We’re Hiring! – Talent Acquisition Lead Shares About RHA’s Open Positions

As we expand and evolve, RHA is always seeking to fill open positions. From business to operations to healthcare, we offer a variety of opportunities for all experience levels.

We reached out to Talent Acquisition Lead Amie Sevier to share more about her work, RHA, and what potential applicants should know.

Q: Can you describe your role with RHA and overall industry experience?

A: As the Talent Acquisition Lead, my role is to lead the Talent Acquisition/Recruitment team to attract and connect talent at RHA. We work with the Operations team to connect candidates with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve across Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. I started in December 2020 as the first centralized Recruiter at RHA, and our team now has more than five members. I have 11 years of Recruitment experience in different industries, and I love having the opportunity to work with and hire passionate professionals! I love what I do because I am constantly learning from others, and I get to help develop and build the teams that stand behind our company.

Q: What inspires you about your work with RHA?

A: I am inspired by all we do for the community and the passion of our staff who work to provide opportunities for people to live more independent lives. I learn every day from the people at RHA, working in the community to make a difference by providing needed services I never knew existed. In Recruitment, we are inspired to keep doing what we do each day so RHA and all its great programs can keep providing for the communities we serve.

Q: How would you describe RHA’s work culture and environment?

A: RHA as a company is all about passion for the people we serve, and this shines through our staff. The Operations staff does everything they can to serve the unique needs of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services, mental health support services, and substance use services. Starting my job in 2020, I witnessed this passion when everyone came together to keep our services running as optimally as possible.

Q: What kind of jobs are available with RHA?

A: We have a little bit of everything at RHA, literally from hairdressers to psychiatrists! Most of our workforce are Direct Support Professionals, entry-level positions who provide care for the people we serve. These positions are 24/7, with a variety of schedules available, making them a great fit for someone in school or starting their career. We also have available positions in a variety of programs and services within the IDD and Behavioral Health space. My team and I like to say, if you are interested in working in one of the states we serve, we can find a job that suits your current needs and allows you to grow or “bloom” professionally at RHA.

Q: What qualities and skills does RHA look for in potential candidates?

A: We look for passion to support the people we serve, responsibility, innovation, a strong work ethic, and a teamwork mindset.

Q: Why should someone apply to work with RHA?

A: To state our tagline: At RHA, Where Humans Bloom, we give our staff the chance to grow and learn. If you want to make a difference in the lives of people living with intellectual/developmental disabilities or behavioral/mental health needs, there is a place for you at RHA. Explore the variety of services we provide to find the right fit for you and submit an application. We want to hear from you!

Visit rhajobs.com or email careers@rhanet.org to learn more about available positions and apply now!

Employee Celebrates Long Career with RHA – 40 Years and Counting!

Over the last 40 years, Gina Horner has served in many roles at RHA.

She started her career in 1983 in a Direct Care position and is now the Human Resources Manager in Trenton, TN. In celebration of her 40-year anniversary with the company, we asked her a couple questions to get to know her better.

Q: Why RHA? Tell us what inspires you about the work we do.

A: I am asked this question frequently. My answer has always been: “Why not?” If I make a difference in the life of just one person supported, that makes everything worthwhile. It is always rewarding to watch them accomplish something independently after working hard to achieve their goals. This work is a passion that comes from within.

Q: Outside of RHA, what are your passions and hobbies?

A: I have had two children and now four grandchildren while employed. My interests include spending time with my grandchildren, shopping at antique malls, and traveling. My travels have included Ecuador, France, Germany, and on many occasions, the beach. No day is the same at RHA. My career has always afforded me the opportunity to balance work with my personal life. RHA is “Where Humans Bloom,” and I am still blooming.

Congratulations on 40 years, Gina! Thank you for sharing your passion for your work. We are so fortunate to have you on our team!

