Through the Nevada Aging & Disability Services Division (ADSD) Capacity Development Project, selected professionals may receive training and professional certification from thenadd.org/nevada. This project is designed to build a sustainable infrastructure and improve workforce capacity in supporting people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and complex mental health needs across Nevada
Nevada has contracted with NADD to provide certification to eligible professionals in Nevada, at no cost to Nevada providers. Founded in 1983, NADD is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. NADD’s mission is to promote understanding, effective treatment, and support for individuals with IDD and mental health needs through education, publishing, training and consultation, research, advocacy, program accreditation, and professional certification.
Who Should Apply:
• Staff of providers who are enrolled with Nevada Medicaid, including I/DD waiver provider staff (direct support workers, supervisors, clinical teams, etc.), mental health providers, physicians, nurses, therapists, psychologists, and others who may work with children or adults with I/DD.
• Nevada Department of Human Services or Nevada Health Authority staff who work with adults or children/youth with I/DD, including staff at Child and Family Services (DCFS), Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH), Social Services (DSS), Medicaid.
• Aging and Disability Services (ADSD) staff who are not part of a regional center. (Regional Center Staff have a different pathway to NADD certification. Please contact your supervisor for more information.)
Want to learn more?
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 12:00pm Pacific Time
Register for this zoom webinar at: thenadd.org/Nevada
Individuals interested in participating are invited to complete an application for consideration. Applications will be available beginning December 16, 2025, at the following link: thenadd.org/Nevada and must be completed by January 30, 2025. After this deadline, all applications will be reviewed, and eligible applicants will receive an email with information on how to access your NADD membership profile, training and begin the certification process. For 2025-2026, ADSD will cover the NADD Membership and application fees for selected participants.
Through this project, we are facilitating 3 levels of professional certification:
NADD Direct Support Professional (DSP) Certification
Designed for Direct Support Professionals, the process includes an online exam and encompasses the following core competencies:
1. Assessment and Observation
2. Behavior Support
3. Crisis Prevention and Intervention
4. Health and Wellness
5. Community Collaboration and Teamwork
NADD Dual Diagnosis Specialist Certification
Designed for non-licensed administrators (managers, supervisors, service coordinators, etc.) of services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs. The process includes a case study and interview and covers the following core competencies:
1. Multimodal Bio-Psycho-Social Approach
2. Application of Emerging Best Practices
3. Knowledge of Therapeutic Constructs
4. Respectful and Effective Communication
5. Knowledge of Dual Role Service Delivery and Fiduciary Responsibilities
6. Ability To Apply Administrative Critical Thinking
NADD Clinical Certification
Designed for licensed clinicians, this certification involves a work sample, case vignette and interview, to demonstrate proficiency in the following competency areas:
1. Assessment of Medical Conditions
2. Clinical Assessment
3. Positive Behavior Supports and Effective Environments
4. Psychotherapy/Other Therapeutic Interventions
5. Psychopharmacology
For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit: thenadd.org/nevada
Please spread the word to anyone who might be interested!
If you have any other questions, requests for project materials in alternate formats or languages, or to request other reasonable accommodation, please reach out to the following:
•nevadaproject@thenadd.org
•carolynwilson@adsd.nv.gov
•jlavigne@healthmanagement.com