RHA Presents at CIT International Conference in Detroit!

RHA team members presented best practices for crisis intervention training in the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities at the 2023 Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) International Conference in Detroit, Michigan.

The annual CIT International Conference, hosted by CIT International, is intended to promote the effective practice and implementation of the CIT program.

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is a community partnership of law enforcement, mental health and addiction professionals, individuals who live with mental illness and/or addiction disorders, their families, and other partners to improve community responses to mental health crises.

“It was a [good] opportunity to learn how different states and first responder services are joining forces with mental health and behavioral health professionals to provide the best support needed when dealing with an individual in a mental health or addiction crisis,” said Sherry Bridges with RHA.

Sherry was one of three team members at RHA who presented at the conference in a panel titled Crisis Intervention Training: Working with the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Community.

“Being my first CIT conference, it was eye opening… there is a lot of work to be done to bring awareness to how to properly meet the needs of the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing communities.  It is very important that we attend conferences like this to bring exposure to the current lack of services and supports, but also to be a part of the solution by providing training and bringing awareness to the issue,” said Sherry.

Tommy Moses Jr., one of the other presenters at the event, echoed Sherry’s thoughts: “It was great to see so many caring people… that already provide support and resources for their community, and were interested in increasing their knowledge and expertise in order to provide a better quality of support.”

RHA Welcomes Mickey Atkins as New President for North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania

RHA has carefully considered candidates as RHA’s President since the departure of Nick Sulaiman. We are pleased to announce the search is over as we welcome Mickey Atkins as RHA’s President of North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.

“Our company was built on highly relational and dedicated leaders with exceptional experience in serving people living with an intellectual disability, and mental health or substance use needs. Serving this community is one’s greatest honor, and Mickey demonstrates this commitment and experience,” says Jeanne Duncan, RHA’s Chief Executive Officer.

A healthcare executive with almost 30 years of experience in both growing and managing community-based healthcare companies, Mickey’s career started as a CPA and CFO. During these years, he managed all financial aspects of the company, along with acquisitions and legislative efforts.

In 2006, he moved into the CEO role for D&S Residential Services. During his 15-year tenure with D&S, he built a strong management team and ensured the company’s quality remained at the forefront of operations. His dedication to supporting individuals through a person-centered approach was the foundation of the company’s mission and vision.

“I am thrilled to be joining a team that I have admired for some time. This opportunity to continue to support individuals in the community as part of RHA Health Services is exciting and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and skills with the team to add to the great work already being done,” says Atkins.

Mickey lives in Austin, Texas with his wife of 36 years. He has two daughters and one granddaughter. He likes playing golf with friends, traveling with his wife, and listening to good singers/songwriters of country music.

Block the Sun, Not the Fun – A Message on Sun Safety from RHA Safety Director Carla Brown

It’s the time of the year to get outside and enjoy those long, warm summer days.  Whether you are visiting a park, attending a ball game, or even just sitting in the backyard, here are some practical measures you can take to avoid sunburn this season:

  • Generously apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater at least 30 minutes prior to going outside.
  • Make sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
  • Limit time spent in direct sunlight; sunburn can occur after as little as 11 minutes of direct UV exposure.
  • Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
  • Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as these terrains can reflect damaging UV rays and increase the chance of sunburn.
  • Drink plenty of water, sport drinks, or other liquids to ensure proper hydration.
  • Pay close attention to medication warnings, as some medications may increase the risk of sunburn.
  • Pay attention throughout the day; areas that were once shaded can become exposed to the sun quickly.

Individuals with IDD may have difficulty communicating their discomfort or recognizing the signs of sunburn, making it essential to provide them with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves adequately. By sharing these sun safety tips with the people we serve, we empower them to take proactive measures to safeguard their health and well-being during outdoor activities, promoting their overall quality of life. Stay safe out there!

RHA Health Services Welcomes Howell Support Services

RHA Health Services is pleased to announce the acquisition of Howell Support Services, a provider of residential and community-based support services in Goldsboro and Kinston, NC. 

