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2024

June 26 NCI State of the Workforce Survey Extended Through July 31, 2024

The National Core Indicators® State of the Workforce Survey has been extended through July 31, 2024.  Initial Email invitations were sent to eligible DDD providers – to the provider email address on file in iRecord – on March 5, 2024 with follow up invitations sent monthly, bi-weekly and then weekly through June.

If your agency has not received an invitation to participate, please email DDD.NCI@dhs.nj.gov as soon as possible.

The data collected through this annual survey helps us examine and respond to challenges experienced by New Jersey’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce serving adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and has played a key role in the state’s DSP wage increases.

Participation by as many eligible providers as possible is critical to ensure valid results. To learn more, visit National Core Indicators or see our NCI State of the Workforce Overview.

June 20 *For agency employees - HCBS Student Loan Redemption Program

New Jersey's Department of Human Services, Department of Children and Families, and Higher Education Student Assistance Authority recently announced the Home and Community-Based Services Provider Loan Redemption Program (HCBSP-LRP), a new initiative that will provide student loan redemption up to $50,000 to certain licensed health care, behavioral health, and social services professionals in exchange for a year of service at an eligible HCBS provider agency.

Many provider agencies participated in an introductory webinar on June 19, during which we advised that we would be offering a similar webinar for potential applicants on Friday, June 28 at 3:00 PM. This next session will allow us to provide more information about the program eligibility and how to apply.

We are asking provider agencies to forward this invitation to eligible staff and ask them to register for the webinar using this link. After registering, they will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. (Eligible self-directed employees in a DDD-funded Self-Directed Services program may also register to attend the webinar.)

Psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, board-certified behavior analysts, board-certified behavior analysts-doctoral, licensed clinical or certified alcohol and drug counselors, licensed professional and associate counselors, licensed or associate marriage and family therapists, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and DCF care managers will be eligible to apply if they work in any of the following settings:

  • DHS’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services-contracted agencies
  • DHS’ Division of Developmental Disabilities-funded agencies and self-directing employees
  • DCF-approved settings in specified programs
  • Agencies contracted by NJ FamilyCare’s Managed Care Organizations and fee-for-service (private duty nurses only)

Applications for the program will open on July 1st and close on July 31st. Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

June 14 Webinar for Provider Agencies on Upcoming HCBS Student Loan Redemption Program for Eligible Employees

New Jersey's Department of Human Services, Department of Children and Families, and Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will soon formally announce the Home and Community-Based Services Loan Redemption Program (HCBSP-LRP), a new initiative that will provide student loan redemption up to $50,000 to licensed health care, behavioral health, and social services professionals in exchange for a year of service at an eligible HCBS provider agency.

The Departments of Human Services and Children and Families are hosting a webinar on Wednesday, June 19 at 3:00 PM for HCBS provider agencies that would like to learn more about this substantial opportunity for their employees.

Provider agency representatives may REGISTER NOW FOR June 19 WEBINAR. Please note this webinar is only for provider agency representatives; a separate webinar will be offered this month for employees/potential applicants.

Psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, board-certified behavior analysts, board-certified behavior analysts-doctoral, licensed clinical or certified alcohol and drug counselors, licensed professional and associate counselors, licensed or associate marriage and family therapists, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and DCF care managers will be eligible to apply if they work in any of the following settings:

  • DHS Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services-contracted agencies
  • DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities-funded agencies and self-directing employees
  • DCF-approved settings in specified programs
  • NJ FamilyCare managed care organizations (private duty nurses only)

Applications for the program will open on July 1 and close on July 31. Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

June 11, 2024 Requirements for Direct Support Professionaals, including Self-Directed Employees

The Division of Developmental Disabilities’ recently updated Supports Program and Community Care Program policy manuals included language specifying that neither an agency-employed Direct Support Professional nor a Self-Directed Employee can be regularly scheduled to work more than 16 consecutive hours in any 24-hour period. The June 2024 information bulletin, Requirements for Direct Support Professionals, discusses this and other requirements that provider agencies must ensure they are in compliance with.

June 10, 2024 Two New Webinars for Families and Self-Directed Employees

We are pleased to announce two upcoming webinars for families and self-directed employees: 

Overview of the DDD Resource Team for Families and Self-Directed Employees - Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 3 – 4 p.m.

  • This presentation will discuss the services available through the DDD Resource Team, such as education and support with behavior, mealtime safety, and medical issues. Resource Team services are available at no cost to families or providers and referrals can be made through an individual’s Support Coordinator.

