healthcare Archives - Penn-Mar

Jobs Working With People With Developmental Disabilities

nvenn — Wed, 10 May 2023 23:46:11 +0000

Are you looking for jobs that make a difference in the world? Well, one of the best ways to positively impact society is by working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of disorders that arise during the developmental period and impact cognitive, physical, or emotional development.

Developmental disabilities affect people differently. Each person experiences their disability in a unique, personal way. Some people may need more support in certain areas of life than other people. Many people may have a disability that presents more subtly. Even though their disability may not be as apparent, it can still impact their daily lives. In this article, we will explore various jobs that involve working with people with developmental disabilities, focusing on roles in the health and human services sector.

Direct Support Professionals: The Backbone of Developmental Disability Services

Direct support professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. As the backbone of developmental disability services, DSPs provide essential support and assistance, enabling their clients to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. This role is an excellent starting point for those interested in working with adults with developmental disabilities.

The Role of a Direct Support Professional

A DSP’s primary responsibility is to work one-on-one or in small group settings with individuals with developmental disabilities, providing support in various aspects of their daily lives. Some key responsibilities of a DSP may include:

Personal Care Assistance – DSPs assist with personal care tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. They ensure that their clients are able to complete these tasks as independently as possible.
Meal Preparation – Preparing nutritious meals is another important aspect of a DSP’s role. They may support someone in planning, shopping for, and preparing meals, taking into account any dietary restrictions or preferences. In some cases, DSPs may also support someone as they consume their meals, especially for people with swallowing difficulties.

Medication Administration – Direct support professionals are often responsible for supporting their clients in taking any necessary medications according to prescribed schedules. They help to ensure proper dosages, maintain accurate records, and be aware of potential side effects or interactions.

Transportation – DSPs often provide transportation for the people they support, either using vehicles or coordinating with public or specialized transportation services. They may transport clients to medical appointments, work, recreational activities, or other community-based programs.
Employment Support – Direct support professionals may also assist their clients in finding and maintaining employment. This support can include job coaching, resume building, interview preparation, and on-the-job training. DSPs may also work with employers to develop appropriate accommodations and ensure a supportive work environment.

Education and Training Requirements

While the specific requirements for becoming a DSP may vary depending on the employer and location, most positions require at least a high school diploma or GED. Some organizations may prefer candidates with prior experience or training in a related field, such as healthcare, education, or social services.

Many employers offer on-the-job training to help DSPs develop the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support their clients. This training may include topics such as:

First aid and CPR certification
Crisis intervention techniques
Disability rights and advocacy
Effective communication strategies
Basic medical and health procedures

Essential Skills and Qualities for a DSP

Successful direct support professionals possess a range of essential skills and qualities, including:

Empathy: Working in any human service field requires understanding and the ability to empathize with the unique challenges and experiences we all have.
Adaptability: DSPs must be able to adapt their approach and problem-solving strategies to accommodate the diverse needs and abilities of their clients.
Strong communication skills: Clear and effective communication is crucial when working with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and other professionals.
Reliability and trustworthiness: Clients and their families rely on DSPs for consistent and dependable support. Building trust is essential for establishing a successful and meaningful working relationship.
Collaboration: Direct support professionals often work as part of a larger support team, collaborating with therapists, educators, and other professionals to provide comprehensive care.

As the backbone of developmental disability services, direct support professionals have a profound impact on the lives of their clients and their families. Through their dedication and hard work, DSPs support individuals with developmental disabilities to lead independent lives of their choosing.

Other Jobs Working With People With Developmental Disabilities

In addition to direct support professionals, there are numerous other roles in the health and human services sector that involve working with people with developmental disabilities. Some of these roles include:

Behavior Analyst

Behavior analysts play a crucial role in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. They assess behavior patterns, identify areas that need improvement, and develop personalized intervention plans. These professionals often hold a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, psychology, or a related field and are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Key responsibilities of a behavior analyst may include:

Conducting functional behavior assessments (FBA)
Creating and implementing behavior intervention plans (BIP)
Training staff and caregivers to implement interventions
Monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needed
Collaborating with other professionals, such as therapists and educators

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders in individuals with developmental disabilities. They hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and are typically licensed or certified by their state’s regulatory board.

Some duties of a speech-language pathologist may include:

Evaluating communication abilities through formal and informal assessments
Developing tailored treatment plans based on individual needs
Implementing therapy techniques to improve speech, language, and swallowing skills
Collaborating with families, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure progress
Providing education and support to families and caregivers

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OTs) assist individuals with developmental disabilities in developing the skills needed for everyday living and work. They create customized intervention plans and work with clients to improve their motor, cognitive, and sensory processing skills. OTs typically hold a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy and are licensed or registered by their state’s regulatory board.

