Self-Directed Services

Statewide Coordinator of Self-Directed Services

The DDA is happy to announce the hiring of the statewide coordinator of Self Directed Services.  Ms. NaToya Mitchell joined the DDA team on February 27, 2019.

Ms. Mitchell has more than 15 years of experience working in non-profit and governmental agencies. NaToya brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities community.  She has created and implemented groundbreaking strategies that enhance efficiencies and productivity, while positioning for sustainable change.  These breakthrough results have positively impacted people, their lives and community.

NaToya holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in International Studies with a concentration in International Relations from Morgan State University. She comes with extensive experience in the field of Health and Human Services.

We are honored and very excited that NaToya has decided to join our team. Her office will be located in the DDA’s Headquarters Office.

Please help DDA in extending a warm welcome!

You can reach NaToya at NaToya.Mitchell@maryland.gov

Support Broker Training

The DDA has contracted with Shared Support Maryland, Inc. for Maryland Support Broker Certification and Recertification Training and Development for the past two years.

To date, over 235 new and recertified support brokers have been trained. A screening process was implemented to free up seats in classes for only people wanting to become Certified Support Brokers. Content and style of the training was changed based on updates on the self-direction delivery model and what brokers needed to know.

This year, new components and enhancements were added based on last year’s feedback. The curriculum has changed to meet the needs of the new waivers. Additional optional days of certification were offered for both newly certified and recertified support brokers. Topics and resources include: Human Resources (HR) 101 and HR 202; A Deeper Dive, Resources!; Mentoring with seasoned support brokers for the new Support Broker; The Quality Enhancement Process and the Support Broker; Coaching and How to Coach ; Coaching Hour for the New Support Broker (how to get started).It’s been an exciting year!!

Check out DDA’s Training calendar for upcoming classes. Registration closes two weeks prior to the date of the training so that registrants have time to prepare. Registrants will get an initial welcome email with study material and are required to pass a pre-test at 100%. Once the registrant passes, class materials are sent out ahead of the class for preparation ~ study, download to devices and printing. At that time, registrants are confirmed to attend the class. Recertification is solely for those who have a current certification. If a certification is expired and you are interested feel free to sign up for Initial Support Broker Training.