Danielle’s Law Refresher for Families and Self-Directed Employees - Thursday, July 18, 2024, 3 – 4 p.m.

  • This interactive training on Danielle's Law ensures families and self-directed employees are prepared to recognize the difference between a health emergency and a life-threatening emergency in an “own home” setting. The goal of this refresher training is to ensure self-directed employees know how to respond promptly and appropriately to life-threatening emergencies involving individuals receiving DDD-funded services, while complying with Danielle’s Law.

 

June 3, 2024 NCI Family Survey Invitation Letters are in the Mail

National Core Indicators® (NCI) is a collaborative national effort to measure and improve outcomes of participants in public human service systems. Each year, to support this effort, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) facilitates completion of NCI surveys by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families and caregivers, and IDD service providers in New Jersey (see our NCI Overview for more information).

Last week, DDD mailed about 22,000 NCI Family Survey invitation letters via US postal mail to the primary caregivers/family members and guardians of individuals receiving at least one DDD service in addition to Support Coordination. Each invitation includes a survey link and unique access code. Participation in the NCI Family Survey is anonymous and voluntary. You do not need to complete the survey if you do not want to, but it is strongly encouraged. The information collected will help us better understand caregiver/family experiences with the IDD service system and improve the quality of services for everyone.

The NCI Family Survey closes on June 30, 2024. If you have questions about the survey or wish to request an online invitation or hard copy of the survey in English or other languages, email us at DDD.NCI@dhs.nj.gov.

June 3, 2024 Las cartas de invitación de la encuesta familiar NCI están en el correo

Los Indicadores Básicos Nacionales® (NCI, por sus siglas en inglés) son un esfuerzo nacional de colaboración para medir y mejorar los resultados de los participantes en los sistemas públicos de servicios humanos. Cada año, para apoyar este esfuerzo, la División de Discapacidades del Desarrollo (DDD, por sus siglas en inglés) facilita la realización de encuestas NCI para las personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (IDD, por sus siglas en inglés), sus familias y cuidadores, y los proveedores de servicios de IDD en New Jersey (ver nuestra visión general de NCI para más información).

La semana pasada, la DDD envió por correo postal unas 22,000 cartas de invitación a la Encuesta Familiar de los NCI a los cuidadores principales/miembros de la familia y tutores de personas que reciben al menos un servicio de la DDD además de la Coordinación de Apoyos. Cada invitación incluye un enlace a la encuesta y un código de acceso único.

La participación en la encuesta familiar del NCI es anónima y voluntaria. No es necesario que complete la encuesta si no lo desea, pero se le recomienda encarecidamente que lo haga. La información recopilada nos ayudará a comprender mejor las experiencias de los cuidadores/familiares con el sistema de servicios de IDD y a mejorar la calidad de los servicios para todos.

La encuesta familiar del NCI finaliza el 30 de junio de 2024. Si tiene preguntas sobre la encuesta o desea solicitar una invitación en línea o una copia impresa de la encuesta en inglés u otros idiomas, envíenos un correo electrónico a DDD.NCI@dhs.nj.gov.

June 3 Reminder to Providers! NCI State of the Workforce Survey Ongoing Through June 30

The National Core Indicators® State of the Workforce Survey is open through June 30, 2024 and participation by as many eligible providers as possible is critical to ensure valid results. Please note in previous years NCI has granted extensions to the response deadline but has indicated extensions will not be granted to states going forward.

Email invitations were sent to eligible DDD providers – to the provider email address on file in iRecord – in March, with follow-up invitations sent in April.

If your agency has not received an invitation to participate, please contact DDD.NCI@dhs.nj.gov as soon as possible.

The data collected through this annual survey helps us examine and respond to challenges in New Jersey’s Direct Support Professional workforce serving adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. To learn more, visit National Core Indicators® or see our NCI State of the Workforce Overview.

May 29 , 2024 Sent on Behalf of NJ Transit: Spring 2024 Access Link Customer Satisfaction Survey

If you use Access Link paratransit service, NJ Transit wants your feedback! NJ Transit invites Access Link paratransit users to complete the Spring 2024 Access Link Customer Satisfaction Survey. The survey can be completed on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smart phone.

People who complete the Access Link survey and provide their contact information will earn 250 NJ Transit (NJT) Rewards points and will also be entered into an NJ Transit drawing to win a Free Monthly Pass or $100 Gift Card. 

NJ Transit is grateful for your participation!

