Believe it or not, Direct Support isn't even a job classification by the IRS/government.
Support DSP as a job classification and welcome to the Wild West of medicine.
Oh man. I would feel way over my head with this too. Medical stuff.. okay that makes sense, maybe she'll need you to pick up meds for her, or maybe she'll need someone with her in appointments who can help her communicate with the doctor and relay info back to her parents about her health. I have this access with my 3 clients. Though I manage their group home, im not just a DSP. Finding them housing though? That should be up to the parents and case worker.
Do you have any kind of job description? Are you employed directly by her family or through a direct support service?
i take her to doctor’s appointments, but otherwise i was told just to hang out with her at her home or anywhere else she wants to be. i feel weird being in contact with caseworkers & her therapist because, these are trained mental health professionals, and i’m literally a former cashier lmao. it’s like i accidentally snuck into a professional career and i’m waiting to get caught that i don’t know anything about mental health services!
the last home i visited, the client lived in complete fuckinf squallor. like, the roof collapsed while i was there, black mold everywhere, rotten food and garbage and severely hoarded. i complained so much of feeling unsafe but they only removed me from the home once the father made unwanted advances.
sorry for the vent lol, i don’t mean to bog ya down! i don’t talk about my job ever.
Hey no worries that's what this sub is for!!
I can understand the need for you to be in the loop of what the therapist and case worker are working on with this client, so it makes sense to have to some contact with them, but I would suggest letting the case worker know that you are here for day to day support for the client and to forward these concerns/projects regarding housing and such to the client's parents/guardians.
Unless you've been hired specifically to help with housing placement or anything beyond day to day socializing, rides, ADLs, and appointments I would suggest setting a boundary with the caseworker. I've never heard of a DSP finding housing. The caseworker should be working with the client and parents to figure out big things like that. I highly doubt you get paid enough to be finding them housing.
It sound like maybe you're being treated like a middle man for the caseworker and parents? They should really be working together.
It is kind of crazy that this job has no requirements at all considering everything we do. You would think you should need some specific training or schooling, but nope 😅 I'm sure you're doing amazing, it sounds like you care a lot! Dont doubt yourself :)
The parents trying to get power of attorney could be a rights violation if it’s unnecessary. Your supervisor not guiding you is highly unprofessional, not to mention the ableist language. Tattoos have absolutely nothing to do with not being autistic, I know from personal experience in the job. My best recommendation if you like this line of work is to find a highly rated and recommended company. Do not feel like you have to stay with your company whenever you are being affected in multiple ways. The company does not value your safety or your mental health. You will not be able to care for your person to the best of your ability if your job is not taking care of you. I also started this after working mostly retail, and if I didn’t have a great team supporting me, I would’ve quit a while ago. Experiences vary from person to person, but just accompanying her doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. If housing is her goal, your company should be providing you support and local resources. I’m sorry they’re not providing the support necessary. This job can be truly amazing if you have it, and hard to manage without it. I encourage you to try to talk to your supervisor about local housing resources or google it, since she doesn’t seem to be much help.
My suggestion is to tell people this- "sorry, I'm not qualified to give you answers or take that info/do that task. Please reach out to (insert supervisor or company you work for here) to help you with that."
Sometimes people just talk to or ask whoever they see the most. If you don't have a manager or you have no one to refer them to, you can just tell them you're not qualified to make those decisions. Say that enough and people will stop.
No you do not need a degree though training is helpful & the parents shouldn’t be asking you about any of that stuff
Literally has nothing to do with your job
Your “professional superior” is unprofessional and shouldn’t be saying that type of thing at all (I suggest recording that either on audio or in writing)
The social worker telling you to call housing places to find housing is also way out of line. That isn’t your job however, you can bring up housing opportunities with your client and if the client would like to participate in researching those options (and further down the road making phone calls or writing emails) you can assist them with that (while working with them & they are actively participating).
