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Why do you want to read this newsletter? We all know that one of the biggest challenges our sector faces, and has faced for a while now, is the recruitment and retention of direct support professionals. We likely all remember the Developmental Services Human Resource Strategy, which was developed over 10 years ago to begin addressing this issue, which worsened after the pandemic.

As a result, a second short-term phase has been created – The Developmental Services Workforce Initiative (DSWI). This phase is again a partnership between the Provincial Network on Developmental Services sector and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services with the goal of focusing on the recruitment and retention of a strong, stable, diverse and skilled workforce. However, this has broadened to include families who also hire direct support staff, addressing training and leadership advancement, diversity and mental health and wellness of direct support professionals.

The task groups report to a Steering Committee, which is co-chaired with MCCSS, that helps keep the DSWI on track. A Collaborative Table, comprised of people with lived experience, family members, agency staff and the community, serves as a place to get feedback on ideas.



We’ll bring you tools, tips, opportunities to get involved and more! And, of course, we’ll keep you up to date on the work of the task groups. Make sure you sign up using the link below.

Use the newly improved and easy-to-use marketing toolkit to make a splash with your next recruitment campaign and attract qualified, inspired candidates. 

Engagement Opportunities

MCCSS

• May 28, 2024 @ 7:00 pm Overview of Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion Webinar. A special webinar with Partners for Planning, where MCCSS representatives will have a conversation about Journey to Belonging and answer your questions. This webinar is free and intended for people with developmental disabilities, family members, and caregivers. Click here to register.
• Representatives from MCCSS are also presenting and talking about Journey to Belonging at various conferences and local meetings this Spring to share information and progress. 

Real Exchange

• May 29, 2024 @ 12:00PM Core Competency Café - May Session - Advocacy Competency Presented by the DSWI. Click here to register.
• June 5, 2024 @ 10:00AM Heads Together - Generative AI - Presented by Community Living Essex County Click here to register.
• June 18, 2024 @ 10:00AM Cultivating Community Wellness Chats - Agency Wellness Committees Presented by CCW Community of Practice Click here to register.

DS Workforce Initiative (DSWI) Communication Questions/Comments

Email: Comms.DSWI@ProvincialNetwork.onmicrosoft.com