When Success moved to Maine seven years ago, thoughts of her aging mother back home in Nigeria weighed heavily on her mind.
“I was supposed to be there taking care of her,” Success said.
That’s how Success became interested in working as a Direct Support Professional at a small group home in Auburn.
“I felt since I wasn’t able to take care of my mother, I should take care of people here,” Success said.
Success is one of scores of individuals who has found rewarding work in the field of Direct Support, ensuring Mainers with age-related, physical, behavioral, intellectual and cognitive health needs have the support they require to stay safe, independent and empowered to achieve their personal goals.
“I feel fulfilled, and I feel so excited because I know I’ve achieved a lot.”
In Maine, there are many flexible full-time, part-time or per diem positions available. This work happens outside of a hospital or nursing home setting and training opportunities are widely available. Most of these positions don’t require advanced degrees.
In her role as a Direct Support Professional, Success works with adults who are living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She provides whatever support they need with activities of daily living, so they can live as independently as possible. Her work can vary widely from day to day. She administers medication, gets them ready for bed and does laundry. She also checks on them throughout the night. In the morning, she makes them breakfast and takes them to their programs.
For Success, seeing her clients’ joy when she supports them in attaining a new milestone brings her joy, too.
“After a good day at work, I feel fulfilled,” Success said. “I feel so excited because I know I’ve achieved a lot.”
This work has also given Success a chance to do something positive in her adopted home.
“This is an opportunity for you to give back to the community you are coming into,” Success said.
Success says that in many ways, this job has given her a second family—through the friendships she has forged with her colleagues and the connections she has made with her clients.
“When I walk into work, I see the excitement on the faces of those people I’m taking care of,” Success said. “These are the families I have here in the U.S.”
To learn more about full-time, part-time and per diem opportunities in your community, go to Mainecareerswithpurpose.org. Follow @MaineCareerswithPurpose on Facebook and Instagram.
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