All online training for KSDSW will be on TRAIN.org. You must register for an account on TRAIN, consult “Create Your Account” user guide for more information.
Click on the training title below to view details and additional resources.
COURSE ID: 1127092
Welcome: Kansas DSW Training Program
Complete this prerequisite module before taking other DSW trainings. The “Welcome” module has a short questionnaire and does not have a competency exam.
Course ID: 1125562
Overview of the Medicaid HCBS system, key policies, programs, and organizations
Course ID: 1122396
Explore legal requirements, professional standards, and ethical decision-making basics
Course ID: 1116521
Overview of the historical treatment of people with disabilities and disability rights
Course ID: 1127718
Understand burnout, how to spot the signs, prevent it by setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and practicing self-care
Course ID: 1124788
Understand why people behave the way they do, recognize what might affect their behavior, and how to document observations
Course ID: 1125544
Learn how to use positive behavior support techniques, de-escalation strategies for challenging behaviors, and managing behaviors
Course ID: 1123814
Overview of managing dual diagnoses in child and adolescents
Course ID: 1127755
Discuss dual diagnoses in people with mental health and cognitive impairments
Course ID: 1128705
Explore different communication methods, devices, and different communication abilities (nonverbal, hard of hearing, etc.) is also included.
Course ID: 1133307
Recognize signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) and reporting procedures and best practices
Course ID: 1130094
Outline professional, respectful communication and strategies for problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
Course ID: 1129048
Explains self-determination and ways to support individuals in advocating for their needs, setting goals, and making choices.
Course ID: 1128710
Learn strategies to help consumers make informed decisions using support techniques and self-advocacy skills. Consumer rights and protections under guardianship laws are also covered.
Course ID: 1132283
Overview of Alzheimer's and other dementias, strategies for managing cognitive and behavioral changes, reducing challenging behaviors, and ensuring safety and well-being
Course ID: 1132286
Examine the importance of social connections for health and well-being and strategies for facilitating social connection
Course ID: 1128805
Overview of the causes and consequences of brain injury, managing behavioral challenges, and strategies for supporting cognitive needs and memory functions
Course ID: 1128857
Overview of the causes and consequences of brain injury, managing behavioral challenges, and strategies for supporting cognitive needs and memory functions
Course ID: 1130099
Overview of safe lifting technique, proper use of transfer equipment, and how to collaborate with family members on safe transfers
Course ID: 1132281
Discuss symptoms and signs of common health conditions, illness, and injury. It also includes how to report health changes and emergencies.
Course ID: 1132293
Cover common medications, strategies for medication compliance, responding to missed doses, and identifying when medical attention or a medication review is needed
Course ID: 1132288
Cover common medical devices, assisting with device use and maintenance, and how to recognize device malfunctions
Course ID: 1132291
Prevent and treat infection, recognizing signs of infection, strategies like proper hand hygiene, PPE use, and sterilizing equipment
Course ID: 1128712
Provide an overview to preparing and responding to emergencies (power outages, weather events, etc.). It includes basic first aid steps and emergency response procedures.
Course ID: 1130509
Review social determinants of health (poverty, education, housing, etc.) and how to identify community resources to address health disparities
Course ID: 1128431
Provide an overview of how to support participant employment through activities of daily living assistance
Course ID: 1130101
Cover different types of diet, how to help participants eat safely, and the importance of letting people make their own food choices
Course ID: 1130101
Discuss best practices for supporting healthy sexuality and relationships among aging or cognitively impaired individuals
Course ID: 1130313
Address and correct myths and biases around sexuality and aging and explores strategies for navigating situations related to consent, dementia, and family dynamics
Course ID: 1131273
Discusses balancing dignity of risk with duty of care and identifying when to step in to help someone stay safe
Course ID: 1132594
Prepare DSWs for what to expect when a participant is in hospice/palliative care, caregiving approaches, and strategies for grief management
Additional Training Opportunities
Supplemental Trainings
Below is a list of supplemental training opportunities available to Kansas Direct Support Workers (DSWs) and other HCBS stakeholders. While not officially part of the KS DSW Training Program, these resources can help those providing or receiving care expand their knowledge and skills.
