Empowerment and Advocacy

<div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-27 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"> The DSW provides advocacy, and empowers and assists individuals to advocate for what they need. Helps the individual set goals, make informed choices, and follow-through on responsibilities. Supports the individual to advocate for themselves by encouraging the individual to speak on their own behalf Supports the individual to get needed services, support and resources. Assists the individual get past barriers to get needed services. Tells the individual and his or her family their rights and how they are protected.

Intro to HCBS for DSWs: How I get paid and why

Course ID: 1125562

Intro to HCBS for DSWs: How I get paid and why

This module provides an overview of the Medicaid HCBS system, including key policies, programs, and organizations. It also explains the agency-based and self-directed care models. Final settings rules and the role of the person-centered care plan are also covered.

Learning Objectives

Describe the history, goals, and structure of the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program
Define the different organizations, roles, and people involved in the HCBS delivery system, including your role as a Direct Support Worker (DSW).
Apply the HCBS Settings Final Rule to your practice as a DSW
Understand the role of the Person-Centered Service/Support Plan (PCSP) in guiding a person’s supports and your work as a DSW
Compare agency-based services and self-directed services

CMS Competencies

Education, Training and Self-Developmentksdsw@tthree.org2025-04-15T22:34:12-05:00

Education, Training and Self-Development

The DSW obtains and maintains necessary certifications, and seeks opportunities to improve their skills and work practices through further education and training.

Completes training and continues to develop skills and seek certification.
Seeks feedback from many sources and uses to improve work performance and skills.
Learns and stays current with technology used for documentation, communication and other work activities.

Person-Centered Practicesksdsw@tthree.org2025-10-14T15:26:26-05:00

Person-Centered Practices

The DSW uses person-centered practices, assisting individuals to make choices and plan goals, and provides services to help individuals achieve their goals.

Helps design services or support plans based on the choices and goals of the individual
supported, and involves the individual in the process.
Builds collaborative, professional relationships with the individual and others on the support team.
Provides supports and services that help the individual achieve their goals.
Participates as an active member of service or support team.
Works in partnership with the individual to track progress toward goals and adjust services as needed and desired by individual.
Gathers and reviews information about an individual to provide quality services.
Completes and submits documentation of services on time.

Take Training

Test Out Course ID: 1125563

Test-Out Version

To test out of this module:

You must pass a competency exam by 90% or more.
You only get one attempt to pass the competency exam.
You must answer all questions.
If you pass the competency exam, you will earn the certificate for this module without having to complete the training.
If you do not pass the competency exam, you will have to complete the full training module to earn the certificate for this module.
There is no penalty for attempting the test-out exam and not passing.

Test-Out Training

Preview Course ID: 1127290