Jerry Howell, Founder of Howell Support Services, said of the acquisition, “We are glad to have partnered with RHA Health Services throughout this process. The people we have supported since 1997 are truly the core of our business, and we know they will continue to receive high-quality service through RHA. We are happy to have found such a good fit for this acquisition.” 

Throughout the acquisition, RHA worked to ensure that those receiving services from Howell Support Services did not experience any interruption to services and that former Howell Support Services employees were seamlessly hired by RHA. 

“We are excited to welcome Howell Support Services to the RHA family,” said Jeanne Duncan, CEO of RHA Health Services. “Together, we will carry on their tradition of providing high-quality services. We look forward to working with people supported, families and guardians, employees, and other partners.” 

RHA is continuing to grow our services across more communities. Are you interested in exploring an acquisition with RHA? Click here to learn more or contact Shaun Roark, Vice President of Business Development, at shaun.roark@rhanet.org. 

About RHA 

Founded in 1989, RHA began as a small provider of support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Carolina. Over the years, we have expanded to include a broad range of disability services and continue to add other types of services across multiple states to meet our communities’ needs. Today, RHA provides disability services in Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. In North Carolina and Pennsylvania, RHA also provides a wide variety of mental health and substance use services as well as support services for those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 

We focus on helping people live their best lives through setting and reaching personal goals, forming and sustaining meaningful community connections and relationships, achieving positive outcomes in health and wellness, and more. Learn more. 

 

Employee Spotlight: Celebrating RHA Team Leads at the Place Where Humans Bloom!

Carlina S. and Nicole K. are Team Leads in North Carolina who recently celebrated five years with RHA.

Carlina is a Peer Support & Bridge Home Team Lead for RHA along the coast of North Carolina. Carlina began her journey at RHA as a Qualified Professional on the Transitional Management Services team in New Bern, a role she filled for a little over three years before transitioning to her current role as Team Lead over the Peer Support Team almost two years ago. In her current role, Carlina has been an instrumental part in establishing two new Trillium Bridge Recovery Homes in Greenville, North Carolina. Under Carlina’s leadership, the programs have seen such impressive success and growth in the Community Peer Support team’s caseload that they were able to split the team into two community Peer Support teams – one serving Greenville and New Bern, and the other serving Craven, Carteret, Edenton, and Elizabeth City.

Carlina is admired by her coworkers and has been referred to by peers as a great example of a strategic leader.

Nicole K. is a Transitional Management Services (TMS) Team Lead, also located along the east coast of North Carolina. Since Nicole came on board five years ago, she has been instrumental in training leaders within the company — Carlina being one of them.

Nicole maintains a full caseload and is often the first point of contact by Trillium Health Resources when they have a new member who needs to be transitioned to a TMS team in the New Bern area. Nicole is reported as  willing to drop everything to see a new individual and get them started with services. Coworkers described Nicole as a leader that is invested in the wellbeing of people, and someone who would willingly sacrifice anything to help a person supported.

We are so grateful to have Nicole and Carlina at RHA, and for the work that they are doing to help people we support live their best lives.

Interested in joining our team? Visit rhajobs.com to view available positions near you.

Peer Support Brings Added Value to Recovery at RHA

Peer Support Services are recovery-focused, person-centered services for adults living with mental illnesses or substance use disorders.

At RHA, individuals who receive peer support services are paired up with a certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) who will help guide them on their recovery journey. A PSS is someone with lived experience who has graduated from recovery courses and gone on to receive specialized training in how to support others on their journey.

With the help of a certified Peer Support Specialist, people learn how to manage their own recovery and build self-advocacy skills. Having guidance and support from someone who has “been there, done that” is what many in recovery value the most about peer support services. A PSS serves not only as a mentor but also as a source of hope and inspiration to people who are beginning the recovery process.

Brenden was a recipient of peer support services at RHA Health Services. With the help of a PSS, Brenden was able to access services that changed his life, including Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment. He shares his experience in a video filmed by UNC Psychiatry:

Thank you, Brenden, for sharing your story!

