September 8-14 is Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week! DSPs are the heart of SOAR365’s Youth Services, Adult Day Support and Respite programs.

What does a DSP do?

DSPs are responsible for the care of our program participants. Their day might include everything from leading basketball games to exploring the Science Museum to teaching participants how to bake a cake. They help with practical matters like feeding and hygiene, while encouraging independence. And every day, they help our participants learn new skills and reach new goals.

It’s a busy job! To do all of this successfully, it’s important that they really get to know each participant.

When a participant first arrives at SOAR365, our case managers create an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) with the help of their care team. Talking to family members, teachers, therapists and more helps us understand: What does this person love? What bothers or calms them? What are their strengths? What are their goals? What supports or medications do they need?

DSPs bring that plan to life. Every day, they greet our participants with a smile and guide them through their favorite activities. They empower each participant to choose between community outings, arts and crafts, gardening, music, cooking, exercise and more.

Safety, social and life skills are also practiced each week. Our DSPs assist where needed, but their focus is on building our participants’ abilities and self-confidence. They help participants learn to advocate for themselves. And our DSPs are always available for friendly conversation and emotional support.

To learn more, we sat down with our DSPs to hear about the amazing work they do in their own words.

What is an ideal day of work for a DSP?

“I enjoy seeing the smile on their face when they arrive,” says Jerri. “Because for a lot of them, the only time they come outside is when they come to program.” Our programs not only get participants out of their home, but they also offer community outings to local parks, yoga studios, restaurants, movie theaters and more. And our Camp Baker location, where Jerri works, offers over 22 acres of nature to explore.

“For me, it’s knowing that we have given them something that they can use in their life as they go out,” says Virginia. She’s always grateful when participants come to her “to say they liked what we taught them.”

James shares that his favorite parts of the day are seeing participants “reaching goals,” and “making sure our guys are safe at all times.” DSPs keep a close eye on our participants and report any changes in health, appearance or behavior to their caregivers and their SOAR365 case manager. They also teach participants how to advocate for themselves and stay safe – whether at home or in the community.

How did you become a DSP?

While all of our DSPs are caregivers at heart, there are many paths to finding this job. Teresa became a DSP after her love of arts and crafts let her to be an activities director at a nursing home. Herb and Rosemary came to Adult Day Support after working in a group home for people with disabilities.

“I like the program here better because I’m doing more with the individuals than just the care in the home,” says Herb. “We’re doing more activities, and you get a chance to really talk and engage with them.”

Some came to the field through a medical background, like Michelle. She was working as a nurse when she first learned about day support. “My plan was to come and to do this and to get that hands-on experience that I needed.” She intended to return to nursing but loved the “inspirational and uplifting” work so much that she stayed. “Thirty years later, I don’t want to do anything else!”

Others had the job modeled for them by a loved one. James’ father was a DSP and worked in a variety of caregiving jobs, in group homes or with children. “I kind of followed in his footsteps,” James says.

What traits do DSPs need to have?

Patience. Respect. Teamwork. These are just a few of the traits and abilities that our DSPs mentioned.

“You have to be flexible,” says Ayodele. “You have to be able to stop on a dime and change directions very quickly.”

Listening is also key. “I had an individual say to me, ‘Michelle, I appreciate you. Nobody ever takes the time to just sit down and have a conversation with me,’” Michelle shares. “Just the little things that we take for granted mean so much to them.”

Other participants may not communicate verbally, but “there are so many other ways that they can communicate,” adds Michelle. “That’s why you have to have patience, and you have to be observant. They can talk with their eyes, facial expressions. It doesn’t always have to be verbal. A good DSP is going to sit there and figure it out.”

Our DSPs also take the time to meet each participant’s needs. “You’re there for the individual, to make sure they have the best day while they’re here,” explains Herb.

And of course, kindness and compassion go a long way. “You have to love the people you work with,” says Virginia. “You have to have an open heart,” adds Rosemary.

What is the most rewarding part of being a DSP?

“Seeing them happy, seeing them communicate in different ways, and (seeing them) actually make friends here. And make choices,” says Desiree.

Personal choice is important in SOAR365’s programs, and it’s one way our DSPs show participants respect and dignity. “I enjoy making sure that they get whatever they need in program, whether it’s nutrition management or physical activity or whatever their heart desires,” says Jerri.

Robert enjoys seeing participants “engaged, especially in activities they like doing” and watching them “work toward achieving their lifelong goals.” For James, it’s “being a person that they can look to no matter what’s going on at home or in other environments.”

Herb agrees. He enjoys working with his men’s group on “how to show respect, how to engage in the community, how to do things like tie a tie, haircuts, grooming. To play a role like that in their lives, it’s very important to me and it makes me happy,” says Herb.

And that happiness is contagious. “The most rewarding part is seeing my guys smile,” says Rosemary. “I like to see them when they’re coming in, they’re smiling, and when they leave, they’re smiling. That makes me feel great!”

All of our DSPs agree that the work is deeply fulfilling. “If you have compassion, understanding, patience – this field is the place for you. We really need people like you in this field,” says Michelle. “I guarantee you it is so rewarding that you will not want to make a change. It’s a second home. It’s a family.”

You can help support our participants, too! Sign up to volunteer alongside our DSPs or make a heartfelt gift today at soar365.org/donate.

To learn more about our DSPs and other wonderful staff members, visit our website at soar365.org/news.