Since its launch in April 2024, almost 30 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) have completed at least one certification level through The Arc’s DSP Career Ladder program. This program is based on national standards and provides in-depth professional development opportunities for DSPs to enhance their skills and knowledge, grow professionally, and support people with disabilities in new, innovative ways.
After one year, The Arc currently employs 3 DSPs, having achieved Certification Level I, 3 at Certification Level II, and 20 earning Certification Level III. The 26 career ladder participants include DSPs from every department across the enterprise.
The success of this program means more DSPs at The Arc are growing and excelling in their roles, and more people we support are receiving the highest possible quality services.
What is the DSP Career Ladder Program?
The Arc’s DSP Career Ladder Program uses in-person trainings and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals E-Badge Academy to provide professional development, career advancement, and financial incentives to The Arc’s DSPs. There are three levels, DSP-I, DSP-II, and DSP-III, each requiring more than 50 hours of online, hybrid, and in-person training in addition to the standard professional development already required for DSPs at The Arc.
Upon acceptance into the program, DSPs start with a foundational session on the NADSP Code of Ethics, which serves as the program’s guiding framework. Participants then work through various learning activities and earn badges via the NADSP E-Badge Academy. As participants accumulate badges, they progress toward earning a DSP Certification for DSP-I, II, or III. These badges accumulate towards earning a DSP Certification, reflecting both professional growth and hands-on experience in the field.
“The Arc has put many resources in place to make sure employees who seek to further advance their careers are as successful as possible,” said Brandy Stephens, Vice President of People & Culture at The Arc. “The existing training required of all DSPs at The Arc count toward earning these badges, meaning that all DSPs start 25% of the way toward achieving DSP-I.”
Celebrating Career Mobility
The Arc’s NADSP Career Ladder Program is more than just a professional development opportunity—it’s a pathway to personal and career growth. By providing a structured, flexible, and rewarding framework for career advancement, The Arc is empowering DSPs to deliver the highest standards of care while achieving their own professional goals.
“Part of our strategic plan, Leading Boldly, is providing career mobility opportunities for employees, especially DSPs,” says Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “This DSP Career Ladder increases our employees’ skills, recognizes them for their knowledge and experience by increasing their compensation, and means the people we serve will receive even higher quality support.”
Helen Ayomobi, a DSP III, shared her experience in the program, saying:
“The NADSP program is a way of personally developing and to improve on yourself and add to the lives of the people I support. It’s going to give you the tools to make your job easier and better.”
DSPs also enjoy increases to their hourly wages for each certification level they complete. With 3 DSPs at Certification Level I making an extra $1 per hour, 3 DSPs at Certification Level II making an extra $2 per hour, and 20 DSPs at Certification Level III making an extra $3.50 per hour, over the course of the next calendar year, those 26 DSPs will earn around $160,000 more collectively.
“Over the last seven years, the Board of Directors and I have been unwavering in our commitment to professionalizing DSP roles and increasing pay for DSP positions,” said Jonathon. “We value the experience and expertise of our DSPs bring to their work, and are excited to reward those employees who choose to go above and beyond so they can continue providing the highest quality support to the people we serve.
The DSP Career Ladder is a significant investment in the professional development, career mobility, and financial security of The Arc’s DSPs.
Supporting the Future of DSPs
The success of this program reinforces The Arc’s commitment to investing in our people so they can do their best work. By providing structured career growth opportunities and financial incentives, The Arc ensures that DSPs have the support they need to advance in their roles while continuing to make a meaningful impact.
The Arc remains dedicated to offering resources, training, and recognition to our DSPs, empowering them to build long-term, fulfilling careers.
Check out our current DSP openings here.