Indiana Direct Service Workforce Plan

Abstract

To better understand the HCBS landscape, FSSA has been intently engaging for several years with individuals with lived experiences. This includes hosting more than 70 listening sessions with individuals and families supported through the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services and the Division of Aging. Feedback from these sessions clearly pointed to the desire of individuals to be supported in living a life of their own design, with the support of a Direct Service Workforce to help them realize their goals. Using this feedback as a centering principle, FSSA began a more focused effort in 2021 to study the Direct Service Workforce shortage so that the state is best positioned in the coming years, especially as managed long-term services and supports is implemented in 2024. The effort has included direct input from individuals with lived experiences, DSWs and other stakeholders, and engaging the Indiana University School of Medicine Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy for a review of information and deep research that were critical in informing the recommended next steps.