The apprentice, support from skills mentor, employer, or supervisor will gain a basic understanding, knowledge, skills and attitudes related to the role of the direct support professional, the organization’s mission, vision, and core values, and the expectations for a safe, healthy, ethical, and supportive work environment, and the importance of observing, recording, and monitoring of key participant, staff, and organizational events, activities, and accomplishments. The employer can support this orientation and foundational learning by the apprentice by using the following competencies: Participant Empowerment, Advocacy, Documentation, Providing Person-Centered Supports, and Supporting Health and Wellness.

A. Orientation to the role of the Direct Support Professional 1.) Job description and requirements; 2.) Expectations and needs of individual(s) receiving support; 3.) Overview and fulfillment of employer’s mission, core values, and philosophy of support service; 4.) Employer history and policies and procedures; 5.) Co-worker, mentor and supervisory relationships; 6.) Employer’s networks (for DSPs directly employed by service participant); 7.) Organizational support including access to mentors, supervisors, and employee assistance programs; and 8.) Overview of ongoing regular meetings, social activities, and other employer recognition events. B. Overview of specialized and technical knowledge unique to the work environment 1.) Characteristics of the individual(s) served and consideration of diagnostic issues (e.g., overview of developmental disabilities, behavioral health, child development /welfare, fragile elders, substance A. Orientation to the role of the Direct Support Professional 1.) Job description and requirements; 2.) Expectations and needs of individual(s) receiving support; 3.) Overview and fulfillment of employer’s mission, core values, and philosophy of support service; 4.) Employer history and policies and procedures; 5.) Co-worker, mentor and supervisory relationships; 6.) Employer’s networks (for DSPs directly employed by service participant); 7.) Organizational support including access to mentors, supervisors, and employee assistance programs; and 8.) Overview of ongoing regular meetings, social activities, and other employer recognition events. B. Overview of specialized and technical knowledge unique to the work environment 1.) Characteristics of the individual(s) served and consideration of diagnostic issues (e.g., overview of developmental disabilities, behavioral health, child development /welfare, fragile elders, substance