DSP Week: Meet Nick

The Job He Never Expected

Nick has been a Direct Support Professional at the Mason Street location since late June, and in just a few months, he has already found a job he says is unlike any he has had before.

Originally from Long Island, Nick recently graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a degree in Communications and TV Production. He was looking for a job in the area when a friend and former employee recommended the ARC.

A big part of Nick’s role is getting out into the community with the people he supports. Whether it’s a trip to Ausable Chasm, a stop at the mall, or a visit to Stewart’s, he enjoys helping the people he supports get out, try new things, and have fun.

Nick says one of the biggest misconceptions about DSP work is that it is simply caregiving or telling people what to do. He wants people to understand that the individuals they support have their own freedoms and rights. DSPs are there to support people in making their own decisions, not making those decisions for them.

He also brings his sense of humor to the job. Nick says being funny helps him encourage and prompt the people he supports, while making the day more enjoyable for everyone.

Nick credits Tara Ford with being an important influence since he started. “She’s been super helpful and shown me how to do anything and everything,” he said.

When asked what his 12-year-old self, who dreamed of becoming a movie director and working in a creative field, would think about what he is doing today, Nick said he would probably be surprised.

“I never thought about this line of work until within the last year, but I’m so glad I’m here.”

Outside of work, Nick lives with his girlfriend, Morgan. The two recently adopted a cat named Lady Rainicorn. If Nick could instantly learn one new skill, he says he would choose to play guitar, something he has always wanted to do. And when it comes to karaoke, his go-to song is “Voodoo” by Godsmack.

Of course, getting through his workdays requires one essential item: coffee.

When asked what advice he would give someone considering becoming a DSP, Nick kept it simple: “Just that you should do it. It’s a fun job. This is probably the best job I’ve ever had. You’ll meet people and have great experiences.”