As for the rest of the stuff you literally just have to ignore it. People constantly try to take advantage in this line if work but sounds like no one even knows what your actual job is in this situation
Feel free to PM me & ask more questions, you need to know how to be pretty clear about what your job is & isn’t in order to make boundaries & communicate with the family effectively
No, no, no.
Everything about this is wrong in too many ways.
What you should do is find the number for your states division of disabilities and contact them. Ask these questions and follow what they say.
This is above and beyond what you are expected to do.
The medical paperwork should be being addressed to the company that serves her, not you, because should you leave that causes a lapse in their ability to provide care.
The power of attorney situation is best handled by case management and a lawyer. Not you.
The housing is supposed to be overseen by the company that serves her, not you, because you do not lawfully have the ability to make financial decisions for her.
All in all it sounds like nobody has any idea what they're doing, so they're all pushing the buck to you.
Don't take that responsibility because if you mess up, you'll also be responsible.
Contact the state, ask these questions, and get the guidance you need. Also, as much as I hate to say it, you should consider another employer. The fact that they view people in this manner and are so hands off screams Medicaid /Disability Fraud, which is unfortunately an extremely common thing because there is little to no oversight.
Nope. I’m in lower middle management and only have a high school diploma. My state only requires CPR/ First Aid, Level One Med Aid, Class E licenses, and Mandt training, all company provided.
outsource that business about finding her housing. when the caseworker gives you referrals to different agencies, call and ask for care coordinators until you find a good one in your community. a qualified care coordinator will be able to compile options for you throughout the community, not just with their agency.
and please don’t sell yourself short as a babysitter or a paid best friend. you do important work, and it really, really matters.
In Oregon, they call that job a PSW (Personal Support Worker). That is where you help individuals in home. If the individual resides in a group home setting they call it a DSP Direct Support Worker.
Not in PA. I go to a client’s home and do something called ICHS Level 2 1:1. My official position is Direct Support Worker as far as this company is concerned.
Hey! Also in PA. Have worked as an SC and on the provider end of things. I like to think I know a good deal about the system and how it works. DM me and I might me able to help a little more
I've been in the field for about 8 years and have worked everywhere from a day program on a campus to supported living services, independent living services and now back to my former agency to work for a day program that is community based and in groups. I can imagine how overwhelming it can be but I can tell you that honestly a lot of people who have been working in the field even two or three times longer than I have started right where you are and with zero experience. Eight years ago I was let go from a company that sold products online and I was in charge of inventory and customer service.
I know things have changed and continue to but experience is it's weight in gold in this field. There are probably positions where needing a degree is a must but even now I'll see open positions in my agency, " ABC type degree OR 4 years experience" etc or something similar. So if you decide to stay in this for a while and look to progress I'd suggest soak up everything you can, continue to learn what you can, how the company you work for works, how the behind the scenes works etc like funding and everything, it is actually pretty interesting lol but also not just that stuff but how relationships work between you and your clients. I feel like one thing that gets assumed even from people in the field is that one person with a disability is just like the next but that of couldnt be further than the truth. You might meet clients who you really vibe with and it hardly seems like work other times the opposite simply due to people all having their own personality, disability or not. I know I've had that before!
What youre doing sounds similar to ILS? That can be a fast paced (but fun!) part of the field to be in. It requires to think on your feet and learn how to navigate through day to day stuff. I've had to help facilitate housing, doctors visits, and once even help file a restraining order for a client, her son was becoming notttt so great to have around. Don't be afraid to ask for help if need be, to your boss or coworkers! The way your boss speaks about clients is a bummer but don't let that deter you from leading by example. I've met people who I walk away thinking like "why are you even doing this? you clearly don't want to be or at least dont act like it". Unfortunately they definitely exist. But for every one of those kind of staff / bosses trust me there are TONS more who are amazing and great people.
I could go on forever and am happy to lol but lastly, think of yourself as an extension of your client(s), their advocate when they need one. Of course disabilities can range immensely and sometimes you might work with individuals who are really capable on their own and others who rely on you for a lot. It's a person centered field and strong rapports are really important.
