Frequently Asked Questions

From the time your application is received, expect the process to begin within 2 weeks. Once we receive all required documents, background checks, and training, it usually takes a candidate 2 months to complete. These standard time frames assume that you don’t run into complications which will further extend your process, E.T. failing tests during training and having to schedule retakes, background check results considerations, etc. It is the “matching” process, where work to find the compatible DSP/Individual relationship before initiation services at your home, which takes the longest period of time (anywhere from 2-12 months), so the SDSP candidate must be financially able to complete the process and wait for services initiation.

Possibly. Please see Screenable Crimes for DBHDS Direct Consumer Care Providers (Barrier Crimes) to determine whether your conviction is a barrier crime per DBHDS regulation which would disqualify you as a candidate. Most barrier crimes have no statute of limitations. In other words, no matter how old the conviction and no matter what rehabilitation you have undergone, a barrier conviction in your record (or members of your household’s records, if you are applying to be SDSP) still prohibits you from certification as an Altruistic Life Services SDSP. There are no exceptions to this requirement. The term DSP applies to both Direct Support Professional and Backup.

Payment for services is made to you after 30 days of you providing services. Payment will be issued the third week of each month.

Yes. Candidates without a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance are ineligible to provide direct care services because the ability to drive is especially critical in responding to an emergency. All SDSPs must provide a DMV transcript of driving history at every contract renewal, to ensure a safe driving record is maintained.

That depends on you and on the desires of the individual receiving your Sponsored Residential services! The individual has the option to select another service provider, and you have the option to end your SDSP term. Many individuals who come to Altruistic Life Services seeking Sponsored Residential services have moved often and are looking for a stable arrangement. We hope that those we certify as SDSPs are also looking to provide a long-term and stable arrangement for the individuals they welcome into their homes.

Your Residential Coordinator (RC) is your best resource once you become a DSP. The RC needs to know of any problems right away, so we can work with you and with the individual receiving services to come up with a solution to the problem. Our goal is to make a compatible match between individuals and their DSPs. We will continue to work just as hard once the match is made to help both of you transition smoothly into your new situation. If after time and an investment of effort, the individual chooses to select another service provider, or you determine that the match is not right for you, arrangements can be made to terminate the relationship. If an individual is having any challenges in a particular location, we look first to make changes in the environment, training of the SDSP and staff and adding more supports from various sources as needed. We are not in the business of moving people to “fix” the problem.

Locations certified to provide Sponsored Residential services are regularly monitored by Altruistic Life Services and by the Virginia Office of Licensing, which is part of the Department of Behavior Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), and also by the funding-source agencies. Altruistic Life Services monitors our locations to ensure compliance with regulations so the audits by licensing & funding agencies are successful. Visits are both announced and unannounced. Altruistic Life Services visits SDSP locations monthly. Visits by licensing & funding agencies are random.

An individual receiving services at a Sponsored Residential location essentially becomes like a part of your family. The Sponsored location is the individual’s home, and while direct care services are not necessarily provided around the clock (unless the individual’s plan specifically requires it); the SDSP and the individual live together in the community full-time. If you invite the individual to join your family on vacation, and the individual is physically able to do so, the individual may choose to accept your invitation. But, as the SDSP must guarantee continuity of services during the trip. SDSP is required to recruit their own staff (who are required to be certified by Altruistic Life Services). If the individual chooses not to join you on vacation, the individual may receive continued services at your location from a certified Staff while you are absent.

If you invite the individual to join your family on trips or vacations, and the individual is physically able to do so, the individual may choose to accept your invitation but you, as the SDSP, must guarantee continuity of services during the trip. If the individual chooses not to join you on vacation (if invited), the individual may receive continued services at your home from certified Staff while you are absent. Consider that the individual receiving services in your home may have had limited opportunity for travel prior to living with you, and the exposure to new places and experiences will likely be an enrichment to their lives.