Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is investing $250,000 in our providers to offset increased costs due to the DSP shortage. 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 Lucas DD website.
Link: WSIP Frequently Asked Questions
Reimbursement can be requested for approved funds as outlined below on first come first served basis. There is a reimbursement request limit of $3,500 per provider per submission. The $1,000 Student Work Incentive does not count toward the $3,500 limit as that goes directly to the school. The program will end for the year once $250,000 in total have been dispersed.
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 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 the workforce sustainability reimbursement program, please contact DSPApplicants@lucasdd.org for details.
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.
2024 reimbursement categories:
DSP NEW HIRE TRAINING
Lucas DD will reimburse a DODD waiver certified agency provider a flat rate of $700 per DSP hired after 6/1/23 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 required:
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
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 required
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
*Adult Day/Employment services providers are not eligible for DSP longevity add-on.
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 towards 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 required
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)
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 required
Workforce Sustainability Reimbursement Program Request Form
Receipt from a valid authorized Background Check company showing payment issued
Must be established at Lucas County Vendor
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. Here is the link and instructions to start the vendor creation process: https://www.co.lucas.oh.us/3323/Supplier-Registration.
If you have questions, please contact us at DSPApplicants@lucasdd.org.