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PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

ROCKS WANTED

Is Being a Caregiver the Right Move for You?

At Samaritas, one of the most important jobs is that of a direct • The National Association of State
support professional, or caregiver. These are the people that Directors of Developmental Disability
help our persons with disabilities navigate their days by providing Services estimates that “at least 20
support for their activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, percent expansion of the current
and bathing. Our caregivers play a vital role - but nationwide, residential system would be necessary
there is a shortage of qualified people to fill these roles. to address the demand.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked home health and personal • Nationally, the turnover rate
care aides (Direct Support Professionals are in this category) as for support professionals is 45
among the fastest growing occupations, with an anticipated percent. More than half of support
1.2 million new jobs anticipated between 2016 and 2026. professionals leave their jobs within
a year. That's an added cost

DSPs are lifelines for people who just a few decades ago would for agencies that have to train
have been left to live in institutional settings. replacements, if they can find "There's no better reward
them. than helping somebody
• The jobs can be physically demanding and emotionally get through the day, to
taxing. But wages hover near minimum wage. Being a caregiver, or DSP, is make them smile, to
a rewarding profession. At
• Support professional pay is set by the state even though most Samaritas, we offer flexible make them feel loved…
are employed by nonprofits, because the wages are directly tied schedules and part time work, When I get a hug from
to Medicaid reimbursement levels. so even if you have left the my client, that’s worth the
fulltime workforce, you may be paycheck."
• The Americans with Disabilities Act and the 1999 Supreme interested in a shift or two per ~ Shannon, Direct Support Professional
Court Olmstead decision demand that people with disabilities week to help our persons with
are provided for in "in the most integrated setting appropriate disabilities lead a fuller, more
to (their) needs.” active life.

Start Your Ripple

"THESE PEOPLE LOVE YOUR CARE. THEY LOVE THE TIME YOU SPEND WITH THEM.
IF YOU WANT TO WORK AND DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE, WE NEED PEOPLE
WHO CARE AND WHO WILL LOVE OUR RESIDENTS" ~ DENISE, Direct Support Professional

If you are interested in becoming a Direct Support Professional,
please go to samaritas.org/careers or email recruiting@samaritas.org

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