NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Kelley Soucia
Congratulations to Kelley Soucia who has been selected as the June 2022 NADSP E-Badge Academy Earner of the Month.We are recognizing Kelley for her excellent ‘Data Collection’ E-Badge submission. This badge represents a Direct Support Professionals’ work in collecting data about individual goals and satisfaction with services.This badge is part of the Evaluation and Observation CMS Core Competency. It also aligns with the NADSP Competency Area of Assessment.
Kelley works as a Assistant Manager for Mountain Lake Services. Mountain Lakes Services’ mission is to partner with people of all abilities to live their very best lives. To learn more about Mountain Lakes Services’, click here.
Kelley’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Kelley about her experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how she carries out her work as a direct support professional, 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:
My testimonial describes the importance that Data Collection has in helping someone to achieve a personal goal and how the lack of accurate data is detrimental to the achievement of it.
Why is this competency so important to DSPs?
Data Collection is highly important to the people who receive services. Staff Action Plans are based off from the wants and dreams of these people and without proper documentation these things appear to never be realized. DSPs should take pride in knowing that by being truthful and accurately doing data collection they supported someone in achieving their goals.
How have you used this competency in your work?
Each time I need to document data I try to ensure that I am being as honest and detailed as I can.
How can other DSPs replicate your practices?
Other people can replicate what I did by taking the time every once in a while, to stop and look at the data that they have been documenting. Is it a complete reflection on what has been occurring? If it isn’t than ask why and take steps to rectify it.
How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your agency?
Mountain Lake Services benefits from the NADSP E-Badge Academy by giving the DSPs a chance to learn and grow. The tools and knowledge that is gained helps staff to not only hold themselves accountable, but by giving real life examples, helps them to realize the impact that their actions have.
How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit the people you support?
Staff are able to learn new skills which can directly impact how they support someone. Staff use their new found knowledge to help people to self-advocate and achieve goals.
What does the future hold for your involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy?
It is my duty to the people that I serve to continue to educate myself in order to better support them. No one can possibly know everything, but I must still strive to try to learn as much as I can.
How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image?
Though it is not a college degree, by becoming certified through the E-Badge Academy, I am now looked upon as a professional by Mountain Lake Services. I feel appreciated by the company that I work for and confident in my abilities.
Has the NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your skills?
I have honed skills that I already had and learned competencies that I did not know that I was lacking.
How does NADSP E-Badge Academy give you credit for competency?
At Mountain Lake Services, for every certification I receive, I get a raise and opportunities for advancement are more achievable; However, I feel that the greatest “credit” is the feeling of accomplishment I get whenever I achieve a badge. It is truly the icing on the cake for me.
Words from Mountain Lake Services
“Kelly is passionate about her work. She is kind and sensitive. She strives to provide the support to others to fulfill their dreams.” – Leta MacDougal, Regional Director
The NADSP E-Badge Academy
The NADSP E-Badge Academy offers Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Frontline Supervisors (FLSs) the ability to earn national certification through stackable electronic badges. These badges demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and values that these professionals utilize every day, recognizing the professional development that might otherwise go unacknowledged. Through the NADSP E-Badge Academy, DSPs and FLSs are acknowledged for the experience and education that they bring to the human services field.