May 29, 2024 Enviado en nombre de NJ Transit: Encuesta de satisfacción al cliente de Access Link, primavera de 2024

Si utiliza el servicio de paratránsito Access Link, NJ Transit desea saber su opinión. NJ Transit invita a los usuarios de paratránsito de Access Link a completar la Encuesta de Satisfacción al Cliente de Access Link, Primavera de 2024. La encuesta se puede completar en una computadora de sobremesa, portátil, tableta o teléfono inteligente.

Las personas que completen la encuesta de Access Link y proporcionen su información de contacto, ganarán 250 puntos de NJ Transit (NJT) Rewards y también participarán en un sorteo de NJ Transit para ganar un pase mensual gratuito o una tarjeta de regalo de $100 dólares.

¡NJ Transit le agradece su participación!

May 15, 2024 May Information Sessions on DDD Self-Directed Employee Models

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) offers two Self-Directed Employee (SDE) models that individuals interested in self-directing some or all of their services can choose: the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Model administered by Public Partnerships, LLC, and the Agency with Choice Model administered by Easterseals NJ. We are happy to once again share the following virtual opportunities to learn about these two models. 

Public Partnerships Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Model Information Session

Easterseals NJ Agency with Choice (AwC) Model Information Session

To learn more about self-directed services and the two models available through DDD, visit our Self-Directed Services webpage.

April 29, 2024 NCI State of the Workforce Survey

The National Core Indicators® State of the Workforce Survey is open through June 30, 2024 and participation by as many eligible providers as possible is critical to ensure valid results. Email invitations were sent to eligible DDD providers – to the provider email address on file in iRecord – on March 5, with follow-up invitations sent on April 26.

If your agency has not received an invitation to participate, please contact DDD.NCI@dhs.nj.gov as soon as possible.

The data collected through this annual survey helps us examine and respond to challenges in New Jersey’s Direct Support Professional workforce serving adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. To learn more, visit National Core Indicators® or see our NCI State of the Workforce Overview.

April 29, 2024 New May 10 Webinar on NJ SNAP And DFD Programs

On Friday, May 10, 2024, the DDD Office of Education on Self-Directed Services is collaborating with the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development (DFD) to host a webinar about programs available through DFD, including NJ SNAP and WorkFirst NJ. While the information is geared toward individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families, all are welcome to attend.

April 23, 2024 Policy Manual Updates

The Division of Developmental Disabilities has updated the policy and procedure manuals for our Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, the Community Care Program and Supports Program. You will find a summary of changes on page two of each manual, and a detailed overview will be provided at the next DDD Update Webinar on April 25 (Register Now).

The April 2024 release includes a new policy section that may affect a small number of individuals ages 18 through 21. Please review and share DDD’s Information Bulletin on Limited Circumstances Where a Person Ages 18 through 21 May Receive Division Services.

April 3, 2024 DHS Public Notice of Rule Adoptions

A Notice of Readoption with Amendments of N.J.A.C. 10:46D, Contribution to Care and Maintenance Requirements, and an Administrative Change to N.J.A.C. 10:46D-3.2 were published on the New Jersey Department of Human Services Rule Adoptions page on April 1, 2024.

April 1, 2024 DHS OPIA Bulletin - Resume Normal Employee Onboarding

With an increased availability of fingerprinting appointments, the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Program Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) will be returning to normal onboarding requirements for direct support professionals and self-directed employees effective April 15, 2024. OPIA will continue the temporary clearance process until then.

Effective April 15, 2024, new hires must complete onboarding requirements prior to employment, and OPIA’s Employment Controls and Compliance Unit (ECCU) will no longer process emergency requests for hire. For employees who have already begun employment based on emergency approval prior to April 15, 2024, employers have until June 15, 2024 to complete criminal background checks via fingerprinting.

Please review the April 1 DHS Information Bulletin, Updated Employee Onboarding Requirements.

March 28, 2024 Family Networking Sessions Spring 2024 Schedule is Here!

The DDD Office of Education on Self-Directed Services hosts networking sessions for people and families who are, or are interested in, self-directing some or all their DDD-funded services.

The first spring session is in-person on Wednesday, April 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bergen Community College. Advance registration is required and location details are available when you register.

Register Now for April 3 Bergen County Family Networking Session

See the full schedule and register for upcoming sessions (April through June): Family Networking Sessions Spring 2024

March 18, 2024 Updated Division Circular on Medicaid Fruad, Waste, and Abuse

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is required by federal law to establish written policy about the prevention, detection, and reporting of Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse, which must include detailed information about the federal and state laws that govern it. An updated Division Circular 54 (DC54), Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Section 6032, Policy on Fraud, Waste and Abuse, replaces the previous DC54 issued in November 2008 and is available on the Division Circulars page of the DDD website.

