As every OPRA member knows, Direct Support Professionals are in high demand.  Almost every agency has openings for DSP’s and current staff are working lots of overtime to fill the gaps.

 

Ohio is expanding its list of In-Demand Jobs.  This list helps drive state and federal investments in Ohio’s workforce.   Will you please help us in adding Direct Support Professionals to this list?

 

Below is an article that was recently in Gongwer:

 

The state is surveying Ohio businesses to gather feedback for the creation of a new list of in-demand jobs.

 

Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who directs InnovateOhio and the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, announced the launch of the survey Friday.

 

"Ohio's In-Demand Jobs List is one of the most important tools we have to direct our workforce development efforts," Gov. DeWine said in a statement. "No matter where we are in Ohio, we hear from businesses that they can't find people for the positions that need to be filled. By partnering with businesses on this survey, we hope to create a better In-Demand Jobs List and better tailor job training programs."

 

The in-demand jobs list directs the spending of 85% of federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act training funds. The state has previously chosen to survey employers to ensure the state programs support businesses.

 

"We want to be sure that the needs of Ohio businesses are reflected in the In-Demand Jobs List so that training dollars are invested towards actually putting people to work," Lt. Gov. Husted said. "We've heard the concerns of business leaders, we've built a system that fits their needs, and now we need their help by filling out the survey, so we can invest in developing people with the skills that are most in demand."

 

The previous system only invited the largest businesses in each industry, while the updated survey is open to all Ohio businesses.

 

Please take a moment to complete the survey, which you can find here.    You will be requested to submit your email address, name, company name, and federal employer identification number and then you will receive a survey access code by email.  Once you enter the access code, you will be asked to create an individual job forecast for each job title you intend to hire in the next 1-5 years, including the type of education, experience level, certification and skills required.

 

Thank you in advance for helping us send a message to Ohio’s leaders and policymakers that the Direct Support Profession is an In-Demand Job, too!