A Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) is a specialized role dedicated to services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position is federally mandated in certain settings to ensure high quality of life and opportunities for growth for those receiving services. The QIDP serves as the central figure in coordinating and overseeing the support provided, maintaining the standards set for disability services across the country.
Defining the Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional Role
The QIDP position is required by federal regulations, particularly within the guidelines for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID facilities). The QIDP acts as the central coordinator, ensuring the facility maintains federal standards for service delivery. Their primary regulatory focus is monitoring and integrating a client’s “Active Treatment” program.
Active Treatment is a defined federal term referring to the consistent implementation of specialized, individualized services and training designed to achieve a person’s potential. It involves structured, continuous programs to help individuals acquire new skills and maximize their independence, going beyond simple maintenance care. The QIDP coordinates and monitors all aspects of a client’s services to ensure Active Treatment occurs across all settings, including their residence or day program.
Core Daily Responsibilities of a QIDP
The daily work of a QIDP involves direct support oversight, interdisciplinary team management, and regulatory compliance. These responsibilities require balancing the individualized needs of a client with the administrative requirements of the facility. Effective execution of these tasks directly impacts the quality of support received by individuals with disabilities.
Program Development
The QIDP is responsible for the creation, implementation, and monitoring of the Individual Support Plan (ISP), which serves as the blueprint for all services a person receives. The QIDP orchestrates the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), which includes the individual, direct care staff, therapists, and medical professionals, to develop the plan. They translate team assessments and goals into measurable objectives and staff training programs. Routine ISP reviews are required to determine program effectiveness and update goals based on the individual’s performance and evolving needs.
Service Coordination
The QIDP functions as the liaison among all parties involved in a client’s care. This includes direct support professionals, specialized therapists, medical doctors, and the client’s family or guardian. They ensure that all recommended services, equipment, and supplies are provided promptly to meet individual needs. This coordination also involves identifying inconsistencies in training or failures in program implementation and facilitating the resolution of those issues.
Compliance and Documentation
Accurate and timely documentation is essential to the QIDP role, ensuring service delivery meets state and federal audit requirements. They are responsible for logging all services provided and maintaining records that demonstrate the continuous delivery of Active Treatment. The QIDP must also ensure staff are properly trained and accurately collecting data on client progress as outlined in the ISP. This documentation verifies that the facility is compliant with Medicaid standards and licensing regulations.
Educational and Experience Requirements
The qualifications for the QIDP role are mandated by federal regulations, which set the minimum standards for the position. A candidate must possess at least one year of direct experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This experience typically involves case management, implementing service plans, or involvement with clients in daily activities.
In addition to experience, the QIDP must hold one of several professional credentials, such as a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, or a registered nurse. Alternatively, they must be a human services professional with a bachelor’s degree in a human services field. Accepted degrees include:
- Sociology
- Special education
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Psychology
These federal requirements are enforced by state and federal regulatory bodies.
The QIDP’s Role in Person-Centered Planning
The QIDP translates person-centered planning into the Individual Support Plan (ISP). This approach places the individual at the center of the planning process, ensuring their preferences, goals, and rights drive the development of support services. The QIDP facilitates team meetings, prioritizing the client’s self-determination and personal choice over administrative needs.
This professional synthesizes complex information from psychological, medical, and social work evaluations to create a holistic view of the person. They act as an advocate, ensuring the ISP reflects the person’s desired outcomes and promotes their full inclusion in community life. The QIDP balances clinical needs and regulatory requirements with the individual’s right to direct their own life.
Mandatory Training and Ongoing Compliance
QIDPs must maintain their professional status through ongoing continuing education and training. This ensures the professional remains current on best practices and regulatory changes within the disability service sector. Initial orientation training is required upon hiring, covering the specific policies and procedures of the employing facility.
Ongoing education focuses on topics relevant to client well-being and safety. States often require QIDPs to complete a specific number of continuing education hours annually or biannually to remain certified. This continuous learning ensures the QIDP is equipped to address the developmental, behavioral, and health needs of the individuals they serve.
Typical Workplace Settings and Career Outlook
QIDPs are employed in various settings that provide continuous support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The most common settings are Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), including large developmental centers and smaller community-based group homes. They may also work for agencies providing services under Home and Community-Based Services waivers.
The career path for a QIDP often involves progression into administrative or directorial roles:
- Program Director
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Facility Administrator
The average annual salary generally falls in the range of $64,000 to $89,000, with earnings influenced by location, experience, and the specific type of facility. The position is stable and in demand due to the federal mandate requiring a QIDP for facilities serving this population.