Are you looking for support on your recovery journey? Visit us at https://rhahealthservices.org/behavioral-health-services/ to view behavioral health services by state.

Peer Support at RHA Inspires Those in Recovery to Give Back

Donna received peer support services from RHA during her recovery – now, she’s a certified peer support specialist at RHA.

At RHA, individuals who receive peer support services are paired up with a certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) who will help guide them on their recovery journey. A PSS is someone with lived experience who has graduated from recovery courses and gone on to receive specialized training in how to support others on their journey.

For some, peer support services are so impactful on their individual recovery journey that it inspires them to give back. This was the case for Donna, a Peer Support Specialist with RHA who utilized our peer support services during her own recovery journey. In this video from UNC Psychiatry, she talks about her experience:

Donna’s story echoes that of many of the peer support specialists at RHA Health Services, including team members like Cole, Ethel, and Tanya, whose stories you can read by clicking here.

If you’re interested in becoming a Peer Support Specialist or helping people in recovery, visit rhajobs.com to learn more and view available positions near you.

Thank you to Donna and others for sharing their stories and providing inspiration and support for others in recovery!  

RHA Employee Celebrates 11 Years at the Place #WhereHumansBloom!

Marianne T. is an RHA Business Manager in North Carolina who celebrated her 11-year anniversary with the company in July.

“I started working with the Foothills Service Center area in 1995. In the early 2000s, the company was vested and we wound up going through three new management companies in a matter of months, which caused drastic upset with the community of people we serve… In 2010 or 2011, RHA finally took over and I was committed to making sure that they were successful so that we could provide stability for the people we supported.”

Marianne began as a Business Manager with RHA, helping identify training opportunities, billing efficiencies, and other areas of improvement that could elevate the experience of the people supported at the Foothills Regional Treatment Center. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles supporting project management, office transitions, special projects, and more.

“I’ve always said if you need someone to break down a big project, give it to Marianne,” said Tina H. when complimenting Marianne on a recent position change. “You have stepped into your new position with a lot of thought and investigation. I appreciate how you have moved into it with such grace.”

“Marianne is quite the generous lady… She sewed all FRTC staff a personal cloth mask and in addition, delivered to the unit…. Thank you Marianne for caring for the RHA team,” Angela N. said after Marianne hand-sewed masks for staff members at the Foothills Regional Treatment Center during the height of COVID.

After eleven years with the company, Marianne says that there’s never been a dull day– and she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“Every day is an adventure because every day we are figuring out how we’re going to make the next thing work successfully.” She said, “The thing about RHA is that the mindset is ‘we are going to do whatever it takes to succeed, and we are all going to do our best to make sure it does.’ And even when things don’t succeed, the people in charge come back and say, ‘Let’s look at this and figure out how to do it better next time.’ RHA just does not fail.”

Thank you, Marianne, for your commitment to RHA and the people we support!

Inspired by Marianne’s story? Visit rhajobs.com to learn more about available positions and apply now!

 

RHA Employee in North Carolina Creates Newsletter with the Help of People Supported

Debra W. is a Qualified Professional (QP) at RHA who has been working with people supported to create fun and festive newsletters for more than two years.

Debra began creating a newsletter with the help of people supported at one of RHA’s group homes in North Carolina more than two years ago.

“The newsletter is a big confidence booster. It makes people feel good and supported,” said Debra. “There are people supported who look forward to working on the newsletter. Once they’re done and something they helped create is printed, they get to see it and show it off.”

When Debra first introduced the newsletter she said people weren’t sure how to respond, but that it quickly gained traction. “People weren’t sure what to do with it for a long time, but now it’s gotten to the point where the people supported are asking about it constantly. They want to have their birthday celebrated, or appreciated. I barely have to engage people anymore because people enjoy it so much.”

The newsletter has been running for more than two years, and while a recent change and Debra said she’s excited to continue working on it. “I love to do it; it’s my work hobby! It’s just the most fun, relaxing thing in the world.”