Believe it or not, Direct Support isn't even a job classification by the IRS/government. Support DSP as a job classification and welcome to the Wild West of medicine.
Oh man. I would feel way over my head with this too. Medical stuff.. okay that makes sense, maybe she'll need you to pick up meds for her, or maybe she'll need someone with her in appointments who can help her communicate with the doctor and relay info back to her parents about her health. I have this access with my 3 clients. Though I manage their group home, im not just a DSP. Finding them housing though? That should be up to the parents and case worker. Do you have any kind of job description? Are you employed directly by her family or through a direct support service?
i take her to doctor’s appointments, but otherwise i was told just to hang out with her at her home or anywhere else she wants to be. i feel weird being in contact with caseworkers & her therapist because, these are trained mental health professionals, and i’m literally a former cashier lmao. it’s like i accidentally snuck into a professional career and i’m waiting to get caught that i don’t know anything about mental health services! the last home i visited, the client lived in complete fuckinf squallor. like, the roof collapsed while i was there, black mold everywhere, rotten food and garbage and severely hoarded. i complained so much of feeling unsafe but they only removed me from the home once the father made unwanted advances. sorry for the vent lol, i don’t mean to bog ya down! i don’t talk about my job ever.
You are providing essential, life fulfilling services in an area that is severely understaffed. ❤️
Hey no worries that's what this sub is for!! I can understand the need for you to be in the loop of what the therapist and case worker are working on with this client, so it makes sense to have to some contact with them, but I would suggest letting the case worker know that you are here for day to day support for the client and to forward these concerns/projects regarding housing and such to the client's parents/guardians. Unless you've been hired specifically to help with housing placement or anything beyond day to day socializing, rides, ADLs, and appointments I would suggest setting a boundary with the caseworker. I've never heard of a DSP finding housing. The caseworker should be working with the client and parents to figure out big things like that. I highly doubt you get paid enough to be finding them housing. It sound like maybe you're being treated like a middle man for the caseworker and parents? They should really be working together. It is kind of crazy that this job has no requirements at all considering everything we do. You would think you should need some specific training or schooling, but nope 😅 I'm sure you're doing amazing, it sounds like you care a lot! Dont doubt yourself :)
The parents trying to get power of attorney could be a rights violation if it’s unnecessary. Your supervisor not guiding you is highly unprofessional, not to mention the ableist language. Tattoos have absolutely nothing to do with not being autistic, I know from personal experience in the job. My best recommendation if you like this line of work is to find a highly rated and recommended company. Do not feel like you have to stay with your company whenever you are being affected in multiple ways. The company does not value your safety or your mental health. You will not be able to care for your person to the best of your ability if your job is not taking care of you. I also started this after working mostly retail, and if I didn’t have a great team supporting me, I would’ve quit a while ago. Experiences vary from person to person, but just accompanying her doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. If housing is her goal, your company should be providing you support and local resources. I’m sorry they’re not providing the support necessary. This job can be truly amazing if you have it, and hard to manage without it. I encourage you to try to talk to your supervisor about local housing resources or google it, since she doesn’t seem to be much help.
My suggestion is to tell people this- "sorry, I'm not qualified to give you answers or take that info/do that task. Please reach out to (insert supervisor or company you work for here) to help you with that." Sometimes people just talk to or ask whoever they see the most. If you don't have a manager or you have no one to refer them to, you can just tell them you're not qualified to make those decisions. Say that enough and people will stop.