Reimert Elected President of the PAPRS Board

Rochelle Reimert, Assistant Operations Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation (PR) Services at RHA, was recently named President Elect of the Pennsylvania Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PAPRS) Board.

A volunteer Board supports the PAPRS mission to promote a system of integrated and holistic services to support mental health recovery so that individuals can achieve success and satisfaction in the living, learning, working and social environments of their choice. This is achieved through education, technical assistance, advocacy and networking – providing access, information, and strategies to implement state-of-the-art PR and recovery-oriented principles and practices throughout the Commonwealth.

Reimert has been involved with PAPRS since 2014, serving on both the Board and the Education and Consultation committee, of which she is currently Co-chair. Reimert says, “Serving on the PAPRS Board is important because it is not only promoting our services, but PR throughout the state. It has allowed me to be part of the education of Pennsylvania’s workforce, support and advocate for funding, take part in regulatory issues, and promote PR principles. I want to help transform people’s lives wherever possible. This allows me to.”

Reimert has worked in behavioral health services since 1995, and as the Assistant Operations Director of PR Services, she manages three RHA PR programs covering Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, and Pike counties in Pennsylvania. She credits her hard-working team for mutually supporting and sustaining their passion for recovery and rehabilitation. Referencing RHA’s “Where Humans Bloom” slogan, Reimert says, “I knew this was a good match for us in PR….this is what we do. We provide hope and encouragement to teach skills and build support. We help individuals transform their dreams into actionable goals.”

Congratulations, Rochelle, on your election and well-deserved success. We are glad you’re a part of the RHA family!

PA Assertive Community Treatment Team Wins Award for Outstanding Service

We are excited to announce that one of RHA’s Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACTT) recently accepted an award from the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services Advisory Board recognizing their outstanding contribution to the community!

RHA’s ACT Teams are groups of mental health professionals that work 24/7/365 to offer a full range of support services to people with serious or persistent mental illness and/or behavioral health needs. The award-winning team, located in Stroudsburg, PA, has been an active part of its community since its inception in 2010. They provide services in Carbon, Monroe, and Pike counties. Ashley Lerner, Operations Director of the ACT Team, says they most often meet with individuals dealing with mental health or housing crises. The team connects them with resources to help them live active, meaningful lives, integrated in their community. ACT Teams travel to people to provide personalized care with no waiting list, no time limit, and with an emphasis on community support. After receiving ACTT services, people supported often report a significant reduction in crisis situations such as homelessness, incarceration or repeat-hospitalizations.

The multi-functional Stroudsburg team consists of a team leader and assistant, mental health professionals, nurses, and housing, vocational, drug/alcohol, and certified peer specialists. Lerner attributes the team’s success to team morale and accountability, saying, “The ACT Team is amazing, and they work so well together, jumping in when needed. In order to be successful, you need a team that believes in the same values, purpose, goals and mission. At a management level encouraging promoting autonomy and celebrating successes is important. This is just one of the many things we do to show our team members that they are valued.”

In celebration of the team’s success, we reached out to members, asking them to share a memorable experience serving in their community. Here is what they shared:

“To me, there is something so inherently different about our team- the cohesiveness, the way we communicate, the way we can finish each other’s sentences. We have seen the people we support at some of the lowest points in their lives, and to be able to work together to support, uplift, and empower them is a gift. To see someone go from being unhoused and unemployed, without family and support, to gaining housing, support, and income that meets their needs is amazing and a true testament to their resilience and strength. For people to let us in and trust us to guide them in personal growth is truly what it’s all about.” – Kimberly Dugan, ACT Team Leader

“A memorable experience: taking a client out into the community for the first time after a yearlong COVID lockdown for a cup of coffee at Dunkin. She was extremely appreciative, almost to the point of tears.” – John Malia, Nurse