The updates to DC54 reflect legal and other changes since November 2008, and are summarized below:

  • The addition of the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act, which became effective in 2021.
  • Updates to reflect the transition of the Medicaid Fraud Division to the Office of the State Comptroller.
  • Updates to criminal and administrative penalties within the various laws summarized in the circular.
  • Updates to websites for reporting suspected fraud, waste, and abuse.
  • Updates to reflect the transition from the Community Care Waiver to the Community Care Program, and the addition of the Supports Program.
  • Various edits for grammar and simplicity.
March 13, 2024 Join Us for the Next Peer-to-Peer Networking Session, Coming in April!

Hosted by the DDD Office of Education on Self-Directed Services, Peer-to-Peer Networking Sessions are an opportunity for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) who are self-directing some or all their DDD-funded services to meet their peers, share resources, and discuss their experiences with self-direction.

Adults with IDD who are self-directing or are interested in learning more about self-direction are welcome to attend. Be sure to register in advance!

Tuesday, April 16, 2024
6 – 7:30 p.m. on Zoom
Register for April 16 Peer-to-Peer Networking Session

Download/Share the Flyer

Feb. 28, 2024 UPDATE! START Services RFP

The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has rescinded the Request for Proposals (RFP) originally released on January 31, 2024, titled START Services NJ: Development of Mobile Crisis Prevention and Response Program(s) to Serve People with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability and Co-Occurring Mental Health Needs Based on the National START Model.

A replacement RFP was released on February 28, 2024, titled START Services NJ: Development of a Mobile Crisis Prevention and Intervention Program to Serve People with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability and Co-occurring Mental Health Needs in Southern New Jersey Based on the National START Model.

The successful bidder will partner with the National Center for START Services™ to develop one mobile crisis prevention and intervention program, consisting of a clinical team and therapeutic coaching team, to serve adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs who live in the southern region of New Jersey (as defined in the RFP).

The Notice of Funding Availability and Request for Proposals: START Services NJ are posted on the DHS Request for Proposals/Information webpage. The deadline to submit questions is March 13, 2024 and the deadline for proposal submissions is April 17, 2024.

Feb. 22, 2024 National Core Indicators (NCI) Surveys - We need your input!

Annual NCI State of the Workforce Survey
In March 2024, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) will email an NCI State of the Workforce Survey invitation to eligible provider agencies who employ Direct Support Professionals. The invitation will be sent to the provider email address on file in iRecord and will include a link and instructions to complete the NCI State of the Workforce Survey for 2023.

The NCI State of the Workforce Survey will be open through June 30, 2024, and participation by as many eligible providers as possible is critical to ensure valid results. To learn more, visit National Core Indicators or see our NCI State of the Workforce Overview.

Annual NCI In-Person Survey
DDD is continuing to conduct the NCI In-Person Survey for individuals 21 and older who are receiving at least one DDD-funded service in addition to Support Coordination. The 2023-2024 In-Person Survey will be administered through June 30, 2024. To learn more, please see our NCI Survey Overview.

Questions about the NCI State of the Workforce Survey or In-Person Surveys? Email us at DDD.NCI@dhs.nj.gov.

Feb. 22, 2024 REMINDER! DDD Resource Team Offering Choking Prevention Awareness Activities Throughout March

March 28th is National Choking Awareness Day, making March a great time to put a spotlight on choking risks and prevention. The DDD Resource Team has dedicated March 2024 to raising awareness about the risk of choking for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and best practices for preventing choking.

In-person workshops are being held for provider agency staff and self-directed employees at various DDD Community Services office locations on March 6, 13, 20, and 27. And virtual trainings, open to anyone, are available throughout the month. To see a full schedule of events and to register, please visit our Health and Safety webpage.

Feb. 12, 2024 Family Networking Session Canceled, will be Rescheduled

Due to tomorrow’s weather forecast, the Family Networking Session scheduled for Tuesday, February 13 at the Burlington County Library has been canceled and tentatively rescheduled to Wednesday, February 28. Everyone registered for the Feb. 13 session will be automatically registered for the new date and receive an updated registration confirmation.

Revised information will be posted on the Office of Education on Self-Directed Services webpage, and questions may be sent to DDD.OESDS@DHS.NJ.GOV.

