Direct Support Professional Microcredentials | SUNY Niagara

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Professional Standards for the Helping Professions Supervisor Microcredential

The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), in partnership with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) and the State University of New York (SUNY), are providing a special grant program that provides full funding for tuition, fees, books, course materials, and NADSP credentialing for those currently working as a supervisor of Direct Support Professionals and have at least six months experience in the role. The online Front Line Supervisor curriculum is hands-on and highly interactive. Successful completion of the Front Line Supervisor microcredential provides:

  1. Six (6) accredited and transferable academic credits that satisfy the instruction content required by the NADSP eBadge Academy and can be applied to future academic certificates and degrees at SUNY Niagara (ex. Human Services Degree) or may be used at other colleges towards degree requirements (check with your college for specific details).
  2. NADSP eBadge Academy requirements for Front Line Supervisor certification;
  3. $1,000 incentive for eligible students who complete the NADSP certification.

This College curriculum is hands-on and highly interactive. Students will receive online academic support where you can earn while you learn.

This microcredential aligns with the educational requirements for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Frontline Supervisor Certification, providing graduates with recognized preparation for advancement in the field.

Upon successful completion of this microcredential, students will be able to:

  • Identify and describe actions for improving cultural competency at work.
  • Define the purpose and scope of supervision in the helping professions.
  • Identify and apply ethical issues in the helping professions.
  • Define the purpose of training and professional development in the helping professions.
  • Identify and apply the key components of performance management.

Microcredential Description: This microcredential is an overview of the role of supervisor in the helping professions. Effective supervision requires a certain level of skill and knowledge to be both appropriate and successful. We will explore the blend between models, theories and principles related to leadership and practical techniques for successful supervision. We will also explore the values and ethics that bind us as professionals. This microcredential is appropriate for newer (a minimum of six months) and experienced supervisors wanting to enhance their skills and provides an internship experience for those hoping to advance in their profession. This microcredential aligns with the accredited education requirements for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professional (NADSP) Frontline Supervisor certification. 

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Courses

HUS 261 Supervision in the Helping Professions (3 credits)

This course is an overview of the role of supervisor in the helping professions. Moving into a position of leadership and authority can be one of the most difficult transitions to make in the workplace. In addition to the new challenges you face and high expectations you must meet, it is imperative that you learn how to effectively communicate, motivate and delegate to achieve success. We will explore the blend between models, theories and principles related to leadership and practical techniques for successful supervision. We will also explore the values and ethics that bind us as professionals. This course is appropriate for new supervisors, those considering supervision, or experienced supervisors wanting to learn more about supervision.

HUS 150 – Crisis Intervention in Human Services (1 credit)

This course will focus on the student’s knowledge and skills needed to intervene in crisis situations within the field of Human Services. Theoretical underpinnings of crisis interventions as well as practical methods of assessing and intervening in crises will be emphasized. The need to assess potential for self-harm or harm to others will also be examined.

HUS 230  Assessment and Documentation in Human Services (1 credit)

This course will focus on the student’s knowledge and skills needed in the methods of psychosocial assessment and documentation within the field of Human Services.   The proper application of ethical and legal principles in documenting and reporting within this field will be emphasized. Additionally, administrative and professional obligations will be reviewed along with an examination of issues of confidentiality and client privacy rights. Recording, saving and retrieving documentation will be examined. Online documentation as well as paper and pencil documentation will be reviewed with an examination of time management issues involved in meeting one’s documentation responsibilities. The components of a psychosocial assessment will be reviewed. How to elicit the needed information to form the psychosocial assessment will be reviewed, including the need to obtain releases for protected information.

HUS 260  Fundamentals of Training (1 credit)

Too often, what we learn ends when we leave the training session. How can we prepare to embrace and practice what is learned? This course offers an overview of the purpose and scope of effective training and the challenges that provide lasting positive results. Key topics include relevance, impact, coaching, consistency, and reinforcement of what was learned.