Thank you, Debra, for engaging the people we support and helping them find a way to feel seen, supported, and celebrated!

 

 

RHA Health Services Celebrates Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) as Part of DSP Week 2022!

Direct Support Professional Week is Sept. 11-17th 2022, and we’re celebrating by highlighting DSPs across all four of our service states.

RHA’s marketing team recently reached out to administrators in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Pennsylvania with a simple request: help us identify DSPs who are blooming at RHA. With their help, we were able to identify nearly thirty DSPs who are going above and beyond to provide quality care to the people we support.

Below are stories, words of wisdom, advice, and more from some of those DSPs.


North Carolina

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
To be recognized as an outstanding DSP is such an honor. However, I am just doing a job that I absolutely love. I have been in the healthcare field for over 26 years, and being a Direct Support Professional is the best job I have ever had.

What do you enjoy the most about being a DSP?
I enjoy working with the people we support on life skills that help them become more independent. This is not just a job to me, as it is so rewarding and fulfilling.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
I have so many memories but the best ones are watching all of the people we support hit their goals and be proud of themselves- as they should be.

What would you tell someone who is considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
I would tell anyone that is considering becoming a DSP to do it if they have patience, compassion to assist others, adaptability, reliability, attentiveness, good communication, and a willingness to be a team player. This isn’t just a job; it is a fulfilling, rewarding career with a great company with a mission to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
To be an outstanding DSP you have to have humility and put the needs of others before yourself.

What do you enjoy the most about being a DSP?
I enjoy spending time with the people we serve, particularly doing different activities like dancing or having a spa day. Who doesn’t love to be pampered?

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
I have so many. I enjoy making their birthdays special; I’ll cook their favorite meal or prepare their favorite snack.

What would you tell someone who is considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
If you have a love for helping people and a heart full of patience and kindness, then this is the perfect role and the perfect company to work for.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
To be an outstanding Direct Support Professional, it takes patience and understanding to help the people we serve prosper and become the best they can possibly be. Safety also plays a huge part of preparing them for the outside world.

What do you enjoy the most about being a DSP?
The most enjoyable part of being a Direct Support Professional is watching the people that we serve reach all of their goals. The warm smiles that we get when completing their objectives and helping them achieve goals and skills that allow them to become a unique part of our society.

What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
I would tell them that it is a joy helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities become integrated into their community.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
I feel that an outstanding DSP is responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of the people we support. We are also responsible for supporting their identity and and helping them work towards personal outcomes that go along with their personal care plans.

What do you enjoy the most about being a DSP?
I love being a DSP because I get to take care of individuals with intellectual disabilities. I get to assist them in achieving their goals and helping them perform tasks in the outside community.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
Some of my favorite memories are watching my clients achieve their goals and reach their full potential. I also enjoy taking them on trips and outings.

What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
The clients make the job; it is all about the clients. You get to help them become more independent within society, as well as network with new people.


Tennessee

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
To me it means putting the individual’s needs before your own and always going above and beyond for their happiness- and letting them experience things in the outside world.

What do you enjoy the most about being a DSP?
What I enjoy most are the bonds we have built together and the memories we have made. I also enjoy knowing that I have changed so many lives forever.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
My favorite memory would be when we took the trip to Dollywood! The individuals had never been to Dollywood, so it was a new experience for them and they all looked so happy and excited to try out the roller coasters and water rides. They also loved staying in the big castle and said it felt surreal. They all still talk about that trip to this day, and ask to go back all the time.

What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
I would tell them to be caring and understanding of the individuals, and treat them as your own family. Go out of your way to build meaningful bonds with everybody, and always be flexible and adaptable because things happen all the time that we may not expect but you have to roll with it!

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
Being an outstanding DSP entails being a member of a team that functions efficiently and cooperatively. I couldn’t do this job without the amazing support of my coworkers, nurses, and management. It also means being passionate and committed to providing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the tools they need to overcome obstacles in areas and activities that might otherwise keep them from being independent, and enabling them to live the best lives possible.