Feb. 12, 2024 DDD Resource Team Dedicates Month of March to Choking Awareness

March 28th is National Choking Awareness Day, making next month a great time to put a spotlight on choking risks and prevention. The DDD Resource Team has dedicated March 2024 to raising awareness about the risk of choking for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), regardless of diet texture or consistency. In-person trainings will be held for provider staff and self-directed employees at various DDD Community Services office locations on March 6, 13, 20, and 27. And virtual trainings, open to anyone, will be held throughout the month. Please visit our Health and Safety webpage or download the 2024 Choking Awareness Month Flyer for more information and to register (advance registration is required).

Feb. 12, 2024 February Information Sessions on DDD Self-Directed Employee Models

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) offers two Self-Directed Employee (SDE) models that individuals interested in self-directing some or all of their services can choose: the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Model administered by Public Partnerships, LLC, and the Agency with Choice Model administered by Easterseals NJ. We are happy to once again share the following virtual opportunities to learn more about these two models. 

Public Partnerships Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Model Information Session

Easterseals NJ Agency with Choice (AwC) Model Information Session

To learn more about self-directed services and the two models available through DDD, visit our Self-Directed Services webpage.

Feb. 7, 2024: DDD Issues RFP for the Development of Homes to Support People with IDD Transitioning From Nursing Facilities

The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce the release of a new Request for Proposal (RFP), To Support the Development of Homes for People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Transitioning from Nursing Facilities and Other Qualified Institutions.

Successful bidders will develop new residential opportunities to support people to move from nursing facilities into community-based residential homes. Funds provided will be used to develop new sites or enhance existing sites to provide accessibility and other modifications that are needed to facilitate appropriate supports for a person who is moving from a nursing facility or other qualified institution.  

The Notice of Funding Availability and Request for Proposal are posted on the DHS Grants, RFPs, Public Notices webpage. The deadline to submit questions is February 22, 2024, and the deadline for proposal submissions is May 1, 2024.

Feb. 1, 2024: DD Issues RFP for Development of Two Regional START Model Mobile Crisis Prevention and Response Teams

The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce the release of a new Request for Proposals (RFP), START Services NJ: Development of Mobile Crisis Prevention and Response Programs to Serve People with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability and Co-occurring Mental Health Needs Based on the National START Model.

Successful bidders will partner with the National Center for START Services™ to develop up to two programs consisting of a clinical team and therapeutic coaching team – with one program serving the southern region and the other serving the northern region of New Jersey. 

The Notice of Funding Availability and Request for Proposals: START Services NJ are posted on the DHS Grants, RFPs, Public Notices webpage. The deadline to submit questions is February 14, 2024, and the deadline for proposal submissions is March 20, 2024.

Jan. 30, 2024: Revised Behavior Management Committee (BMC) Referral Form and New BMC Helpdesk

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Office of Risk Management recently updated its Behavior Management Committee Referral Form and has developed an accompanying Behavior Management Committee FAQ. A dedicated Behavior Management Committee Helpdesk has also been established, where referral forms and other information can be submitted. Effective immediately, all BMC referrals as well as BMC related information and questions can be emailed to DDD.BMC@dhs.nj.gov.

The updated form is available in the Provider Toolkit section of the DDD Provider Information webpage. A webinar training about the BMC and use of the referral form is in development and expected to be available soon.

Jan. 26, 2024: Webinar on Addressing Enhanced Needs Form

This webinar overview of best practices for using and implementing the Addressing Enhanced Needs Form is a collaborative effort of DDD’s Support Coordination Unit and
Provider Performance and Monitoring Clinical Services Unit. The target audience is support coordination and provider agency staff, but anyone may register to attend.

Title: Support Coordination Agency and Provider Partnerships: Using the Addressing Enhanced Needs Form in Plan Development

Day: Monday, Jan. 29, 2024
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Register now for Jan. 29 Addressing Enhanced Needs Form Webinar

Jan. 26, 2024: Upcoming Networking Opportunities for Individuals and Families Self-Directing Their Services

The DDD Office of Education on Self-Directed Services (OESDS) is hosting the following networking events for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and families who are or are interested in self-directing some or all their DDD-funded services.

In-Person Self-Direction Family Networking Sessions
Advance registration is required, and online registration is now available!

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 12 to 2 pm at the NJ DDD Freehold Office: Register for March 12 Session

Past Updates and Announcements

DDD News 2023

DDD News 2022

DDD News 2021