Nationally, the human service industry is in CRISIS. The aged and disabled population is growing larger each year, living longer and demanding greater quality supports and better services. The number of qualified, trained professionals available to respond to this demand is limited.

In response, ARC Broward Learning Institute has taken a lead role in creating a movement for change in the human services industry. The PATHS (Professional Advancement through Training and Education in Human Services) Certificate Program provides a high quality, state-licensed Certificate Program for individuals to enter and strengthen the direct support, human services workforce in Broward County, South Florida and the state as a whole, ultimately improving the quality of support offered to children and adults with disabilities. 

This program will:

• Build skills necessary for persons working with individuals with developmental disabilities and other specialized care needs.
• Help participants achieve a “competency-based” credential as a Direct Support Professional.
• Enhance the direct support occupational image and profile with a state recognized professional Certificate Program.
• Encourage increased commitment of workers to the field and their jobs.
• Improve recruitment potential and longevity in the critical frontline human/social services direct support workforce.

What is the Certificate Program?

The PATHS Certificate Program provides rigorous, comprehensive training and experience-based learning for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to augment the skills of seasoned professionals and develop skill sets for individuals new to human services or to direct care.

The PATHS Certificate Program is designed to create a competency based and credentialed career path for Direct Support Professionals.  Coupled with mentorship, experiential learning opportunities and placement resources, PATHS will support students to find a career in this high demand field.  Each student who successfully completes the Certification of initial and Advanced Proficiency class sessions and achieves a passing grade on Program assessments will receive a PATHS Certificate. 

Access the program application here.