Credit: The Arc Baltimore
Area organizations that support people with developmental disabilities are facing a major hiring crisis, made significantly worse by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Arc Baltimore is hiring as many direct support professionals as it can. COVID-19 forced it to close many of its day and employment services last March. The Arc Baltimore then began 24/7 support for individuals with developmental disabilities in their homes, requiring many more Direct Support Professionals. Kathleen McNally Durkin, CEO of Arc Baltimore, says these positions generally have a lot of turnover and the pandemic is making that situation worse.
“Direct support professionals play a critical role in helping to empower and equip people receiving services to live, work and thrive in their neighborhoods,” says Stephanie Porter, Chief Human Resources Officer at The Arc Baltimore