Direct support professionals Michael Mersinger (standing) and Lucinda Fish (right) engage Christopher Riley and Tiffany Maiorana in a craft project at Citizen Advocates’ Day Habilitation program in Malone.
From September 8 to 14, Citizen Advocates celebrates National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week and the incredible work of direct support professionals (DSPs). These dedicated team members provide invaluable care, support and compassion to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges.
“At Citizen Advocates, DSPs are much more than caregivers—they are advocates, mentors and champions for those we support,” said James Button, President & CEO of Citizen Advocates. “They empower every individual to live a healthy life of their own choosing, achieve personal goals and fully engage in their communities.”
Why DSPs Matter
The importance of DSPs cannot be overstated. According to the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, there are nearly 1.3 million DSPs in the U.S., providing essential services to individuals who rely on their care.
Our DSPs at Citizen Advocates help individuals navigate daily challenges while celebrating their milestones—both big and small. From guiding someone toward greater independence to being a comforting presence during difficult moments, DSPs are integral to the success of our mission.
Dedication in Action
The job of a DSP requires patience and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Every day, our DSPs step up with professionalism and compassion. It’s often said that it takes a special kind of person to be a DSP—someone who can balance strength and empathy, routine and creativity. And that’s exactly who our DSPs are: Extraordinary people doing extraordinary work.
Support and Appreciation
At Citizen Advocates, we strive to create a supportive environment where our DSPs can thrive both personally and professionally. We are committed to providing ongoing training, career development opportunities and the recognition they truly deserve. We’re also committed to supporting our DSPs with competitive wages starting at $16 to $22 per hour, benefits that include generous paid time off, dental, vision and life insurance, and financial support for ongoing education. DSP Week is one moment in the year when we pause to express our collective appreciation for all they do, but our gratitude extends well beyond these seven days.
“Our frontline staff are the heart of our organization,” said Mr. Button. “DSP Recognition Week is just one way we express our gratitude for their invaluable contributions.”
Join Us in Celebrating DSP Week
As we mark DSP Week 2024, we encourage everyone—whether you’re a family member, a community partner or a fellow team member—to take a moment to recognize the critical work our DSPs perform every day. Their dedication and care are at the core of what makes Citizen Advocates a place where every individual is valued and supported.
Interested in starting a career as a health professional or embarking on a second career? Citizen Advocates is hiring direct support professionals with full-time and part-time shifts available. To learn more about becoming a direct support professional, visit citizenadvocates.net/dsp.
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