Key responsibilities of an occupational therapist may include:

Assessing an individual’s functional abilities and needs
Developing individualized treatment plans to address identified challenges
Implementing therapeutic activities to improve motor, cognitive, and sensory processing skills
Collaborating with families, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure progress
Providing adaptive equipment recommendations and training

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers design and implement educational programs for students with developmental disabilities. They modify and adapt the curriculum, develop individualized education plans (IEPs), and collaborate with other professionals to ensure students receive the support they need. Special education teachers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field and are licensed or certified by their state.

Some duties of a special education teacher may include:

Assessing students’ academic and functional abilities
Developing and implementing IEPs in collaboration with other professionals and family members
Adapting instructional strategies and materials to meet individual needs
Providing direct instruction in academic, social, and life skills
Coordinating with general education teachers, therapists, and other support personnel to ensure inclusive and effective learning environments

These diverse roles within the health and human services sector all share a common goal: to support and empower individuals with developmental disabilities to lead lives of their choosing. Each profession offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those with developmental disabilities and their families.

If you’re looking for a great career that involves helping people, consider a career in healthcare by becoming a Direct Support Professional! At Penn-Mar Human Services, our mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live courageous lives full of self-determination, independence, and equity. Our approach is innovative, person-centered, and successful. Through meaningful employment, community inclusion, and residential choice, the people Penn-Mar supports are empowered to live their best lives.

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare and want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider filling out an application to join our team! We offer a wide range of employee benefits and competitive compensation. You can also get involved by learning more about our services or signing up to volunteer with us today!

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Why Finding a Meaningful Job Is So Important

nvenn — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:54:35 +0000

Work is a central part of our lives. It’s how we support ourselves and our lifestyles, which includes paying for housing, food, entertainment and hobbies, and more. What we do becomes a part of who we are as people and what we are able to do during our lives.

There are 168 hours in a week, and 40 of those hours are generally spent at work. That means we spend just under 25% of each week working.

The average age for retirement in the U.S. is 64 for men and 62 for women. That means you may work anywhere between 40 and 50 years depending on when you begin working and when you retire, which equates to 10 to 12.5 years’ worth of work. With our careers being such a big part of our lives, it’s incredibly important that we enjoy what we do and do something worthwhile. After all, we are committing about one-fourth of our lives to it.

Finding a meaningful job is both about doing something that is meaningful to you personally as well as being meaningful in the greater context of the world. For example, working in healthcare can be meaningful for you and the world because you are helping people access the care they need, which allows them to live happier and healthier lives. You are helping people on an individual level, which in turn is also making the world a better place.

In fact, 90% of workers report that they would be willing to make less money if they were able to do more meaningful work. In this article, we’ll explore in greater depth why finding a meaningful job is so important.

The Importance of Finding a Meaningful Job

In today’s society, many of us spend the majority of our waking hours working. With so much time dedicated to our careers, it’s no wonder that finding a meaningful job has become such an important goal for many people. A meaningful job is one that provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, beyond just a paycheck. Here are some of the reasons why meaningful jobs are becoming more essential for workers:

A Sense of Purpose and Improved Self-Esteem – First and foremost, a meaningful job gives us a sense of purpose. When we feel like we’re making a meaningful contribution to society, it gives us a reason to get up in the morning and tackle the day ahead. We feel like we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves, and that our work is helping to make the world a better place. This sense of purpose can be incredibly motivating, and it can help us stay focused and productive even when the work gets tough. A meaningful job can also boost our self-esteem. When we’re doing work that we find meaningful, we feel like we’re good at something and that we’re making a valuable contribution to the world. This can help us feel more confident in ourselves and our abilities, which can have a positive impact on other areas of our lives as well.
Connection and Belonging – A meaningful job can also help us build a sense of community and connection with others. When we’re working toward a shared goal that we all believe in, we’re more likely to feel a sense of camaraderie and teamwork with our colleagues instead of being disconnected and shut off. This can help us build strong relationships and social connections, which are important for our overall well-being. In fact, studies have shown that social connections are one of the strongest predictors of happiness and life satisfaction.
Improved Well-Being – As we just touched on, a meaningful job can improve our overall well-being in numerous ways. Research has shown that people who find their work meaningful report higher levels of job satisfaction, better physical and mental health, and lower rates of burnout. When we feel like our work is important and meaningful, we’re more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied with our lives as a whole. This can have a ripple effect on our relationships, hobbies, health, and other areas of our lives, leading to an overall sense of happiness and contentment.
Develop New Skills – Moreover, a meaningful job can help us develop new skills and experiences that can be valuable throughout our lives. When we’re engaged in work that we find meaningful, we’re more likely to be motivated to learn and grow in our careers. This can lead to new opportunities for advancement, as well as personal growth and development. Whether we’re learning new technical skills, developing leadership abilities, or gaining valuable experience in a particular industry, a meaningful job can help us build a strong foundation for our future careers.
Make a Difference in the World – Finally, a meaningful job can also help us make a positive impact on the world around us. Similar to feeling a sense of purpose, when we’re working towards a meaningful goal, we have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of others. Whether we’re working in healthcare, education, social services, or any other field, our work can have a profound impact on the people we serve. Knowing that we’re making a difference in the world can be incredibly rewarding and can give us a sense of purpose and meaning that extends beyond our own lives.