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
I take pride in being an advocate for the people I serve by understanding their unique circumstances and identifying the best possible solutions for their goals and needs. I also love taking them on community outings, like trips to the park or local events.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
Taking the people I support to Dollywood is by far one of my favorite memories! Particularly at the water park; we had a ton of fun. I enjoyed seeing the joy on their faces! To this day, they still talk about that trip.

What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
I have worked for RHA for over three years. One of my favorite parts of being a DSP is seeing how much my clients look forward to seeing me, and how if I wasn’t there they made an effort to find out where I was. Learning that I made an impact in their lives is very rewarding. If you are thinking about becoming a DSP, you should know that it can be highly fulfilling role and will provide you with a great opportunity to see the need for, and importance of, DSPs.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
Being an outstanding DSP means being their microphone and not their voice. It means advocating for that person whether it’s in regards to their health, their interests, or their relationships.

What do you enjoy the most about being a DSP?
The impact relationships make in a person’s life is immeasurable. Not only am I talking about relationships with peers, family, friends, or people in their community, but also spiritual connections. When a person supported wants to explore their faith, I enjoy inviting them to church. Watching them develop and define their own relationship with God has brought so much joy to my life.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
I have been working in this field for close to 20 years. My favorite memories revolve around when my individuals are at the yearly Special Olympics just seeing them out on the field having a good time smiling and laughing.

What would you tell someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
Any job in healthcare can teach you how to keep someone safe, but a select few companies like RHA will also support you to help them thrive and live a robust life.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
Being an outstanding DSP means that you are passionate, dedicated, and reliable and you get to help care for others in away that directly impacts their lives while also helping you grow and learn as a person.

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
I enjoy being able to help individuals, especially cooking for them. Being able to cook a meal for them that takes them back to their childhood makes my heart so happy.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
One of my favorite memories would have to be dressing up the girls, doing their hair and makeup and then taking them to our local Christmas parade and the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway.

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
Being a DSP is a very rewarding job that requires your full attention and patience. Patience is really key.


Georgia

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
It is an honor, and it makes me feel like I am doing an outstanding job. It is a good feeling and I love being a part of the lives of those we support.

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
Witnessing the pride the people we support take in themselves when they meet a goal or overcome a situation. To see how happy they are when they accomplish something that means something to them.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
My favorite memory as a DSP is when we celebrated the birthday of a person we support. She was in her fifties and she said it was the best birthday party that she had ever had… It really meant a lot to her. At that age, a small celebration was the best birthday she had ever had. It makes you think about the things we take for granted; just dancing and cupcakes was something big to her.

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
It is a very rewarding role. You just need to celebrate the small victories and know that though they may be small to you, they are huge to the people we support. RHA really treats their employees well and acknowledges them through bonuses and compensation for your hard work. Our efforts are recognized, and that is a good feeling.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
It makes me feel proud, very proud…  like dreams do come true. It makes me feel like my work is acknowledged and that people do see me, and what I do.

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
It is very gratifying to help others. Even though it is challenging, it allows me opportunities to solve problems and do real world thinking. It makes me a better problem solver, and allows me to be creative in my thinking.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
My favorite memory is Super Saturday Halloween; we had a Halloween party for people supported, and seeing them dancing and having a good time was great. I got to meet other people that do the same work as me and see others do really great things. I remember the decorations, the smiles… it was iconic, and I loved that night.

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
I would tell them to make sure you are compassionate and you treat people with integrity. Be devoted, too, because the people you support depend on you.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
It means a lot to me to know that I am helping people that need help, and it means a lot that someone has noticed my work. That in itself means a lot.

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
I enjoy the relationships that I build with the people I support and knowing that I am helping them and that  I am doing something good by helping them.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
When I was working at one of our group homes, we had Family and Friends Day, and seeing all the people dancing and enjoying their family members was great. We had such good community involvement, and all of the people supported were having a good time.

