Direct Support Professional II Microcredential

There is limited funded through a grant program with OPWDD (NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) that supports qualified participation in this microcredential. Qualified students taking this microcredential may be eligible for Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Completers when grant funds are depleted.

Designed to be meaningful, high-quality education programs to verify, validate and attest to specific skill sets and competencies of an individual, microcredential programs differ from degree and certificate programs in that they are generally offered in shorter or more flexible time spans with a narrow focus.

The Direct Support Professional 2 (DSP2) microcredential empowers students to demonstrate competency in several key areas, including understanding healthcare organization structures and functions, the importance of case management skills, and improving students’ capabilities in research, information literacy awareness, and written and oral communication.

In addition to working with individuals with developmental disabilities, direct support professionals may work in childcare centers, day treatment programs for persons with mental illness, residential treatment facilities, eldercare and respite programs, jails, alternative correction programs, short-and long-term rehabilitation centers, crisis centers, day habilitation programs, assisted living/skilled nursing facilities and other human service settings. The Direct Support Professional 2 microcredential provides training to increase the potential for advancement within these organizations.

Courses: HUS 107, Intro to Case Management; HCM 101, Intro to Health Care Management; ENG 101, Research and Composition.

Courses are offered in a variety of formats to accommodate the schedules of all students, including adults with work commitments, those affiliated with the military, and students seeking a skillset who are not yet ready for a full academic program. This is a credit-bearing credential in which students will earn 9 credits aligned with Jefferson’s Human Services degree program and all credits are transferrable to popular transfer institutions such as SUNY Brockport, SUNY Potsdam, and Keuka College.

When you complete the Direct Support Professional 2 microcredential, you will be able to: 

• Articulate strategic challenges in health services organizations.
• Identify key stakeholders in health service organizations.
• Master case management skills, including documentation and service coordination throughout the continuum of care.
• Develop proficiency in maintaining client records and adhering to record-keeping standards.
• Enhance analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Research and construct compelling arguments.
• Refine written and oral communication for effective engagement.