While finding a meaningful job may not always be easy, it’s worth the effort to pursue work that truly resonates with our values and passions. By doing so, we can build a career that brings us fulfillment, happiness, and a sense of purpose.

If you’re looking for a meaningful job that doesn’t require a college degree, consider a career in healthcare by becoming a direct support professional! At Penn-Mar Human Services, our mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live courageous lives full of self-determination, independence, and equity. Our approach is innovative, person-centered, and successful. Through meaningful employment, community inclusion, and residential choice, the people Penn-Mar supports are empowered to live their best lives.

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The Best Careers That Don’t Require a College Degree

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:51:40 +0000

One of the most important aspects of our lives is finding something that we are interested in doing as a job or career. This is how we’ll spend a large portion of our lives, so it’s always crucial to think of an occupation that you like, you can do for an extended period of time, is meaningful to you, can support you financially, and more.

However, landing the job of your dreams can sometimes come with certain requirements and qualifications. One of the most common ones is a college degree. But sometimes a college education isn’t always feasible or desired. Fortunately, there are still plenty of great jobs that don’t require a college degree.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 103 occupations that require no formal education, 322 occupations that require a high school diploma or the equivalent (like a GED), 100 occupations that require some education past high school but no degree, and 169 occupations that typically require a bachelor’s degree. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best careers that require no college degree.

What Are Some of the Best Careers With No College Degree Necessary?

There are many careers that do not require a college degree, but still offer great opportunities for growth and success. Some of the best careers in this category include:

Construction Laborer – Working as a construction laborer is a physically demanding job, but it can be very rewarding. Construction workers are responsible for building and maintaining buildings, roads, and other structures. They can work on both residential and commercial projects, and may specialize in areas such as carpentry, masonry, or electrical work. This field has a mean annual wage of $44,000.
Electrician – Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They work with wiring, circuits, and other electrical components, and may also be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing problems. This is a skilled trade that requires extensive on-the-job training, but not necessarily a college degree. Electricians make a mean annual salary of $63,000.
Plumber – Plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining the pipes, valves, and fixtures that are used to distribute water and gas. They may also be responsible for installing and maintaining septic systems and other waste disposal systems. This is another skilled trade that requires on-the-job training, but not necessarily a college degree. Plumbers have a mean annual wage of $63,000.
Truck Driver – Truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods across the country. They may drive long-haul tractor-trailers, or shorter distances with delivery trucks. This career typically requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which can be obtained through a training program or on-the-job training. Truck drivers make a mean annual salary of $50,000.
Real Estate Salesperson – Real estate salespersons help people buy and sell properties. They may work with buyers to find the right property, or with sellers to market and sell their property. This job typically requires a real estate license, which can be obtained without a college degree. The mean annual wage for a real estate salesperson is $61,000.
Personal Trainer – Personal trainers help people achieve their fitness goals by designing and supervising exercise programs. They may work in gyms, fitness centers, or other settings. Personal trainers typically receive on-the-job training, and may also be required to have a certification from a professional organization. Personal trainers and fitness instructors have a mean annual salary of $45,000.
Hairdresser/Barber – Hairdressers and barbers provide hair cutting, styling, and coloring services to clients. They may work in salons, barbershops, or other settings. This is another career that typically requires on-the-job training, and may also require a certification from a professional organization. The average annual salary for hairdressers and barbers is $29,000.
Chef/Cook – Chefs and cooks are responsible for preparing food in restaurants and other food service settings. They may work in a variety of settings, such as fine dining restaurants, fast food restaurants, or institutional settings. Depending on the particular job requirements, you may need a certification from a professional organization or receive on-the-job training. Chefs and head cooks make $50,000 on average per year, while regular cooks make $29,000.
Healthcare Workers – While many people think careers in healthcare require a college degree (or more)—like doctors, surgeons, nurses, and more—there are actually many other jobs in healthcare that allow you to make a positive difference with the work you do, even if you don’t have a degree. Some of the best careers in healthcare that don’t require a degree include medical assistants, nursing assistants, licensed practical and vocational nurses, home health and personal care aides, and direct support professionals (DSPs). These jobs typically involve on-the-job training, but there are also formal training programs available. Healthcare support occupations have an annual mean wage of $32,000.

