AUGUSTA – Portland and Lewiston CareerCenters are stepping up efforts this month to recruit, screen and refer job seekers for job opportunities providing direct support services for people with disabilities.

Direct support professionals work with people with a wide range of special needs to help them be more independent in their homes and communities and have a better quality of life.

A nationwide shortage of direct support professionals has led to a gap between the number of service providers and customers in need of support services.

To help employers find and retain direct support staff, the Maine Department of Labor and the Maine Association for Community Service Providers are working together to educate job seekers about careers as direct support professionals. A recruitment effort is currently underway at the Portland and Lewiston CareerCenters, and the initiative will be expanded to other CareerCenters in the future.

Individuals interested in learning more about career opportunities and job qualifications for direct support professionals should visit the Portland or Lewiston CareerCenters, or contact the CareerCenter hotline at 1-888-457-8883 or TTY: 1-888-313-9400.