Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the heart and soul of Aspire Living & Learning. With their unwavering dedication, they bring care and support to countless people with disabilities every day. Thanks to a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) workforce development grant from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Aspire has launched several exciting initiatives to enhance the recruitment, retention, and professional growth of these dedicated team members.
One initiative, in particular, is making waves: the DSP mentorship program. DSP mentors and mentees are experiencing new opportunities for growth and collaboration, turning their roles into more than just jobs but pathways to fulfilling careers.
The mentorship program began with the careful selection and interview of several seasoned DSPs for mentor roles, transforming experienced employees into guiding stars for their peers. Mentors bring a wealth of knowledge from within and outside of Aspire, boasting an impressive average of eight years of experience. By blending their prior expertise with their years of growth at Aspire, they are uniquely equipped to empower mentees and nurture a culture of continuous learning and development.
Christine Sivigny, a DSP mentor, finds her role perfectly suited to her passion for direct support and empowering her peers. She eagerly shares her extensive skills and experience with newer DSPs, relishing the opportunity to make a substantial impact without managerial responsibilities.
On the receiving end, mentees, who arrive with an average of 1.75 years of experience, unanimously agree that the professional development opportunities at Aspire, from onboarding to the mentorship program, are far more robust than anything they’ve encountered before. Brenda Becksted, for instance, who returned to Aspire after a hiatus, noted significant improvements in training and support, finding them “far superior” to her previous experience. Brenda shared that completing on-demand training independently was isolating and appreciates the shift towards collective learning, remarking, “Getting everyone together to share their learning experience is way better now! We feel we all have a common purpose.”
Mentees across the board consistently express the value of having a “go-to” person they can turn to for advice, aside from their manager. They feel more at ease asking questions and seeking guidance from peers. One mentee shared, “Sometimes I might have a question, and I don’t really want to ask my manager; it’s much more comfortable going to a peer.”
Brian Booth’s journey illustrates the positive impact of the mentorship program. When he started at Aspire, he faced some challenges in his DSP role. Recognizing his potential, Brian was paired with Matt Ennist, ANCOR’s 2023 DSP of the Year, as his mentor. Under Matt’s guidance, Brian received constructive feedback and valuable insights that helped him flourish. The person he supports and their family have expressed how pleased they are with Brian’s growth. Despite no longer needing formal mentoring, Brian and Matt have continued their relationship, reinforcing the strong bonds formed through the program.
While implementing the DSP mentorship program presented logistical challenges—such as coordinating schedules and managing absences—these hurdles have provided valuable lessons for growth. Program managers played a pivotal role in navigating these obstacles, contributing to ongoing efforts to refine the program.
An essential takeaway from the program so far has been the importance of understanding the individuals whom the mentee is working with. This understanding allows mentors to grasp the skills mentees need to develop effectively in their roles. Feedback from clinicians, nurses, and program managers has proven indispensable, enabling mentors to tailor their support to each mentee’s unique needs and strengths. Additionally, implementing observation sessions during active periods has shown significant benefits, fostering continuous learning and skill development among DSPs.
As the mentorship program continues to grow and evolve, it promises to foster a community where DSPs thrive alongside those they support.