Massachusetts Is Critically Short of Autism Support Professionals

Massachusetts has a "critical shortage" of direct support professionals (DSPs) to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.

The Arc of Massachusetts, a Waltham-based non-profit, states its mission "is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism and their families."

The organization represents some 200,000 individuals through 17 chapters statewide.

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"We fulfill this through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society," says the group's website.

The Arc of Massachusetts has launched a "statewide workforce recruitment initiative, "With All Your Heart," hoping to "broaden awareness of available DSP roles, the positive impact they have on the community, and encouraging candidates to apply for available positions within any of the Arc's 17 chapter affiliates."

The Association of Development Disabilities Providers (ADDP) says the workforce shortage is so critical that an estimated 2,400 individuals with IDD and autism in Massachusetts are unable to attend day or employment services and are losing out on the benefits of these programs.

ADDP says there is also an undisclosed number of adults waiting for residential or behavioral support services.

The Arc of Massachusetts has positions available statewide, including Bristol and Plymouth counties and Upper Cape Cod. The group is looking to fill such positions as community support specialists, licensed social workers, case managers, registered nurses (RN), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA).

Interested applicants can view the opening and apply for roles at www.workforthearc.org.