Just like in most careers, earning a professional certification as a Qualified Intellectual Disability professional will validate your expertise and show potential employers that you are committed to your profession.
It can also increase your chances of career advancement.
As good as it sounds, it is important that you pursue a bachelor degree in human services with a concentration in disability studies.
That’s the first step towards obtaining a certification and also making the world a more accessible place for disabilities.
In this article, I’ll walk you through on how you can get a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional(QIDP) Certification, the basic requirements, the responsibilities of a qualified intellectual disability professional personnel, what a qualified intellectual disability professional will learn after the program as well as how much you expect to make with your certification.
How Do I Get A Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) Certification
A Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, which is often referred to as a QIDP for short, is a professional staff working with people in community homes who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This certificate program is conducted by the National Association of QIDP.
Besides signifying competency, the National Association of QIDPs grants QIDP certification to help bridge the gap between academic learning and practical applications required on the job.
It has become a program in which many Developmental Disability Professionals (DDP) choose to pursue so as to acquire a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) certification.
QIDP certification is a certificate that is issued to qualified professionals that helps to provide information, training, and resources needed to be successful in a range of developmental disability professions, including case managers and service coordinators.
Having said this, obtaining this certification usually involves educational and experiential requirements which vary by state such as a bachelor’s degree in any human service or any medical field including a one year working with people who are challenged.
Responsibilities Of A Qualified Disability Intellectual plProfessional (QDIP
A qualified intellectual disabilities professional (QDIP) works with educational institutions, non-profits, or as an independent contractor.
As a qualified intellectual disabilities professional, you are responsible for supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities at their place of residence or employment.
Your responsibilities include creating progressive learning programs based on a client’s level of need.
Other duties include helping clients find other services and programs to assist them in day-to-day living.
You may implement a set schedule for a client to simplify their daily activities. Attending professional development workshops can help keep you up to date on best practices for working with intellectual disabilities.
How To Become A Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
To become a qualified intellectual disabilities professional, you will have to meet up with all this below requirements;
- You will need to acquire a bachelor’s degree or a higher education in special education, sociology, psychology, or a related field.
- You must be a licensed doctor of medicine or an osteopath.
- You must have working experience with individuals that have an intellectual disability with at least 1 to 2 years.
- There is a need for excellent verbal and written communication skills, a proven ability to provide supporting services, and developing a progressive learning.
- Ability to interact and communicate with individuals served by our agency, employees, parents/guardians, State/Federal staff members, and other supervisory/management personnel.
- 1-2 years leadership experience.
- Background and experience with behavioral support services is preferred but not required
Once you have fulfilled the education and experience qualifications, you can apply to your state for a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional Certification.
It is important to note that the desirable personnels for this role is mostly registered nurses, physicians, and other human services Professionals.
Read Also: What Is An SBEC Certification In Teaching?
How Do I Get A Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional Certification
The National Association of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPs) offers a certification program for Developmental Disability Professionals (DDPs).
This program is for a variety of professionals which includes case managers, QIPDs, service coordinators.
Inorder to be award a Qualified intellectual Disability Professional Certification, interested individuals must provide this application requirements:
- Complete a DDP Certificate Program Application.
- Provide a resume, three professional letters of recommendation, and a completed background screening consent form.
- Pay a non-refundable $150 application fee.
- Submit a 1-2-page introduction essay and 3-5-page essay on one of the provided topics.
- Provide all college and/or university transcripts directly from the academic institution.
- Obtain a NAQ membership online.
After acceptance into the program, applicants will be emailed an invoice of $800 for the online course fees.
As a part of the certification program, professionals will learn how to:
- Support individuals with disabilities in the community.
- Plan person-centered support.
- Work with families.
- Understand guidelines for record keeping, behavior intervention, and program development and monitoring.
- Design and implement positive behavioral supports.
- Eliminate or decrease the likelihood of abuse.
Having said this, it is important to note that the educational and experiential requirements usually vary by states in which the individual works within, received the credentials and also where exactly they work.
Salary Outlook For A Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) Personnel
The average Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) personnel’s salary in the United States is $42,980 per year as of November 23, 2022 which means that the salary range typically falls between $38,735 and $47,335.
It is important to note that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Conclusion
If you are a medical personnel who is passionate about what you do while making an impact in society.
If you are interested in making a positive difference in the world filled with numerous people with disabilities.
Then becoming a qualified intellectual disability professional is the best choice of achieving your desire.
As a qualified intellectual disability professional, you are charged with the responsibilities of caring for people who are disabled such as autistic patients.
After a compulsory one year working experience with disable patients, you can proceed to the National Association Of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional to apply for a certification which certifies you as a professional.
Having said this, I hope that this article has helped to direct you on how to get a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional Certification.
