Byesville Rotary hears about job of Direct Support Personnel

Pictured: Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary speaker chair, Tina Todd, executive director of Guernsey Residential, and Jennifer Oakley, Provider Support and Employment Navigator for GCBDD.

Tina Todd, executive director of Guernsey Residential, spoke to Byesville Rotary about how her organization provides and manages residences aimed at enabling people with developmental disabilities to live as self-directed a life as possible. Guernsey Residential works closely with the Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities

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Todd explained that a major element in their program is their staff of Direct Support Personnel (DSP’s). Most of Guernsey Residential clients need some type of support during their daily routines. The DSP’s provide that support on a 24/7 basis.

A DSP works 24/7 for 7 days then has 7 days off. DSP’s provide all types of support from purchasing supplies for meal preparation, insuring meds are taken appropriately, accompanying clients to outside entertainment such as movies or concerts, driving clients to and from appointments or to their work location.

Todd pointed out that it is important for a DSP is to understand and interact with each client as an individual and to develop a relationship of trust. She described DSP’s as special people that are hard to replace.

Todd explained that one of her biggest challenges as executive director of Guernsey Residential is to find and hire people to become DSP’s. She stated that in Ohio 10-20% of positions for DSP’s are vacant. People to fill DSP positions are in very high demand in the United States.

Todd pointed out that when she interviews a person for a DSP position, she looks for a person who communicates well, has a passion for helping others, is flexible, has good listening skills and lots of patience. Ohio law requires that a DSP be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or have a GRE certificate, and be able to read and write English. Eight hours of additional training is required and DSP’s will attend continuing education classes during their employment such as first aid, CPR, as well as instruction on how to administer medication. 

Todd finished her presentation with a lively question and answer session with the Byesville Rotarians attending the meeting.

Shana Fair announced that there will be no meeting on Tuesday, March 17, which is the day of the primary election. Instead, the club will meet at Georgetown Tavern on the Hill for spaghetti and some fun on Wednesday, March 18.

Connect with #ByesvilleRotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com , Twitter Byesville_Club, or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting. #6690