When Steph first came across a job opening for a direct support professional (DSP) at Makom, he was simply looking for his next opportunity. He had no particular moment that inspired him to become a DSP and no idea that the position would become such a meaningful part of his life. He read the job description, and it felt kismet. Two years later, Steph can say with certainty that becoming a DSP was about much more than finding a job. It became an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people he supports and to discover something new about himself along the way.

Steph came to the United States in 2012 and is a father to an eight year old. During his time at Makom, he has found a different kind of fulfillment in his work as a DSP. For Steph, there is something especially meaningful to him about helping a person pursue employment and then getting to witness their reaction when they reach that goal. Whether it is an internship, volunteer opportunity, or paid job, Steph loves seeing the excitement that comes with attaining employment. “You know that you are going to help them find a job,” Steph said. “When they get the job, they are so happy. The reaction, seeing that, you feel really rewarded.”

One of the first people Steph supported at Makom was Kevin, who is nonspeaking and uses a tablet to communicate. Steph worked with Kevin as he began an internship at Paisano’s Pizza, where he was introduced to a variety of new responsibilities. Kevin was learning how to fold boxes, organize drinks, keep his workspace clean, and understand the routines of a workplace. There were new expectations to learn and new skills to develop. Steph was there every step of the way to support Kevin. A year and a half later, Kevin has grown comfortable with his responsibilities and is able to complete his work effectively. Tasks that once required learning and practice have become a regular part of his routine.

For Steph, getting to witness that growth is what makes his work so rewarding. “Seeing something that they were not able to do, but because of your presence on a daily basis, they are able to perform those duties,” Steph explained. “Some [people] couldn’t even believe that they could do a cleaning job. But me being present every day, supporting them and encouraging them makes it possible.” That belief in what people can accomplish is at the heart of how Steph approaches his role.

Today, Steph works with several people in his role with the Sally and Robert Goldberg  Meaningful Opportunities for Successful Transitions (MOST™) Program. His days can take him to different sites throughout the community, including Oasis Farm, the Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Planet Fitness, and Interfaith Works. While each person and each workplace is different, Steph’s role remains the same: support. “I am not there to do the job for them,” Steph said. “I am there to support, encourage, and redirect.” Sometimes that means offering a reminder when something isn’t being done correctly. Other times, it means being present and allowing the person to work through a task on their own. And sometimes, it means listening closely enough to recognize when something isn’t working.

Steph believes communication is one of the most important parts of his job. He wants the people he supports to know that he is there for them, but he also understands that their goals and choices belong to them. “At the end of the day, the job has to come from them,” he said. “The choice is theirs.” If a job site isn’t the right fit for a person, Steph believes it is important to have a conversation about why. He communicates with his supervisor and works with the team to determine whether a different opportunity might better align with the person’s interests and goals. For Steph, supporting a person means making sure they have a voice in their own life. “Being a DSP is not about me. It is about them.” That statement captures what Steph has come to understand about his role at Makom.

Being a DSP isn’t always about the big moments. It is about showing up every day. It is about encouragement when someone is struggling, patience when something takes time to learn, and celebrating the small and big wins. It is about seeing potential in someone and supporting them as they discover that potential for themselves. Steph has seen people accomplish things they once didn’t believe they could do. He has watched people gain new skills, take on new responsibilities, and become more confident in their abilities. And while he may be the person providing support, Steph believes the accomplishment ultimately belongs to the person.

That is also why his advice to someone considering becoming a DSP is so honest.“Don’t go into it for the money,” Steph said. “You have to love it. You have to want it.” The people he supports spend a significant part of their day with him, and he understands the responsibility that comes with that relationship.

Two years ago, Steph read a job description and saw an opportunity. Today, he sees something much more. He sees the people he supports reaching goals, discovering new abilities, finding employment, and building confidence. And he gets to walk alongside them, encouraging them every step of the way.