“One of the people we supported a few years ago has a great success story. He had been with us for about 3-4 years and was interested in taking classes. He often asked me for advice regarding school and job searches. He took a class in auto mechanics. Initially, he wanted to repair his own vehicle.  As he was going through the class, I watched his self-esteem and confidence grow. Shortly after he finished the class and began his job search, he expressed an interest in graduating from ACT services. Over a few years, I had watched this man go from a person who was unsure of himself to a person with confidence; not just in his abilities to get through that class, but to get through life. He was ready to graduate. Our last visit was more of a formality. I observed no nervousness. He was just matter of fact, and his confident smile said it all: his life was waiting…he was ready.” – Carol Van Norman, Certified Peer Specialist

Congratulations, Stroudsburg ACT Team! We are proud of your success and the impact you are making in your community!

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.

RHA is Excited to Announce Tormeica Allison as the Executive Director of Care Management

Since she first joined RHA as a nurse in 2004, Tormeica Allison, MSN, RN, NE-BC has embodied why RHA Health Services is a place Where Humans Bloom. Since then, she has grown her career, her education, her family, and her extensive skillsets – and we’re thrilled to welcome her back into a new role.

With the goal of adding Care Management to the list of services we provide, RHA knew we needed someone with an understanding of the company, the right experience and education, and the leadership skills to spearhead this new endeavor.

RHA’s CEO Jeanne Duncan said, “We knew Tormeica would be a great fit for this role, and we’re excited to announce she’s returning to RHA as the Executive Director of Care Management. Her specific experience and expertise will ultimately help RHA be able to provide even more personalized care to the people we serve, and we’re grateful for her continued leadership.”

Allison’s background in nursing coupled with her leadership experience will be instrumental in making RHA’s care management model successful.

“Care management and care coordination are essentially in the DNA of a nurse and a main component of our training…caring for the whole person, which is what the Tailored Care Management model by the State of NC is seeking to achieve for the behavioral health and I/DD population through managed care,” said Allison.

RHA’s Care Management program is expected to launch in December of 2022, and we’re excited to expand the capacity for ways RHA can provide care and services to the people we support.

Behavioral Health Clinical Director Sharlena Thomas said, “Care Management involves ‘whole person care’ by attending to any need a person may have through assessment, planning, coordination, arranging and linking to appointments, monitoring attendance and efficacy, and communicating to multiple providers involved through a person’s care. We are excited about this opportunity to improve health outcomes through care management services.”

Throughout Allison’s time at RHA, she’s appreciated the flexibility with her work/life balance, close relationships with her coworkers, and opportunities for professional development.

Allison said, “When I came back [to RHA], it still felt like home. A lot had changed, but the culture hadn’t changed – and I was grateful for that.”

RHA is currently recruiting a dynamic team of Care Management Supervisors across NC. To learn more about these and other opportunities, please click here.

Seeking Behavioral Health Clinicians to Join RHA’s Team — Where Humans Bloom!

People are at the center of everything we do at RHA — including the people we support, their families and communities, and our valued team members. It is because of our dedicated team of professionals that RHA continues to be a place #WhereHumansBloom!

This video highlights the incredible work that our Behavioral Health Clinicians do every day. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team, please visit our Careers page to see our current openings and apply now to join us in making a difference in the lives of others.

Seeking Direct Support Professionals to Join our Team — Where Humans Bloom!

At RHA, we’re invested in people, and no one on our team embodies that value more than our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs.) We hope that this video will help familiarize you with – and celebrate – the work that our DSPs do every day.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a DSP, please visit our Careers page to view our current openings, or apply now to join our team and make a difference at a place #WhereHumansBloom.

RHA Health Services Welcomes Pitt County Group Homes

January 4, 2022

RHA Health Services is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pitt County Group Homes, a provider of residential and day and employment support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, based in Grifton, NC.

Mary Grace Bright, Executive Director of Pitt County Group Homes, said of the acquisition, “It was important to the Pitt County Group Homes Board of Directors to find the right company to acquire Pitt County Group Homes and ensure that the people we’ve supported for many years continue to receive high-quality services. We believe that RHA was the best choice to carry forward this work and are glad to have partnered with them on this acquisition.”

