Modules for Direct Service Workers

This eLearning training option provides 0.8 continuing education hours per module or 5 hours for completing the bundle.

This 6-module eLearning series was developed to educate Direct Service Workers (DSW) and others who provide support for individuals with IDD and co-occurring behavioral health conditions. This training explores challenging behavior in a new way and emphasizes the importance of supporting mental wellness in individuals with IDD.

Through this course you will learn to recognize the “whole person” and gain a better understanding of different factors influencing the way people with IDD think, feel, and behave. You will also learn how to positively impact their quality of life.

This training contains 6 modules and is estimated to take 4½ to 5 hours to complete. Each module is approximately 45 to 50 minutes in length. You may pause in the middle of a module and return to it later, or you may complete it in one sitting.

These modules were designed to be taken in the listed order to provide you with the best learning experience.

The Trauma Informed Care module is required for new employees of Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF’s/IID) and related conditions.

At the end of each module or bundle you will be asked to complete an evaluation.

Contact us if you have any further questions

Direct Service Workers (DSW) Bundle (Modules 1-6)

This option is available so you may enroll for all 6 modules as a single course.

Full descriptions of all modules included in the course are below.

This course provides 5 hours of Continuing Education Credits for the following licenses: Psychologist, Professional Counselor, Psychological Associate, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapist, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Peer Specialist, Supported Employment Specialist and Certified Family Partner. Upon successful completion of all five modules in the course, you will earn a single certificate of completion and (if applicable) continuing education credit.

If you are required to take a specific module (or modules) – please register for the individual module(s) below. This bundle option does not provide module specific certificates. 

DSW Module 1: Co-Occuring Disorders – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness

This module examines the mental health needs of individuals with IDD and what it means to have a co-occurring IDD and mental health condition. Mental health conditions are often overlooked in people with IDD. The effect of accurate diagnosis and positive supports to improve recovery outcomes is discussed.

This module provides 0.8 hour of Continuing Education Credits for the following licenses: Psychologist, Professional Counselor, Psychological Associate, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapist, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Peer Specialist, Supported Employment Specialist and Certified Family Partner. Upon successful completion of this module, you will earn a certificate of completion and (if applicable) continuing education credit.

If you are required to take a specific module you must print and/or save a certificate as proof of completion.

DSW Module 2: Trauma Informed Care for Individuals with IDD
This module is required for new employees of Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID) and related conditions.

This module teaches the effect of trauma on people with IDD and how to use a trauma-informed care approach with the people you support. The trauma-informed care approach looks at challenging behavior in a new way and emphasizes the importance of supporting mental wellness.

This module provides 0.8 hour of Continuing Education Credits for the following licenses: Psychologist, Professional Counselor, Psychological Associate, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapist, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Peer Specialist, Supported Employment Specialist and Certified Family Partner. Upon successful completion of this module, you will earn a certificate of completion and (if applicable) continuing education credit.

If you are required to take a specific module you must print and/or save a certificate as proof of completion.

Check out this free resource: Facts on Traumatic Stress and Children with Developmental Disabilities.

DSW Module 3: Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Support

This module explores the foundational principles of positive behavior support. All behavior is a form of communication that serves a purpose. The concepts of functional behavior assessment and positive behavior support are presented.

This module provides 0.8 hour of Continuing Education Credits for the following licenses: Psychologist, Professional Counselor, Psychological Associate, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapist, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Peer Specialist, Supported Employment Specialist and Certified Family Partner. Upon successful completion of this module, you will earn a certificate of completion and (if applicable) continuing education credit.

If you are required to take a specific module you must print and/or save a certificate as proof of completion.

DSW Module 4: Overview of Genetic Syndromes Associated with IDD

This module teaches DSWs and other caregivers about different genetic syndromes that are associated with IDD. Knowing about genetic syndromes and the risks for medical and mental health disorders allows us to provide better, targeted support.

This module provides 0.8 hour of Continuing Education Credits for the following licenses: Psychologist, Professional Counselor, Psychological Associate, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapist, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Peer Specialist, Supported Employment Specialist and Certified Family Partner. Upon successful completion of this module, you will earn a certificate of completion and (if applicable) continuing education credit.

If you are required to take a specific module you must print and/or save a certificate as proof of completion.

DSW Module 5: Overview of Medical Diagnoses Associated with IDD

This module teaches DSWs and other caregivers about common medical conditions that influence people with an IDD and the direct impact these conditions can have on mood and behavior. Behaviors may be an individual’s attempt to communicate physical pain or illness. Strategies are provided to assist DSWs in supporting peoples’ physical and mental wellness.

This module provides 0.8 hour of Continuing Education Credits for the following licenses: Psychologist, Professional Counselor, Psychological Associate, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapist, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Peer Specialist, Supported Employment Specialist and Certified Family Partner. Upon successful completion of this module, you will earn a certificate of completion and (if applicable) continuing education credit.

If you are required to take a specific module you must print and/or save a certificate as proof of completion.

DSW Module 6: Putting it All Together – Supports and Strategies for Direct Service Workers

This module reinforces all of the topics covered in the previous five modules and provides practical tools that DSWs and other caregivers can use when supporting the mental health needs of people with an IDD. An individual’s behavior is affected by a complex combination of biological, psychological, and social influences. DSWs will learn to use specific strategies to prevent and safely respond to challenging behaviors when they do occur. These strategies help support and promote mental wellness and positive outcomes.

This module provides 0.8 hour of Continuing Education Credits for the following licenses: Psychologist, Professional Counselor, Psychological Associate, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapist, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Peer Specialist, Supported Employment Specialist and Certified Family Partner. Upon successful completion of this module, you will earn a certificate of completion and (if applicable) continuing education credit.

If you are required to take a specific module you must print and/or save a certificate as proof of completion.