These are some of the best careers that don’t require a college degree, but there are also hundreds of other occupations out there that can provide you with a rewarding career, regardless of whether or not you hold a college degree. You must consider what is most important to you, but now you know that there are many different great jobs accessible to you.

If you’re looking for a great career that doesn’t require a college degree, consider a career in healthcare by becoming a direct support professional! At Penn-Mar Human Services, our mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live courageous lives full of self-determination, independence, and equity. Our approach is innovative, person-centered, and successful. Through meaningful employment, community inclusion, and residential choice, the people Penn-Mar supports are empowered to live their best lives.

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare and want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider filling out an application to join our team! We offer a wide range of employee benefits and competitive compensation. You can also get involved by learning more about our services or signing up to volunteer with us today!

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Tips for Pursuing a Career in Healthcare

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 20:26:47 +0000

The healthcare field is one of the largest industries in the United States. In fact, there are over 22 million healthcare jobs in the U.S.—about 15% of all U.S. workers—and the industry is expected to grow by 13 percent by 2031, making it both the largest and the fastest-growing sector in the country. That means there is—and will be—great demand for healthcare careers.

Pursuing a career in healthcare can be a rewarding and fulfilling choice, as it allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others while also providing you with a sense of purpose and meaning. However, it can also be a challenging field, as it requires a significant amount of dedication, hard work, specialized knowledge, and commitment. In this article, we’ll share some useful tips for pursuing a career in healthcare.

What You Should Know When Seeking a Career in Healthcare

Looking for a new job or career in any industry can be a large undertaking as you make sure you are qualified, prepare your resume and cover letters, apply to different openings, and more. Making sure you are prepared is especially important when you are interested in finding a job in healthcare because of the skills, qualifications, knowledge, and experience many positions require. Here are some tips to help you succeed in a career in healthcare:

Choose the Right Field – Healthcare is a vast and diverse industry with many different fields. That means there are many different career paths to choose from. Consider what interests you most and what you are most passionate about. Some options might include becoming a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, or direct support professional. Knowing what you want to do ahead of time will allow you to gain the necessary experience and qualifications for the job, but since there are so many different positions in the healthcare field, you will have a variety of options if you end up wanting to try something else.
Get a Good Education – A strong educational foundation is essential for a successful career in healthcare, especially if you have a specialized field you are interested in. If you aren’t sure exactly what you are interested in, consider earning a degree in a popular field that can translate between various occupations, such as nursing, pharmacology, or biology. You may also want to consider earning a graduate degree, such as a Master’s or a Doctorate, to further your knowledge and expertise.
Gain Practical Experience – In addition to formal education, it’s important to gain practical experience in the healthcare field. This can be through internships, volunteering, or even shadowing a healthcare professional. This will not only give you valuable hands-on experience, but it will also help you to determine if a career in healthcare is the right fit for you.
Stay up to Date – The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay current on the latest developments and trends. This could mean taking continuing education courses, attending conferences or workshops, or simply staying informed through reading industry publications.
Build a Strong Network – Building relationships with others in the healthcare field can be incredibly valuable. This can include networking with colleagues, joining professional organizations, and participating in local or national healthcare events. Developing a strong network will help you maintain connections with people who can recommend you for positions, know when certain jobs open up, and keep up with current industry trends.
Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Effectively – A career in healthcare can be demanding, so it’s important to stay organized and manage your time effectively in order to balance your work and personal life. This could involve creating a schedule, setting priorities, and delegating tasks when necessary.
Be a Team Player – Healthcare is a team-oriented field, and it’s important to be able to work effectively with others. Careers in healthcare often require an ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and collaborate with others in order to achieve common goals.
Maintain a Positive Attitude – Working in healthcare can be challenging at times, and it’s important to maintain a positive attitude in order to stay motivated and focused. This can involve setting realistic goals, seeking support when needed, and finding ways to stay energized and engaged in your work.
Take Care of Yourself – Committing your life to helping others is a noble career choice, but you have to make sure it doesn’t negatively affect your personal life. It’s important to prioritize your own well-being in order to succeed in a career in healthcare. This could involve making time for self-care, getting enough rest and exercise, and finding ways to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Overall, healthcare careers can be incredibly rewarding, but they can also require a significant amount of dedication, hard work, and commitment. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success in this exciting and fulfilling field.

