By Erin G.
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a vital role in supporting people with disabilities, both at home and in their communities. They help individuals try new activities and build social connections. DSPs make sure that healthcare needs are met, including managing doctor appointments and medications.
They offer emotional support during difficult times and encourage activities that bring happiness. DSPs assist with self-care, home management, and learning life skills. They also arrange transportation for community events, outings, and errands. For some individuals, DSPs provide support 24/7 throughout the year. Their work is essential for improving the well-being and independence of those they assist.
At JEVS, DSPs go beyond caregiving. They manage many responsibilities to support each person’s independence and ability to make their own choices and lead fulfilling lives. Many JEVS DSPs are long-standing employees whose dedication is unmatched.
Meet Temika P.
Temika is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with a lot of experience in the industry. She has worked at JEVS for 15 years, and she and her team support a community home where three women live together.
When Temika talks about her work as a DSP, she shares stories about activities that the residents, whom she affectionately calls “her ladies”, have done. To celebrate a resident’s birthday, Temika took the resident to get her nails done. She arranged for one to visit her favorite casino accompanied by another staff member. She took them all on a special day trip to the beach and boardwalk. Temika credits her coworkers for how well they work together to cover shifts and do fun things together. She says, “We’re not just out here because we’re on the clock. My joy comes from
seeing their joy.” Temika encourages them to try different activities and makes sure they feel supported. She adds, “I consider the people I take care of my family.” Temika is a Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) and recently earned her DSP – II certification from The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). A DSP certification offers more than just on-the-job training. It provides specialized education for supporting individuals with disabilities. This certification tests skills in caregiving, assistance, and promoting independence.
The most important part, Temika says, is having patience, being compassionate, and encouraging each other.
Meet Karen J.
Karen has spent a lot of time helping people with mental health and care needs. In 2018, she joined JEVS to continue helping others.
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Karen manages a home with three residents who receive around-the-clock care. She works hard to make sure they feel comfortable, respected, and supported. This means managing daily activities like medical appointments, meals, and housekeeping.
Karen works with residents who have different ways of communicating. Some can speak, and others cannot. She tries hard to connect with everyone and involves them in fun activities. She also helps residents learn how to do things like cleaning up after their meals or picking up their rooms. For the ones who have the ability, this encouragement helps them become more independent and feel proud of themselves.
One special moment for Karen was when she helped a resident who had trouble moving and talking. Karen set up a spa day for her, even though she wasn’t sure how the resident would react. The day was a big hit, and the resident had a great time. For Karen, it was heartwarming to see the resident’s visible joy. Karen also completed additional training and earned her DSP – III certification from The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). This certification course provides more education and tests the way a DSP responds to different situations.
DSPs should care for people as they would want to be cared for themselves. Karen says, you have to be humble, you have to be patient, and you have to listen”. It’s more than showing up for a job. It’s about truly caring for and helping people. Karen’s dedication shows her compassion and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of the people she supports.
Meet Penny W.
Penny has been with JEVS since 1999 when she was hired to work with people in their homes. Throughout the years, she has held other positions and has coached residents at their jobs. She loves helping people and has worked directly in residential care for the last ten years.
Penny is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and works with three women who receive round-the-clock care. She and other staff provide support for daily care and housekeeping needs. They also arrange for fun outings and coordinate with a day program for one of the residents.
Penny speaks Spanish, which helps her connect with the residents who are Spanish speakers. They feel more comfortable talking to her in their own language. One of the women speaks Spanish with Penny because it puts her at ease.
The job of a DSP is about more than managing daily tasks. Penny does extra things like making holidays special by decorating and cooking traditional Spanish dishes. She remembers how one resident loved to see the Christmas lights, and how everyone compliments how she decorates and organizes their home. Penny says she loves to see them happy and that “they make my heart melt.”
Penny knows that being a DSP is not for everyone. It requires someone who can support residents in a way that shows respect and compassion. She says, “in order for you to be doing this kind of job you need to have patience and love, and you need to care.”
Being a DSP is important to Penny. She finds her work very rewarding because she cares about her residents, not just the paycheck. She has also gotten to know the families of some of her residents, and she is touched when the women want to hug her or even call her when she’s not there. She says, “it means so much because I love my ladies. We have that connection.”