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
I would tell them that it is a good job and gives you a chance to help people that really need help. It is just a good way to give back and feel good about what you do every day. I really like RHA, they are a good company.


Pennsylvania

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
I take a lot of pride in making sure my members get all the care they deserve and need. It’s an honor to get noticed, and to be chosen for this. It reflects on what I do for the people we support & I will continue strive for excellence.

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
I enjoy putting smiles on the faces of the people we support. I enjoy making priceless, countless memories with them.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
There are way too many to choose from…. going camping with them, going to the YMCA, playing video games with them, going outside to shoot hoops together and such. If I had to choose just one, I would probably say going to a live WWE/WWF wrestling show. The people I support have dreamt for so long of attending a live wrestling show & just to be able to get in there to watch the show, and then sit really close to the wrestling ring…. Seeing all of the people I support in awe, amazed, and with so many smiles and laughter… It makes all of the team effort worth it. It is something I will never forget and I’m pretty sure the people supported will remember that forever, especially given how often they still talk about it.

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
I would tell anyone that being a DSP is like being at home. I promise they will create many new, unforgettable memories. They will be able to go on cool trips, and new activities with the people they support. Plus, it’s so nice to have full access to other members of the Deaf community by working here, and to make a good living from it. Every day does not feel like “work” because we are too busy having fun and making memories and a difference in the lives of the people we support, and that makes this a place worthy of working for.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
It means that you’re willing to go the extra mile.

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
Making the people we support happy.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
Throwing a surprise birthday party for one of the people we support.

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
You have to have patience! Patience and a kind heart.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
For me, being an outstanding DSP means you always keep your focus on the best interests of the individuals we serve.

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
Knowing that I impact the people we support in a meaningful way by supporting their interests along with their health and medical needs.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
I have so many good memories, and it’s the bond I created with individuals and the trust they give me that make me the happiest. It’s the unexpected, positive moments that I will always cherish. The one thing I will never forget is the smiles and pure joy on their faces.

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
If they take value in enriching the lives of people who need support in many areas, this may be the job for them.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
To me, it means that I am very hardworking, and a good role model to people supported. It means having a good, strong relationship with members in order to meet the needs of their communication level. At my home, all of the people we support are Deaf and have strong fluent American Sign Language, and I am Deaf too. I enjoy being involved in their journey, and giving advice when they feel they need an advocate. I always give my full support and make them feel more comfortable. I always show up for work on time, and I’m willing to pick up extra shift as needed. I am a strong supporter for the people we serve, and I practice good teamwork with other staff members. I’ve been working here nearly nine years and the people here are like my family.

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
I really enjoy taking people supported out into the community and seeing their faces happy and having fun. I enjoy giving advice to members, and watching them learn from me.  I also enjoy cheering up the people we support, and making them laugh.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
My favorite memory is going out in the community with people supported, especially to Kennywood Amusement Park. I enjoy going on the rides with them; it makes them happy.

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
I would say that being a DSP builds up your skills, and you learn a lot when working with people supported. Working with the people we support also helps build your self esteem.

 

What does it mean to you to be an outstanding DSP?
The DSP title was challenging to me at first because of my past experience with different high-level counseling roles, but I have learned so much since becoming a DSP. 

What do you enjoy most about being a DSP?
I enjoy counseling the people we support and guiding them towards the best opportunities for their future. Helping them live better lives has really opened my eyes.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a DSP?
My best moments have been empowering the people I support, and helping them to develop their abilities and their independent life skills.

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a DSP with RHA?
I will encourage people with the right skills to step into a DSP role, and to appreciate the opportunities and experiences and it will bring to their team.


Thank you to the DSPs who participated in this feature, as well as all of the incredible DSPs working each day to help the people we support live life to its fullest potential! It is because of you that RHA continues to be a place #WhereHumansBloom.

If this article has inspired you, or you know someone who may be a good fit in a Direct Support role, please visit rhajobs.com to view available positions near you.