JEVS Human Services would not be able to carry out its mission of making hope happen without our dedicated, compassionate employees. Each of our employees plays an important role in helping the most vulnerable in our communities achieve independence and the highest quality of life. One of the most vital positions at JEVS is that of the direct support professional.

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide around-the-clock care and support to individuals with disabilities so they can achieve their full potential and independence while remaining engaged with their community. DSPs assist our community home residents— with daily challenges that many take for granted—by providing personal care (dressing, feeding, bathing, etc.), assuring they are taking necessary medication, bringing them to doctor’s appointments, supporting their involvement in community activities and more.

To our staff, being a DSP is more than a job. It’s about establishing relationships with the individuals and caring for them as if they are a part of a DSP’s family. It’s putting the residents’ needs and interests before their own. It’s making independent decisions to ensure each person’s health and safety.

September 8-14, 2019 was celebrated nationally as Direct Support Professional Recognition week, and we would like to thank all of our DSPs for their unwavering commitment to our clients. You are the heart and soul of our Community Supports & Adult Residential programs and we appreciate all that you do.

Meet Our DSPs

We had the pleasure of speaking with Linda Womack and Carolyn Allen, direct support professionals who have both worked for JEVS for an amazing 30 years! They became friends when they started working together as DSPs in 1989 and have remained close ever since.

Womack explained that when she first started out, she didn’t think this job was her calling. But it didn’t take her long to fall in love with it.

“Interacting with the residents is my favorite part of the job,” she said. “I would like to think I make a difference in the lives of the individuals I support.”

And while the job is very rewarding, it can also be really tough. When a client that Womack helped for 27 years passed away, she said it was like losing a member of her family.

When we spoke with Allen, she also emphasized how the residents grow on you and become a part of your family.

“I chose this field because I love helping people,” she said. “The residents become family, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.”

Interested in becoming a direct support professional at JEVS? Apply HERE.

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