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, then you’ve come to the right place! At Penn-Mar Human Services, our mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live courageous lives full of self-determination, independence, and equity. Our approach is innovative, person-centered, and successful. Through meaningful employment, community inclusion, and residential choice, the people Penn-Mar supports are empowered to live their best lives.

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare and want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider filling out an application to join our team! We offer a wide range of employee benefits and competitive compensation. You can also get involved by learning more about our services or signing up to volunteer with us today!

The post Tips for Pursuing a Career in Healthcare appeared first on Penn-Mar.

The Benefits of a Career in Healthcare

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 18:46:28 +0000

Healthcare is one of the most essential fields in the world, as it is focused on caring for people’s well-being. It is also the largest field of employment in the United States, with nearly 20.5 million healthcare workers in the U.S. workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also estimates that the healthcare industry will grow by 10% by 2031, resulting in an additional 2 million jobs being added.

Careers in healthcare include occupations like doctors, nurses, medical assistants, direct support professionals, and many other professions. All of these individuals specifically choose to work in this field for a reason, as healthcare workers often have to complete additional education, training, and certification in order to be qualified.

There are many reasons why those who work in healthcare commit themselves to their professions and put in the extra work in order to join the industry. In this article, we’ll look at some of the main benefits of healthcare careers and why so many people choose to pursue them.

Reasons To Consider a Career in Healthcare

When people are deciding what career they want to pursue, there are a lot of different factors that they must consider. Each career has its pros and cons, so it’s essential for people to understand what a particular career entails and decide what is most important to them in a job. While some careers only have a few benefits, others have many—like healthcare. Let’s look at some of the top benefits of a career in healthcare:

Making a Difference in the World – One of the main benefits of a career in healthcare is that you are making a positive difference in the world by helping people. Everyone needs some sort of medical attention throughout their lives in order to remain healthy. A career in healthcare allows you to provide that care or assistance to people when they need it. This means that you get to bring about real change with the work that you do, which is not something that you can say about every job.
Job Security and Opportunities – As mentioned earlier, there are currently over 20 million jobs in the healthcare industry, and that is only expected to grow moving forward. That means there will always be a demand for healthcare workers and you will have many job opportunities to choose from. Because of the need for healthcare workers, you won’t have to worry as much about finding a job and supporting yourself. This also means that you can live pretty much wherever you want because there will most likely be local healthcare positions in that area. So, you gain the flexibility of being able to move around to different places (if you want to), as healthcare jobs are always in demand.
Feeling Proud and Accomplished – Many jobs often involve performing tasks without ever seeing the results of your work. Others are just a way for people to make money, but have no real sense of purpose. However, with many healthcare jobs, you get to see the impact that your hard work has because you are often working hands-on with patients. Seeing the positive effects of your work is very fulfilling and can lead you to feel proud and accomplished in what you do. Feeling a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment is one of the most important things in a career. This is because it helps you enjoy what you do and feel it is both necessary and worthwhile. It also motivates you to continue pushing to make a difference and succeed in your role.
Connecting With Others – Many healthcare jobs involve working directly with others, including patients. These interactions are a central part of the job as you provide care to people or assist them in other ways. This presents many opportunities to connect with others and get to know them better. When you have the chance to talk to people and see how your work helps them, it helps you bond with them and feel as though you are a part of something bigger than yourself. In addition to working with patients, there are many roles that are also a part of a larger team. This means you will interact with co-workers as you all work together to improve the lives of others. Many times, you may share similar interests with those you work with, since you all were called in the same way to pursue a career in healthcare and help people.
It’s Never Too Late To Make a Change – Some of the more specialized occupations in healthcare—like becoming a doctor or surgeon—require years of additional education. However, there are many jobs that you can switch to without years of schooling if you complete the required training. Because of this, many jobs in the healthcare field are always open and available for you to pursue, even if you are switching from another career. It’s never too late to switch to a healthcare career and make a positive difference in the world.

If these benefits sound like what you are looking for, then you’ve come to the right place! At Penn-Mar Human Services, our mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live courageous lives full of self-determination, independence, and equity. Our approach is innovative, person-centered, and successful. Through meaningful employment, community inclusion, and residential choice, the people Penn-Mar supports are empowered to live their best lives.

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