Free training available
IntellectAbility
Direct support professionals (DSPs) are eligible for free training to help them identify and prevent common health problems in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
IDD-specific health and safety training topics:
- The Fatal Five — the top preventable causes of illness and death in people with IDD
- Choking prevention and management specifically for people with IDD
- How to identify common adverse behavioral patterns that indicate underlying medical conditions
- Person-centered thinking skills and techniques to support people with IDD
- Physical and nutritional support
Who’s eligible
The training is for all direct support workers and those in similar entry-level positions.
How to enroll
Contact Brianna Guice, Healthy Blue Workforce Development Manager, to enroll or learn more.
Free training available
Direct Course
DirectCourse is a training platform that offers evidence-based courses, designed by industry experts. DirectCourse uses its own learning management system, Elsevier, to deliver an expanded suite of online curricula designed to enhance skills and knowledge for professionals in human services and healthcare.
Key features:
- DirectCourse was developed in partnership with university centers supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.
- It offers a combination of custom courses, externally sourced content, and free resources.
- It includes College of Direct Supports, College of Employment Services, College of Personal Assistance and Caregiving, College of Recovery and Community Inclusion, Person-Centered Counseling Training Program, and frontline supervisor training
Who’s eligible
The training is for all direct support workers and those in similar entry-level positions. Frontline supervisor training is also available specifically for those in supervisory roles.
How to enroll
Contact Brianna Guice, Healthy Blue Workforce Development Manager, to enroll or learn more.
Free training available
Skills System
The Skills System is a user-friendly set of skills designed to help people of various ages and abilities manage their emotions effectively. Regulating our emotions enables us to be present in the moment and be more effective, even in stressful situations. The Skills System helps us be aware of our current moment, think through the situation, and take goal-directed actions that align with our values.
Key benefit:
Skills System helps us coregulate, allowing us to work collaboratively with other people to manage emotions. When we, and the people around us, know the Skills System, we share a common language. We are able to connect and give and receive effective skills coaching. These interactions often lead to growth and development for us and the people around us. In many settings, we may find ourselves working against each other, rather than together, to manage emotions. Thankfully, the Skills System provides an integrated skill set that enables us to self-regulate and coregulate more effectively.
Who’s eligible
The training is for all direct support workers and those in similar entry-level positions.
How to enroll
Contact Brianna Guice, Healthy Blue Workforce Development Manager, to enroll or learn more.
Free training available
ACR KS – Mobile Application Training Video for Workers
This training is for all employees and direct support workers using the Authenticare mobile app electronic visit verification (EVV) system in Kansas.
This will train workers:
- how to download the mobile app
- navigate the online dashboard
- clock in and out
Who’s eligible
The training is for all direct support workers and those in similar entry-level positions.
How to enroll
Follow the link and register an account when prompted.
Free training available
Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-Directed HCBS
This training is designed to help people who self-direct their home and community-based services and those who support them. It helps individuals learn how to find, recruit, hire, and manage direct support workers.
The training is divided into six modules including:
- understanding self-directed supports
- finding the right DSW
- selecting and hiring
- welcoming and training new DSWs
- supporting professionalism
- recognizing and managing stress/burnout
Who’s eligible
This training is for all individuals who self-direct home and community-based services, their family members, and others who are authorized to provide support. However, anyone can view the training content.
How to enroll
All trainings are available for free by following the link.
Free training available
HCBS Settings Final Rule 101
This training will provide a basic understanding of Medicaid home and community – based waiver services (HCBS) and the HCBS Settings Final Rule in Kansas. This course meets the training requirement of the HCBS Settings Ongoing Monitoring Compliance Policy.
Who’s eligible
Any home or community-based setting provider.
How to enroll
Register an account on Kansas TRAIN. Once registered search, “KDADS: HCBS Waivers Settings Final Rule 101 (1125923).”
