2023 Workforce Sustainability Incentive Program
Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Lucas DD) is investing $1,000,000 in our providers to offset increased costs due to the DSP and nursing shortage. As a member of our local provider community, you are at the forefront of the ongoing DSP staffing crisis. Providers and DSPs are working every day to make sure people are healthy, safe, and receiving the services they need. Lucas DD recognizes and appreciates the incredible work being done by our DSPs and our providers.
It is important that we continue to empower providers during this time, so the Board has decided to continue the Workforce Sustainability Incentive Program for agency providers for non-Medicaid reimbursable costs as highlighted below. This program is an initiative to help offset increased costs of responding to the current staffing crisis and to supplement the marketing of open positions that we are doing through the LCBDD website.
Reimbursement can be requested for approved funds, as outlined below, on a first come first served basis.
Unused funds from one time-period to the next will roll-over to next quarter. Monthly forms must be received by the 15th of the following month.
To request reimbursement, please complete the Workforce Sustainability Incentive Program Form and include the required supporting documentation for the corresponding reimbursement item listed below. Requests will be approved by Lucas DD within two weeks, and checks will be issued from Lucas County. Agency providers can request multiple reimbursements, but we ask you to limit requests to one request form per month. Lucas DD will evaluate this program each quarter to determine impact and/or if we need to shift incentives.
Funds must be used to support DSPs and nursing staff that are serving individuals in Lucas County who also receive services from Lucas DD. If you have a specific request that falls outside the guidelines above or any questions related to WSIP, please email DSPApplicants@lucasdd.org.
This initiative is only one piece of the solution. There is no quick or simple fix to this crisis as providers and county boards of DD across Ohio confront staffing shortages right now. We continue to partner with providers, other county boards, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and our statewide trade associations on long-term solutions to the DSP crisis. We’ll continue to work closely with our local providers to respond to your needs, support your work, and improve services for people with developmental disabilities in our community.
There are six main categories for reimbursement: 1. DSP New Hire Training; 2. Nursing Grant Funds; 3. DSP Longevity Add-On; 4. Student Work Incentive; 5. Half-Time Reimbursement; 6. Background Check Reimbursement.
DSP New Hire Training
Lucas DD will reimburse a DODD waiver certified agency provider a flat rate of $700 per DSP hired after 03/1/22 and working in the field as a DSP after 180 days. This flat rate covers training costs, background checks, and the DSPs time taken to complete this work. Following 180 days of employment, the hiring agency will confirm with Lucas DD that the newly-hired employee has retained employment during those 180 days.
At that time, reimbursement will be made.
Supporting Documentation Requested
- Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program Request Form
- Documentation trainings were completed
- Documentation of hire date for new employee
- Must be established at Lucas County Vendor
- 180-Day confirmation of continued employment
Nursing Grant Funds
The nursing grant funds will cover up to 30% of the gross payroll costs or contracted personnel costs associated with nursing services a DODD waiver certified agency incurs. Claimed nursing services cannot be reimbursable by any other grant or program, such as Medicaid Waiver Nursing or Waiver Delegated Nursing through the Department of Medicaid. ICF/IID’s are not eligible for this reimbursement.
Supporting Documentation Requested
- Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program Request Form
- Must be established at Lucas County Vendor
- Agency payroll records showing hours/gross wages paid for each staff providing nursing services, OR;
- Copy of paid invoice paid to contracted nursing staff/agency.
- A copy of nursing license which corresponds to payroll or contract invoice agency is claiming
DSP Longevity Add-On*
The longevity add-on allows an additional $1.56 to each hour billed of HPC. To be eligible for the add on, a DSP must have at least two years working in the DD field and have completed 60 hours of CEUs through DirectCourse. For DSPs that meet these criteria, Lucas DD will offer a reimbursement of $900 to cover the cost of the employee’s time completing the coursework. If a DSP works for more than one agency, they are only eligible for the reimbursement one time. Funds are to be paid out to the DSP through agency payroll and will be reimbursed by Lucas DD.
Supporting Documentation Requested
- Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program Request Form
- Direct Course transcript detailing 60 hours of completed coursework
- Employment Experience Form
- Must be established at Lucas County Vendor
- Agency payroll report or staff check stub confirming funds paid to employee
Student Work Incentive
If a DSP, currently enrolled as a student at University of Toledo, Lourdes University, Bowling Green State University, Owens Community College, Davis College, Stautzenberger College or other college/university approved by Superintendent, works 200 hours per semester (spring or fall) in Lucas County, they will be eligible for $1,000 toward their respective college tuition paid directly to the higher education college the following semester. The DSP Higher Education Incentive Form will be accepted after enrollment for the semester. Once the DSP Higher education Incentive Form is submitted, an email will be sent to the students email address provided on the form with the determination of the approval. Student must have worked for a DODD waiver certified agency.
Supporting Documentation Requested
- DSP Higher Education Incentive Form
- Payroll detailing 200 hours of DSP work at a DODD waiver certified agency
- College or University quarter/semester grades (to show completion of courses- no minimum grade qualifications)
Half Time Reimbursement*
Due to the DSP workforce crisis, many DSPs are working excessive hours. Lucas DD will reimburse a DODD waiver certified agency providers for the half-time paid to DSPs as this is not reimbursable by Medicaid.
Supporting Documentation Requested
- Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program Request Form
- Agency payroll detailing OT paid to DSPs
- Provider OT Worksheet
- Must be established at Lucas County Vendor
Background Check Reimbursement
This reimbursement is issued to help offset hiring costs for DODD Certified Waiver Agencies initial background checks for new hires.
Supporting Documentation Requested
- Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program Request Form
- Receipt from a valid authorized Background Check company showing payment issued
- Must be established at Lucas County Vendor
*Adult Day/Employment services providers are not eligible for reimbursement for overtime or DSP longevity add-on.
Providers who are not currently in the Lucas County system as a vendor are encouraged to begin the process right away so there is no delay in reimbursement. Click here to start the vendor creation process.
If you have questions, please email DSPApplicants@lucasdd.org. We are here to help, please reach out to us!