“The backbone of our field and heart of our work force” Editor’s Note — Featured on this page are profiles of two state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities workers who were recently honored for their excellence in providing direct support to consumers as part of Direct Support Professionals Week. The OPWDD website stated these workers were being recognized for being the “backbone of our field and the heart of our work force.” CSEA is also recognizing the contributions of these outstanding employees and will be featuring profiles of more of the honorees in upcoming editions of The Work Force. To learn more, visit: http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_careers_ training/careers_in_direct_support/dsps-2013-main. Scott dedicated to direct care ORCHARD PARK — Mention his state Office of People with Developmental Disabilities Direct Support Professionals Week recognition and James Scott will quickly point out that the recognition really belongs to his team. “The congratulations have been overwhelming; for that I’m happy,” Scott said. “But the places I have worked are not just one person. This is about everyone working together. All the things I do are a reflection of the people I manage, and how well they do. My team is just as special, they do a great job every day.” Scott, a 20-year OPWDD worker, is one of several people statewide honored recently by the agency. He currently is a supervisor at two group homes, taking care of the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the homes running. “The homes are tight like a family,” Scott said. “Everyone does things together. They miss each other if someone’s not here.” Two years ago, Scott performed CPR on an individual after they collapsed. Co-workers said the James Scott, standing, helps a co-worker put away groceries at an Orchard Park group home. individual likely would not have survived had Scott not been there. “I don’t think it was anything anyone else wouldn’t have done,” he said. “I just happened to be there. My training kicked in and we got through it. I got him breathing again right before the ambulance got there.” The governor’s cuts to OPWDD have Scott concerned, but he hopes New Yorkers will stand up for the individuals. “There will always be a need for homes like these,” Scott said. “Society shouldn’t let the state take homes like these away.” Scott began his career in the laundry room at the West Seneca Developmental Center. He moved into food service and then transitioned into direct care, eventually accepting his current supervisory position. “I never imagined this is where I might be,” Scott said. “This has become my life. I wouldn’t change it.” — Lynn Miller Smith: “This is like a family” WEST SENECA — “I love my job.” That’s what Antonio Smith said as he settled into a chair at a West Seneca group home for people with developmental disabilities. “I get paid to spend time with a group of great people and take care of them,” he said. Love for what he does is one of the reasons the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities honored Smith during “Direct Support Professionals Week.” Smith, a direct support assistant with OPWDD for almost six years, is an accounting major at the local community college. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting, but he has no intention of working in that field. “I don’t want to sit behind “It’s all about quality care. We have a good work force and it shows when you go into our houses.” Smith a desk,” he said. “I want to stay right here. I like the people, the residents and the staff. Our team is very close and my input is valued.” It’s clear the individuals residing in Smith’s home like him as well. They often call to him or come over to take his hand moments after he walks through the door. “A lot of people care very strongly about this place,” he said. “I have co-workers who have enough time in to retire but they stay because they are dedicated. We are all invested here. This is like a family.” Smith worries about the future of quality group homes if the governor continues to dismantle services. “This is the place our individuals call home,” he said. “We are building relationships. It’s all about quality care. We have a good work force and it shows when you go into our houses.” — Lynn Miller 6 The Work Force November 2013
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