Otsego County and throughout New York, there is a growing need for specially trained direct support professionals (DSPs) to work with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

If you’re an employee of Springbrook, Pathfinder Village or The Arc Otsego and want to take your skills to the next level and advance within your organization, SUNY Oneonta’s Direct Support Professional Microcredential was made for you!

In partnership with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, our DSP microcredential tailors nationally recognized coursework to you, letting you earn certification by the National Association of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) as a Direct Support Professional in a convenient, cost-effective and timely manner!

Upon successful completion of this 4-credit microcredential, you will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and skills related to ethical practice in working with individuals and their families
• outline the procedures for preventing and reporting abuse and neglect
• understand and apply appropriate strategies for crisis intervention and prevention
• demonstrate the skills and strategies for developing service plans and documenting such plans; and
• explain the strategies for promoting client emotional and physical well-being.

Through this program, you will receive:

• grant funding to cover your tuition, books, course materials and credentialing
• certification from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) necessary for continuing on to the next tiers, DSP-II, DSP-III and Front-Line Supervisor
• a $750 incentive to eligible students who successfully complete each microcredential and earn a certification

Required Coursework

• HDFS 1200 Introduction to Human Services
• HDFS 1225 Professional and Agency Documentation and Writing: DSP 1