HCBS providers in the state of Wisconsin now have access to a new initiative, made possible with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This new program, named the Wisconsin Provider Workforce Network, was announced by the Disability Service Provider Network (DSPN) and will be focused on building Wisconsin’s long-term care workforce for HCBS. Here, we summarize key highlights from the announcement.
Availability
The Wisconsin Provider Workforce Network is open to all HCBS providers in the state of Wisconsin. The initiative offers two components tailored for providers looking to build a stronger long-term care workforce:
- An online learning community and
- A series of workshops for providers.
The components are offered through a partnership between DSPN, “the leading state trade association for disability service providers,” and Blitz Creative, a company that provides DSP workforce recruitment and retention training for I/DD providers.
Networking
For the online learning community component, DSPN has created the Wisconsin Provider Learning Network. This digital forum has been designed to give providers an accessible space form which they can:
- Network with one another;
- Seek answers to specific questions;
- Exchange information on trends and emerging practices;
- Provide support and guidance for colleagues facing obstacles; and
- Share their experiences with the workshops offered through Blitz Creative.
Workshops
The Blitz Creative workshop series, “DSP Magnet: The Essentials,” is a three-part learning series that focuses on three critical components central to providers’ goals:
- Recruitment
- Retention; and
- Culture
The virtual series is held once a month for a total of three months. “Office hours” are facilitated by both DSPN and Blitz Creative and are provided directly following each workshop. During this time participants are provided an opportunity to engage in conversation with one another, ask questions of the workshop leaders, and exchange insights about the material.
Registration
Session one began in January and is already at capacity; however, registration is open via DSPN for future sessions, with the next offering scheduled May through July, 2023. Providers can register for the network at any time.
For more information or to register for the next session, visit: www.dspn.org