"We've got a good connection with our leaders and we've developed a really good team and relationships here. That was something I wasn't expecting because sometimes you hear stories of people not getting along with their co-workers. But here it's been awesome."
Name: Jacob Cumptan
Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Tenure: 2 Years
This is my first job. I took a break from college, and my friend was already working here so he referred me. I was going to school for my special education degree, so it just seemed like the perfect fit. I do want to go back to school though, and hope to finish my teaching degree. So I feel like working here until I’ve got my degree and more comfortable going into the teaching world is a great opportunity.
I've made connections with the individuals. There's Levi. He loves to dance, so we'll dance. And Jerry loves to sing and dance, so we'll do that while he pretends he's Elvis. I feel like with each of the guys we have our own little connection in some way.
Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Tenure: 2 Years
This is my first job. I took a break from college, and my friend was already working here so he referred me. I was going to school for my special education degree, so it just seemed like the perfect fit. I do want to go back to school though, and hope to finish my teaching degree. So I feel like working here until I’ve got my degree and more comfortable going into the teaching world is a great opportunity.
I've made connections with the individuals. There's Levi. He loves to dance, so we'll dance. And Jerry loves to sing and dance, so we'll do that while he pretends he's Elvis. I feel like with each of the guys we have our own little connection in some way.
Tell us about your first year in the role.
When I first came to the job, I was really nervous because I had heard some negative things about the individuals at this house--their behavior. But having my friend who already worked there really helped. Then coming in seeing for myself that there's nothing to be scared about, then I starting feeling good in my job. I didn't expect to care for the guys as much as I do, growing a bond with them. Now they feel kind of like family.
I feel like I've gotten to know a lot of people, and I've come out of my shell a little more. Usually I’m very reserved.
When I first came to the job, I was really nervous because I had heard some negative things about the individuals at this house--their behavior. But having my friend who already worked there really helped. Then coming in seeing for myself that there's nothing to be scared about, then I starting feeling good in my job. I didn't expect to care for the guys as much as I do, growing a bond with them. Now they feel kind of like family.
I feel like I've gotten to know a lot of people, and I've come out of my shell a little more. Usually I’m very reserved.
How do you feel supported in your role here?
I feel like our leaders are always making sure we feel cared for and it shows. We have a lot of support. One of my goals was to come out of my shell. The way our team is so supported, it helps push me because I am really reserved. But when you have people willingly wanting to engage with you and talk with you, then all the nerves kind of drop. I'm more willing to talk if something's wrong or speak up. That’s something I wouldn't do before. Now I feel more confident.
What advice or information would you share with someone to help them understand or get excited about coming to a caregiver role at Sevita?
I'd tell them "You’ve got to be open and willing to engage with the clients. Even when they're upset, you just have to not take it personally." If something they do upsets you, it's okay to walk off, chill and then come back. Be open. Have fun. Let yourself be silly. Because that's often the times what will help get you through it and then also calm the client down too.
What's an approach you've taken when you're interacting with a participant that you think really has helped them?
I want to keep creating a positive environment so that they don't feel scared to be themselves. So that they know it's okay to get upset. One of our clients, when he goes to the bathroom on himself, he'll always say he's sorry and I tell him “It's ok, you don't have to say sorry. It's an accident." And now I started to notice he doesn't say that as much. So I feel like there are small changes like that I make that make a difference.
What’s a fun fact about you that your co-workers may not know about?
I love horror movies. I'm trying save up to buy the equipment to make a movie because that's what I would love to do right now. I'm hoping to make a small indie movie.