Success is dependent upon a quality workforce which provides the services and programs that are so carefully developed and planned. In addition to hiring quality employees, DSNWK does an extensive background check on all employees ensuring a safe work environment.To retain quality workers, staff members receive numerous incentives. In addition to wages, DSNWK offers other incentives which include a benefit package, a retirement plan, paid vacation and sick leave. As training programs continue to be expanded, staff are encouraged to continue their education through conferences and workshops. DSNWK works hard to continue to improve the quality of staff by developing strategies to decrease staff turnover, expanding opportunities for staff involvement in policy development and planning, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of management and direct support professional positions, as well as, enhancing systems for recruitment, screening, and hiring of prospective employees.
DSNWK is an active participant in a state-wide project called Kansans Mobilizing for Workforce Change. The project has been a multi-faceted initiative with the end goal of resolving the challenges of staff turnover, recruitment and marketing, retention, and competence of staff. Some of the interventions used include: College of Direct Support online training for direct support professionals; Frontline Supervisor Training; Realistic Job Previews, Direct Support Professional Recruitment Toolkit; and establishing a credential for direct support professionals in Kansas that builds on the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program. DSNWK is also an active participant in the InterHab Trainer's Network.
In DSNWK's effort to continuously review hiring opportunities for the agency, DSNWK is a member of KANSASWORKS - a state-wide program that provides free job advertisements for positions across the state. The Kansas Job Service Center also posts positions throughout the region for available employment with DSNWK. DSNWK also utilizes 5 free internet classified services to advertise and recruit for prospective employees. DSNWK has increased their employment recruiting visual presence through community and DSNWK center job fairs. Additionally, membership in the Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association, the National Society of Human Resource Management and InterHab Human Resource Group allows continued opportunity to stay abreast of addressing Human Resource Management issues.