Workforce shortage resources for people who use services

Alternative ways you can receive support without relying solely on staff who work hourly shifts:

• Life sharing is a relationship-based living arrangement that matches you with an individual or a family who will share their home and life with you. The individual or family will provide a portion of your care so that you do not always have to rely on shift staff. The life-sharing process involves carefully matching people based on shared interests and lifestyles. If you would like more information about the life-sharing matching process and ongoing support options, talk to your care coordinator or tribal or county case manager.
• The use of assistive technology and remote support can increase your independence at home, at work and in the community. View the video, Remote monitoring starts with a conversation, for an example of how to set up technology supports. For more information about available technology and funding, you can talk to your care coordinator or tribal or county case manager, or you can visit Technology Resource Center, Minnesota's Guide to Assistive Technology and the Minnesota STAR program.
• Search city and county and tribal resources webpages for available resources within your own community, such as transportation programs, home maintenance services and delivery services.
• Visit Disability Hub MN - Services and supports for information about natural supports and networks. 

Ways to help raise hourly wages

• Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) is a service option available to you if you receive services under the home and community-based service (HCBS) waivers. CDCS gives you flexibility in service planning and allows you to direct your services, including hiring and managing support staff, within your allotted budget. If you receive services through a HCBS waiver, with the exception of the Elderly Waiver (EW) or Alternative Care (AC) program, and your needs exceed your budget, you might be eligible for the CDCS budget exception, which could increase your CDCS budget by up to 30%. This allows more funds to be available for your support needs, including staffing needs.
• Based on the assessment you received, are you eligible to receive 10 or more hours of personal care assistance (PCA) services per day? If so, your PCA worker(s) might be eligible for an increase in pay and/or benefits through their agency. Your worker(s) will need to complete the required training and work with their agency to access these incentives. More information about this opportunity for your worker(s) is available on the Qualifying for the enhanced rate and/or stipend webpage.
• The Making Your Case manual (PDF) offers tips for effective communication skills in the legislative process and how to influence public policy.

Resources to share with your staff (if you feel comfortable or hire your own staff) to help them meet their basic needs so they can come to work

• Staff may apply for food, cash, emergency, housing and child care assistance through the Minnesota Apply for Benefits webpage.
• Staff will find child care information on the Resources for child care webpage.
• Help Me Connect offers resources for pregnant people and families with children under 8 years old.
• Staff might be able to enroll in public health care programs or advance premium tax credits through MNsure. Free help with applying is available through navigators who can can help in many different languages.

State-sponsored resources to post your job opportunities

• DEED’s Finding Workers and Workforce Assistance webpages have tools and resources to help you find your own staff.
• Direct Support Connect is Minnesota’s dedicated job board and hiring resource for direct support staff, such as PCAs. You can use this tool to create a profile and be connected with nearby staff who have similar interests and schedules.

Resources to recruit people into the health care industry

• CareerForce: Transferable Skills Chart (PDF)
• Video: Human Services Careers in Minnesota – Intro and How to Apply
• Health Care Employee Success Stories
• Working in Health Care FAQ

Find someone who shares your interests

Staff who have common interests with the people they support tend to enjoy their jobs more and stay longer.

If you would like help to identify a good match, ask your care coordinator or tribal or county case manager to set up services with a person-centered planning facilitator. Visit the Person-centered practices webpage for more information and a list of facilitators who serve your region.

Additional tips on how to recruit and retain workers

• University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration: Toolkits to Find, Choose and Keep Great DSPs
• Recruitment and Retention in Supports for Minnesotans with Disabilities: An assessment guide and toolkit (PDF)
• For people who use CDCS, there is a free, online interactive training series on Medicaid.gov for recruiting, selecting and retaining staff.
• Your care coordinator, tribal or county case manager, community members and social networks might recommend additional online or community resources.