Throughout the acquisition, RHA worked to ensure that those receiving services from Pitt County Group Homes did not experience any interruption to services and that former Pitt County Group Homes employees were seamlessly hired by RHA.

“We are excited to welcome Pitt County Group Homes to the RHA family,” said Jeanne Duncan, CEO of RHA Health Services. “They have provided decades of excellent services to the people they support. We look forward to working with people supported, families and guardians, employees, and other partners to continue that tradition of high-quality services and supports.”

RHA is interested in continuing to grow and provide services to people across more communities. If you are interested in exploring an acquisition with RHA, please 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.

Recognizing RHA START Teams & Outstanding NC START Staff Members

Celebrating the START Community

The 2021 START National Training Institute was held virtually from May 3^rd through May 5^th 2021. As part of the event, three RHA NC START staff members were awarded for outstanding work. The winners are listed below, along with more details about their individual awards.

2021 START Leadership Award: Demetra Grigley

“Demetra rises to every challenge with positivity and a can-do attitude. Her perspective as a seasoned member of the START team helped others to stay mindful/focused on the day.”

This START Team Leadership Award recognizes a START Leader who demonstrates a thorough understanding of the START model and has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. This recipient exemplifies the START philosophy of positive engagement with individuals, families, and the service system.

Nominated by Andrea Caoili; Amy Huff; Ann Doucette; Michelle Klutz – North Carolina West

2021 START Team Member Award | Team Leader / Certified START Coordinator: Luis Hernandez

“Luis is endlessly curious and a fierce advocate for those we support. Luis asks the hard questions and pursues answers utilizing all resources available to him.”

This START Team Member Award recognizes a Certified START Coordinator or Team Leader who demonstrates a thorough understanding of the START model and has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. This recipient exemplifies the START philosophy of positive engagement with individuals, families, and the service system. START Coordinators should be with a program for at least 1 year and must be certified.

Nominated by Kenya Williams; Suzy Mayberry; Kerri Shaw; Sara Stanton – North Carolina East

2021 Therapeutic Supports Award | Resource Center Counselor: Latoya Ward

“Latoya works tirelessly to find new creative ways to support our guests; to help them feel safe, loved and to feel purpose. she is a calming gentle force which reassures everyone that ‘everything will be ok.’”

This START Team Member Award recognizes a START Resource Center Counselor who demonstrates a thorough understanding of the START model and has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people supported through START. This recipient exemplifies the START philosophy of positive engagement with individuals, families, and the service system.

Nominated by Kerri Shaw; Steve Tuzo

Poster Competition

RHA START West submitted and presented a research poster during the Virtual 2021 START National Training Institute. The poster won 2^nd Place at the event: the presentation and poster are linked below.

Click here to view a presentation about the efficacy of virtual crisis response during the COVID-19 Pandemic

About START

START stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources & Treatment. START is a comprehensive model of service supports that optimizes independence, treatment, and community living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs.

The Center for START Services at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability/UCED is a national initiative that works to strengthen efficiencies and service outcomes for individuals with IDD and behavioral health needs in the community.

START in North Carolina

NC START consists of several statewide community crisis support programs for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and complex behavioral or mental health needs. Crisis prevention and intervention services are provided through crisis response, clinical consultation, training, and respite.

NC START operates throughout the state of North Carolina as three distinct programs (West, Central, and East). The programs began serving adults (18 and older) in 2009 and expanded to children (6-17) in 2016.

RHA Health Services operates the West and East programs in North Carolina. The NC START West program operates through a collaboration with VAYA Health and includes clinical teams in Asheville and Concord, with a Resource Center in Statesville. The NC START East program operates through a collaboration with Trillium Health Resources and includes clinical teams in New Bern, Wilmington, and Greenville, with a Resource Center in New Bern.

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