NCI State of the Workforce Surveys (IDD & AD) – National Core Indicators®
Massachusetts
Opportunity
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), older adults, and people with physical disabilities. As part of the broader National Core Indicators initiative—including NCI-IDD and NCI – Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD)—NCI State of the Workforce (NCI-SoTW), formerly the “Staff Stability” survey, provides state systems with data to examine workforce challenges, identify areas for further investigation, benchmark their workforce data, measure improvements made through policy or programmatic changes, and compare their state data to those of other states and the NCI-IDD average.
Approach
Data that drives change
Working with our partners at National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS), ADvancing States, and service providers across participating states, the NCI State of the Workforce Survey collects data every year, offering a detailed snapshot of workforce conditions at the state level. The survey captures key workforce indicators, including information on:
- Turnover ratios and vacancy rates;
- Wages, benefits, and compensation;
- Recruitment and retention; and
- Demographics and training.
By analyzing trends over time, state systems can better understand workforce needs and challenges. This standardized approach ensures states can compare data nationally while tailoring insights to their local service systems.
Impact
The insights from the NCI State of the Workforce Survey empower states to:
- Strengthen workforce stability by identifying factors that drive turnover and implementing targeted retention strategies.
- Improve wages and benefits using data to advocate for policy changes and increased funding.
- Enhance recruitment efforts by understanding workforce characteristics and refining outreach strategies.
- Ensure quality services for people with disabilities by addressing workforce shortages and creating sustainable workforce policies.
By gathering insights into wages, turnover, benefits, and workforce stability, the survey equips policymakers with the information necessary to build stronger, more sustainable service systems.