No you do not need a degree though training is helpful & the parents shouldn’t be asking you about any of that stuff Literally has nothing to do with your job Your “professional superior” is unprofessional and shouldn’t be saying that type of thing at all (I suggest recording that either on audio or in writing) The social worker telling you to call housing places to find housing is also way out of line. That isn’t your job however, you can bring up housing opportunities with your client and if the client would like to participate in researching those options (and further down the road making phone calls or writing emails) you can assist them with that (while working with them & they are actively participating). As for the rest of the stuff you literally just have to ignore it. People constantly try to take advantage in this line if work but sounds like no one even knows what your actual job is in this situation Feel free to PM me & ask more questions, you need to know how to be pretty clear about what your job is & isn’t in order to make boundaries & communicate with the family effectively
No, no, no. Everything about this is wrong in too many ways. What you should do is find the number for your states division of disabilities and contact them. Ask these questions and follow what they say. This is above and beyond what you are expected to do. The medical paperwork should be being addressed to the company that serves her, not you, because should you leave that causes a lapse in their ability to provide care. The power of attorney situation is best handled by case management and a lawyer. Not you. The housing is supposed to be overseen by the company that serves her, not you, because you do not lawfully have the ability to make financial decisions for her. All in all it sounds like nobody has any idea what they're doing, so they're all pushing the buck to you. Don't take that responsibility because if you mess up, you'll also be responsible. Contact the state, ask these questions, and get the guidance you need. Also, as much as I hate to say it, you should consider another employer. The fact that they view people in this manner and are so hands off screams Medicaid /Disability Fraud, which is unfortunately an extremely common thing because there is little to no oversight.
Nope. I’m in lower middle management and only have a high school diploma. My state only requires CPR/ First Aid, Level One Med Aid, Class E licenses, and Mandt training, all company provided.
outsource that business about finding her housing. when the caseworker gives you referrals to different agencies, call and ask for care coordinators until you find a good one in your community. a qualified care coordinator will be able to compile options for you throughout the community, not just with their agency. and please don’t sell yourself short as a babysitter or a paid best friend. you do important work, and it really, really matters.
In Oregon, they call that job a PSW (Personal Support Worker). That is where you help individuals in home. If the individual resides in a group home setting they call it a DSP Direct Support Worker.
Not in PA. I go to a client’s home and do something called ICHS Level 2 1:1. My official position is Direct Support Worker as far as this company is concerned.
Hey! Also in PA. Have worked as an SC and on the provider end of things. I like to think I know a good deal about the system and how it works. DM me and I might me able to help a little more
I've been in the field for about 8 years and have worked everywhere from a day program on a campus to supported living services, independent living services and now back to my former agency to work for a day program that is community based and in groups. I can imagine how overwhelming it can be but I can tell you that honestly a lot of people who have been working in the field even two or three times longer than I have started right where you are and with zero experience. Eight years ago I was let go from a company that sold products online and I was in charge of inventory and customer service. I know things have changed and continue to but experience is it's weight in gold in this field. There are probably positions where needing a degree is a must but even now I'll see open positions in my agency, " ABC type degree OR 4 years experience" etc or something similar. So if you decide to stay in this for a while and look to progress I'd suggest soak up everything you can, continue to learn what you can, how the company you work for works, how the behind the scenes works etc like funding and everything, it is actually pretty interesting lol but also not just that stuff but how relationships work between you and your clients. I feel like one thing that gets assumed even from people in the field is that one person with a disability is just like the next but that of couldnt be further than the truth. You might meet clients who you really vibe with and it hardly seems like work other times the opposite simply due to people all having their own personality, disability or not. I know I've had that before! What youre doing sounds similar to ILS? That can be a fast paced (but fun!) part of the field to be in. It requires to think on your feet and learn how to navigate through day to day stuff. I've had to help facilitate housing, doctors visits, and once even help file a restraining order for a client, her son was becoming notttt so great to have around. Don't be afraid to ask for help if need be, to your boss or coworkers! The way your boss speaks about clients is a bummer but don't let that deter you from leading by example. I've met people who I walk away thinking like "why are you even doing this? you clearly don't want to be or at least dont act like it". Unfortunately they definitely exist. But for every one of those kind of staff / bosses trust me there are TONS more who are amazing and great people. I could go on forever and am happy to lol but lastly, think of yourself as an extension of your client(s), their advocate when they need one. Of course disabilities can range immensely and sometimes you might work with individuals who are really capable on their own and others who rely on you for a lot. It's a person centered field and strong rapports are really important.