Jennifer’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Jennifer about her experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how she carries out her work as a direct support professional (DSP), the skillsets she demonstrates on a daily basis, the impact that the E-Badge Academy has had on her professional recognition, and how she gets credit for competency.

Describe the story you shared in carrying out that competency:

While writing my Person-Centered Thinking badge, I described a story in which I encouraged a person I support to learn a new skill that he wanted to learn, even though he thought some of his family members might not approve. I talked about how we weighed the risks and rewards to learning the skill and came up with ideas to minimize the risk. I described how we talked about the importance of finding happiness through one’s own interests and goals.

Why is this competency so important to DSPs?

Person-centered thinking is extremely important in providing care to different people. What one person finds interesting or fulfilling might seem boring to another. It is also important because to find motivation, most people need to really want it.

Have you used this competency in your work?

Currently, I support three very different people. I use person centered thinking to support each person based on their different needs and interests.

How can other DSPs replicate your practices?

I think the most important thing in person-centered practice is really getting to know the people you support. By learning about their past, present, and goals for the future you can better tailor your support to their needs and interests.  Also, it’s important to remember that not everyone has had the most supportive past . They may be holding themselves back because of ideas someone else imposed upon them. Finally, I think it’s important to put yourself in the shoes of the people you support. How would you like being told how to live? How would you like being told you can’t do something that you want to do?

How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your agency?

By participating in the NADSP E-Badge Academy, my agency can provide its employees with the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills.

How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit the people you support?

DSPs that have more knowledge and skills are more likely to provide higher quality of care.

What does the future hold for your involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy?

I plan to participate in all of the Academy courses that are made available to me through my agency. I definitely feel a stronger professional identity with my career as a DSP as a result of my participation in the program. This occupation has a high turnover rate and I feel more invested than many others who chose not to participate.

How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image?

I defnitely feel a stronger professional identity with my career as a DSP as a result of my participation in the NADSP program. This occupation has a high turnover rate and I feel more invested than many others who chose to not participate. I  feel more skilled. Because I have many years of experience in this field, not all of the information is new. But even the parts that aren’t new provide opportunity to look at things differently. I think the competency that comes with continued education generates respect among one’s peers and supervisors. I hope more certifications are created so that we can continue to grow our knowledge and skills.

Well Wishes from Fayette Resources 

“Jennifer Hardin is an exemplary employee.   She has, and continues to, alter the lives of the individuals she works with in the best way possible!   She is an amazing person and we are all very happy to have her as a part of the Fayette Resources team! ” 

– Joshua O’Link, Fayette Resources

NADSP E-Badge Academy Earners Of The Month