Changes are coming to the Direct Support Connect website, a key resource for individuals requiring assistance and their supporters. As of June 21, the Department of Human Services confirmed that the job board featured on the site will shut down. This platform once connected care seekers with potential support professionals, streamlining the pairing process. "Effective June 21, 2024, DHS will no longer operate the job board feature on the Direct Support Connect website," as stated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
The decision, which impacts users who rely on the website’s services, arrives amid a series of updates from both the Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) and Disability Services Division (DSD). These bodies delivered their routine bulletin to outline these and other developments in the field of support services.
Moreover, families and advocates associated with Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) should note upcoming focus groups aiming to fine-tune existing programs. Courtenay M. Booker, Event Coordinator for DHS, pointed out that a pair of focus groups remain on schedule. One will cater specifically to the Latinx and Hispanic communities on May 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and a subsequent group for all interested parties on May 23, within the same time slot, as per the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Feedback for these services can also be submitted through a survey, open until May 31.
Staff training opportunities are on the horizon as well, including webinars designed to enhance support plans. "DHS plans to hold quarterly webinars that focus on advanced topics related to support planning," the announcement read. These are slotted for June 26, September 25, and December 18. Individuals who manage waiver cases or work in care coordination roles are the target audience for these educational events.
