RCPA Member Emmaus Hosts Press Conference to Thank Legislators and Governor for Budget (Video)
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Webinar on Interpretation vs. SSP Roles and Survey for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Announced
The Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH) is pleased to offer the following webinar on August 28, 2024, from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm entitled “Interpreting vs. SSP: What’s the Difference?” When working with people who are Deaf and use American Sign Language (ASL), non-Deaf professionals can confuse the role of the interpreter and Support Service Provider (SSP). An experienced ASL interpreter and an experienced SSP will discuss their roles and responsibilities. View the flyer for more info!
Please contact ODHH for additional accommodations or info:
ODHH’s email
717-783-4912 v/tty
717-831-1928 videophone
In addition to the webinar, the Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) has issued a community survey to gather feedback from Pennsylvanians who are D/deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind. ACDHH is seeking feedback about the services individuals are getting from their communities, with the goal of developing a strategic plan for future ACDHH advocacy efforts. Each question on the survey is written in English and signed in American Sign Language. If you need help filling out this survey, please contact the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing via email. Don’t delay! The deadline is Friday, September 6, 2024.
Complete the survey here.
Reminder: RCPA Member Webinar on Using Behavioral and Safety Analytics for Financial Sustainability August 28
Registration Now Open for October 10 Employment Symposium & Job Fair
RCPA Submits Comments Advocating for SOC Code for Direct Support Professionals
Yesterday, August 12, RCPA submitted comments to the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on why direct support professionals (DSP) need their own Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. Without one, the unique work that DSPs do will not be captured, and the historically low wages that DSPs make will remain the norm. An SOC will allow for the gathering of legitimate data around wages and for the professionalization of the DSP workforce.
In June, OMB published the Federal Register notice announcing review of the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Manual for possible revision in 2028 and soliciting comments. This notice started the process of reviewing and possibly changing the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Manual for 2028. OMB is analyzing items such as how jobs are classified, the rules for coding them, the main groups of jobs, specific jobs such as public safety tele-communicators and care workers, and adding new types of jobs to the classification system.
We hope that these efforts produce an SOC that captures the essence of the multifaceted work that a DSP does on a daily basis. If you have any questions regarding the comments, contact Carol Ferenz.
2024 DSP Recognition Week is Sept. 8– 14
RCPA Member Webinar on Enhancing Staff Wellbeing to Be Held Sept. 12
OMHSAS PRTF Regulations Webinar Information
The OMHSAS Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health Services presented the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) regulation informational webinar for systems stakeholders.
This webinar highlighted significant sections of the proposed PRTF regulations prior to the public comment period. The proposed PRTF regulation will codify the minimum licensing standards, Medical Assistance (MA) participation requirements, and payment conditions for PRTFs that provide medically necessary behavioral health treatment to children, youth, or young adults under 21 years of age with a behavioral health diagnosis.
RCPA Children’s Residential Services Committee met after the webinar to review these highlights and to begin preparing recommendations. Our committee will continue to meet over the next 60 days in anticipation of the regulations release to develop our public comments, recommendations, and testimony.
If you have any questions or would like to join our committee, please contact RCPA COO and Mental Health Policy Director Jim Sharp. View the webinar recording here.
PA-TRAIN Webinars for LTCFs
The Bureau of Epidemiology will be hosting two webinars for LTCFs related to respiratory virus prevention and outbreak control available on PA-TRAIN. Act 58 CE credits are available and NHA CE credits are pending.
- Wednesday, September 4 @ 1:00 pm: “PA-EPI: LTCF Readiness and Prevention of Respiratory Viruses.” | ID: 1120331
- Wednesday, September 18 @ 1:00 pm: “PA-EPI: LTCF Respiratory Virus Outbreak Control and Response.” | ID: 1121319
Log into your TRAIN account to register. Get your LTCF ready for respiratory season!
ODP Celebrates One-Thousandth PA E-Badge Academy Certificate With SPIN
August 9, 2024
MyODP News Spotlight
ODP Celebrates One-Thousandth PA E-Badge Academy Certificate With SPIN
When Heather Radcliffe of Philadelphia completed her DSP I E-Badge Academy training certificate, she became the thousandth Direct Support Professional in Pennsylvania to do so. To celebrate this milestone in Pennsylvania’s DSP workforce development, the Office of Developmental Programs visited SPIN to present Heather with a signed proclamation of recognition from Governor Josh Shapiro.
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