Devereux celebrates Direct Support Professionals Week

At Devereux, our direct support professionals are the lifeblood of our organization.

During Direct Support Professionals Week (DSP) – September 10-16 – Devereux recognizes and celebrates its DSPs’ efforts to bring help and healing to the individuals we serve every day.

About DSP Week

Since 2008, the United States has recognized one week in September as “National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.” This week is a time when hospitals, schools, healthcare providers and others honor their DSPs and show appreciation for their vital contributions to communities across the country.

“I started my career as a DSP and it was the best job I ever had. And to this day, I feel it was the most important job of my career,” said Vice President of Operations Gail Atkinson. “While we need executives and administrators to handle the business side of what we do, in the bottom of my heart I know that, without a great group of DSPs, our organization doesn't need the rest of us. Our DSPs are truly the backbone of Devereux.”

DSPs share their perspectives

Look below to see what makes our DSPs tick, and to learn how they feel about their positions at Devereux.

“I like having the opportunity to make someone else's life better. I ensure the safety of our clients, assist in promoting a healthy and clean environment, and support them with self-help skills to help clients work toward independent living, wherever possible. I love my clients because not only do I have the chance to give them advice and help them develop new skills, but they serve as a teaching tool for me, as well.”
— Devereux Texas DSP Stacie Cunningham

“I love being a part of such a close-knit team. Knowing that I have people around me with common goals, who will keep me safe and moving in the right direction, makes me feel a part of something much larger than myself. When I work with the children we serve, my goal is to help them find something in life that will give them a passionate and creative drive. Working with kids is an amazing experience, especially when you see one of them find their calling, and their eyes light up. To them, the future becomes limitless and their own potential becomes realized.”
— Devereux Colorado DSP Keenan Dunn

“I love my job!!! I like that I am a consistent person in our individuals’ lives: someone they trust and can depend on. I like helping them work through difficult times and celebrating their achievements – sometimes all in one day. And as much as I care for them, they care for me, as well. I love seeing them smile and having fun while helping them work on, and meet, their goals. Our program is a ‘family’ atmosphere.”
— Devereux New York Day Habilitation Group Coordinator Jade Shumen

Direct Support Professionals: Join our team!

Devereux is always looking for DSPs who want to make a difference in the lives of children, adolescents and adults who need our support.

Our competitive benefit programs include:

Career advancement opportunities
Competitive pay and best available, highest quality, low-cost benefit options (benefits.devereux.org)
Student loan forgiveness eligibility
Comprehensive on-the-job training
Multiple programs and services to match your career interests

If you are looking to be inspired, we’re looking for you! To find your new career at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, visit: jobs.devereux.org.

Latest News

		Recreational Therapy Month: Enriching the lives of youth, adults with disabilities February is Recreational Therapy Month. Learn how Devereux is using recreational activities and programs to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences acquire new skills, boost their self-confidence and improve their quality of life.
		Community supporters make holiday season special for Devereux Pennsylvania youth The holidays are over, but the memories remain of a special season filled with joy and gratitude for youth served by Devereux Pennsylvania. Through Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services’ “Operation Santa” program, community supporters, as well as center staff and their families, donated hundreds of toys to help fulfill the holiday wish lists - and more - of approximately 300 children and adolescents living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
		Devereux article on engaging families in behavioral health treatment featured in Behavioral Health News An article written by Devereux National Director of Behavioral Health Services Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D., and Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, was recently featured in Behavioral Health News. The article - “The integral role of families in promoting mental health and managing mental illness” - discusses the importance of family engagement in behavioral health treatment.
		Adults share personal experiences on services through Devereux New Jersey’s Advisory Board Adults who receive services through Devereux New Jersey - who also sit on the center’s Advisory Board for individuals served - have an opportunity to make their voices heard and share their personal experiences on the services they receive.
		Autism Spectrum News features Devereux article on supporting individuals with disabilities in becoming self-advocates An article written by Devereux team members on supporting teens and adults with disabilities in becoming self-advocates was recently featured in Autism Spectrum News. The article includes interviews with three individuals who are enrolled in Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program as they offer tips on how to ensure your voice is heard.
		Devereux New Jersey Direct Support Professional/Lead Staff Nacole Moore Devereux New Jersey Direct Support Professional/Lead Staff Nacole Moore leads by example and is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. Learn how she is inspiring all those around her.
		Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on Devereux Arizona Nursing Manager Tammy Maguire At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do - and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Arizona Nursing Manager Tammy Maguire is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Devereux article on advocating for those who are nonspeaking or minimally verbal featured in Autism Spectrum News Read this Autism Spectrum News article written by Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, as she offers suggestions on how to advocate for those who are nonspeaking or limited in their verbal communication.
		Planting seeds of learning: Devereux California’s greenhouse program helps adults grow job, life skills Adults who participate in Devereux California’s greenhouse vocational program are gaining more than a green thumb, they are cultivating critical job and life skills to help them increase their independence and enhance their overall quality of life.