Frontline Initiative: The Changing Roles of Direct Support Professionals

We know that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) fulfill many types of roles. The expectation is that supports are person-centered and happen in places where people without disabilities live, work, go to school, and more. DSPs are expected to advocate for people they support, as well as for the profession of direct support. We asked DSPs to tell us about their job.

Michelle Murphy, DSP-R

Michelle Murphy, DSP-R, Residential Specialist with Medication Support Duties at the Arc of Ulster-Greene, New Paltz, NY

In which setting(s) do you work? My home base is a community residence in New Paltz, New York where eight people live, including a married couple who have an attached apartment to the residence. I often support at medical appointments in the community.

What do you find most beneficial about your work? The most beneficial aspect of my work as a DSP is advocating for individuals to have confidence to speak for themselves at home, with their families, and in the community. This allows the people I support to design their own life plans and to take charge of their futures.

What is your greatest challenge in your work? The greatest challenge in this work is changing the perception of this career field as a skilled profession. DSPs are not paid a fair wage for the vital work we do.

What are your future goals for this work? I am currently enrolled in and plan to complete the NADSP credentialing process. I will continue to pursue certifications needed to teach others in the field. My goal is to continue to grow and learn in the field of human services while continuing to move upward professionally.

Wylie Sheppard

Wylie Sheppard, Community Integration Facilitator at the Arc of Atlantic County, Egg Harbor Township, NJ

In which setting(s) do you work? I work in a community-based Adult Training Center.

What do you find most beneficial about your work? We provide the following services:

• Implement educational and recreational activities that promote skills that help people find employment
• Support people to develop independent living skills and social skills
• Support people to understand their individual rights and ability to exercise them fully
• Provide transportation
• Support overall health and safety
• Teach people skills related to meal preparation, money management, healthy sexuality, and hygiene
• Medication administration, record keeping, proper storage, and proper quantities
• Coordinate regular medical and dental appointments to assure a safe and healthy lifestyle
• Serve as a professional liaison between people, their families, guardians, employers, day program staff, other agency staff, professionals in the community

What is your greatest challenge in your work? What I find most challenging about my work is finding out what people like and new ideas to motivate and challenge them. I want to help keep people engaged and learning.

What do you find most beneficial about your work? We are successful when people come away knowing more about what’s here for them and knowing more about themselves.

Lisa Mottsey

Lisa Mottsey, DSP-C1, Residential Specialist at Arc of Ulster-Greene, Saugerties, NY

In which setting(s) do you work? I currently work full time in a residential apartment setting and also on-call in another similar apartment setting.

What do you find most beneficial about your work? The thing I find most beneficial about my job is that is that I am continually given opportunities for education in my field. I have been able to become college-accredited in the field that I work in through my agency. This is beneficial for both myself and the people that I support. It has allowed me to flourish as a DSP and become better at my job every day. These skills allow me to assist people to be more independent and fulfill their goals. My future goals for this work are to continue with my education so that I can continue to flourish in my position. I will continue to be an advocate for the people who live here. I hope to continue to attend conferences and further my education at the agency.

What is your greatest challenge in your work? My greatest challenge at my job is finding time to connect with the people I support. My primary shift is overnights. I find it beneficial to pick up extra hours from time to time to stay connected and build relationships with the people. I am an active advocate and attend meetings and community functions with someone who lives where I work. This also helps me stay connected to people who live here.

Nikki Mundt

Nikki Mundt, DSP-R, Community Support Professional at Arc of Monroe, Rochester, NY

In which setting(s) do you work? I work in the community and in non-certified homes.

What do you find most beneficial about your work? The goals the people I am supporting, which are helping them to be independent members of the community.

What is your greatest challenge in your work? It is often difficult to balance and understand how to apply some aspects of billing and business matters with being person-centered, especially if it seems to come at a financial cost or loss. We must remember that gains from person-centered support often can offset the financial loss in the long run.

What are your future goals for this work? I hope to open up more opportunities and reduce limitations for people. I want to change the way the community views people with disabilities.

Tyler Hayes

Tyler Hayes, Assistant Manager and Floor Support in a residential home at Pathway Enterprises, Inc., Medford, Oregon

What do you find most beneficial about your work? What I enjoy most about my work are the people I assist every day. I have opportunities to help advocate for their individuality and independence. I help them find information so they can make decisions in their life.

What is your greatest challenge in your work? The greatest challenge in my work is knowing that people come and go in this field, both people supported and DSPs. Sometimes this can be a good thing. For example, if a supported person is moving to a more independent life or goal, I am happy for their success. At times this is followed by sadness, but it is a learning experience that encourages growth. It also creates new relationships and an opportunity to meet new people.

What are your future goals for this work? My future goals are to continue to be an advocate for the people I support. It is an important role to assist people in finding their voice.

Corrinne Dick

Corrinne Dicks, Lead Staff at Pathway Enterprises in Medford, Oregon

In which setting(s) do you work? Residential Home

What do you find most beneficial about your work? I appreciate being given the opportunity to change lives by teaching independence and new skills, and supporting integration and inclusion as people want.

What is your greatest challenge in your work? The hardest thing for me is to step back and let people have their right to risk. This is a newer addition to training at the company I work for. It is a transition from protecting people from harm no matter what to giving them their right to risk. We try our best to support and provide the information for the person to make an educated decision. It’s my job to support that, even if I don’t agree with it. Ultimately, it’s not about me, it’s about the person and their choice.

What are your future goals for this work? This field is ever changing and progressing. My goal is to change and progress with the field and with the people I support. I don’t want to get stuck in the rut of, "this is how we used to do it," or, "this is what I already know."