How to Become a Provider

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

What Is a DSP (Direct Service Provider)?

An DSP is a self-employed and provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
You are not employees of the State of Ohio or the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).
In order to provide I/O, Level 1 or Self Waiver services, each provider must be certified by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).
You can choose to work as an DSP and be your own boss!
Choose who you work with
Choose your own schedule
Be your own boss
Certification required
UCBDD is committed to assisting in the process of becoming a DSP, so please do not hesitate to email llacella@ucbdd.org or call Lori LaCella at 614-512-0562 for assistance.
A provider is a person who will assist an individual (or group of individuals) with a developmental disability to live as independently as possible in accordance to their individual service plan (ISP).
What kinds of things would I do as a Direct Service Provider?

DSP's perform a variety of tasks to support the individual they serve. These tasks may include - light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, assisting with personal care, assisting and transporting individuals to medical appointments, accessing activities in the community and more.
How to Become a DSP?

See the attachment, DSP Certification Process.
Contact Lori LaCella at llacella@ucbdd.org with questions.
When a person becomes an DSP, they get to choose what individual they want to work with and when, based on the individual looking for services.

Independent providers are responsible for completing their own billing and paying taxes, DSP's are self-employed. Independent providers are not employees of the State of Ohio, DODD, and County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. Independent providers cannot employ someone else to provide services on their behalf.

Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid social security number
- Have the ability to read, write, and understand English.
- Have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

After Approval - Marketing Yourself

Once you receive your approval, send the approval email to llacella@ucbdd.org.

Once you become certified as a direct service provider, you will be connected with clients through a RFP and interview process. Below are the steps taken during that RFP process.

You will receive a provider profile form to complete. You will then be added to the UCBDD Provider email list to receive open provider requests (called RFP) and to the website.

Once selected by an individual, prior to providing services, you will need to meet with the service consultant to discuss the DSP's responsibilities and requirements set forth in the ISP.

Within 60 days of first providing services, you need to complete training in accordance with standards established by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities in:

Service documentation
Billing for services

You can access these trainings through https://mylearning.dodd.ohio.gov/

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

You can choose to work as an DSP and be your own boss!

What kinds of things would I do as a Direct Service Provider?

How to Become a DSP?See the attachment, DSP Certification Process. Contact Lori LaCella at llacella@ucbdd.org with questions.

After Approval - Marketing Yourself

Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities

How to Become a DSP?

See the attachment, DSP Certification Process.
Contact Lori LaCella at llacella@ucbdd.org with questions.