Trellis places individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities into jobs that highlight their abilities. We work with our clients to ensure good fits and long-term, meaningful employment pathways, and we also have a community program that helps our clients engage in and attend a wide variety of social settings and activities, from cooking classes to movie showings, trips to the zoo, dance classes, bowling outings and more. This complementary program is designed to provide opportunities for development and meaningful life experience outside the home or the workplace.
We recognize the benefit of having a close support system in these settings and staff a team of dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) that provide individualized care and attention for our clients, including door-to-door transportation to and from events. DSPs also assist clients with more general activities, like visiting the library or going to the store.
Trellis DSP and Field Supervisor John gets a lot of happiness from doing these day-to-day outings with his clients. “I find great joy watching them interact with the community and broader society,” he says. “I can come to work every day and make noticeable improvements in their daily lives. This keeps me motivated, too.”
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to working with clients, but DSPs meet individuals where they are and give them a safe, supportive space for trying new things, seeing different parts of the region and meeting and interacting with different people. DSPs focus on facilitating client success on an individual level in ways that are often nuanced and complex. “Sometimes what’s best for someone is not always the easiest route, and articulating that can be difficult,” John says. “But it’s ultimately the main function of this profession.”
Like a lot of Trellis DSPs, John has had experience in a variety of different job sectors but has found the most satisfaction in this type of caregiving role. His favorite Trellis success stories are about clients that he sees actively overcoming social anxieties. “It’s a learning experience for me too, and one reason why I love this job so much.”
The team at Trellis works hard to provide valuable and holistic pathways to success in the workplace and in the community, seeing the potential for meaningful interaction, skill development and workforce contribution in all our clients. To read more about what we offer, explore our services. To see what career opportunities are available at Trellis, visit our Careers page.
