6-week DSP Coaching Program

 

 

 

 

6-Week Coaching Program: Launching a DSP Program (Non-Residential Model)

 

 

 

Program Goal:

 

 

To help providers establish and launch a Direct Support Professional (DSP) program that offers community-based and in-home services, avoids the group home classification, and positions them for Medicaid Waiver or private-pay clients.

 

 

 

 

Week 1: Foundation & Business Setup

 

 

Focus: Laying the groundwork.

 

• Understanding DSP programs vs. Group Homes (compliance differences).
• Choosing the right business structure (LLC/Agency).
• Registering with the state & selecting proper NAICS codes (avoid residential classification).
• Business banking, EIN, and essential compliance documents.
• Homework: File for your LLC and EIN, choose your service model (in-home, community, or day support).

 

 

 

 

 

Week 2: Program Design & Service Models

 

 

Focus: Defining your program.

 

• Service options: in-home support, day support, respite, transportation, life skills coaching.
• Medicaid Waiver vs. Private Pay: which one to start with.
• How to structure a DSP program without providing housing.
• Homework: Create your service menu and outline pricing (private pay + Medicaid rates).

 

 

 

 

 

Week 3: Compliance & Credentialing Pathways

 

 

Focus: Getting approval-ready.

 

• Overview of state Medicaid Waiver programs & eligibility requirements.
• How to apply as a waiver provider (step-by-step per your state).
• What to do while waiting: building private-pay packages, subcontracting, or agency partnerships.
• Homework: Start your provider application process or draft private-pay contracts.

 

 

 

 

 

Week 4: Training & Staffing Your DSP Team

 

 

Focus: Building your workforce.

 

• What makes a great DSP? Role, responsibilities, and core competencies.
• Required trainings (person-centered care, behavioral support, documentation, CPR/First Aid).
• Building an onboarding manual and staff policies.
• Homework: Write your DSP job description and training plan.

 

 

 

 

 

Week 5: Marketing & Client Acquisition

 

 

Focus: Finding and enrolling clients.

 

• Referral sources: Community Service Boards (CSBs), case managers, schools, hospitals, advocacy groups.
• Building community partnerships.
• Marketing strategies: website, referral packets, local networking.
• Homework: Create your referral packet and identify at least 5 referral sources to contact.

 

 

 

 

 

Week 6: Launch & Growth Strategies

 

 

Focus: Operational launch and scale.

 

• Client intake process & documentation.
• How to bill Medicaid vs. private-pay clients.
• Adding add-on services (transportation, respite, life skills workshops).
• Growth strategies: subcontracting, expanding into Veterans services, moving into day support centers later.
• Homework: Draft your first client intake process and set a launch date.

 

 

 

 

 

Deliverables by End of 6 Weeks:

 

 

• Registered business structure (LLC/agency).
• Service menu & pricing model.
• Medicaid Waiver application in progress (or private-pay system ready).
• DSP staff onboarding & training materials.
• Referral packet & marketing strategy.
• Client intake process ready to use.

 

 

 

 

✨ By the end of this coaching, providers can operate a DSP program legally and profitably without the burden of being licensed as a group home.