Looking for a Career that Makes a Difference?

Jun 21, 2024By Samantha Harrison

SH

Meet Jess!

She's looking for support people.

$26.52 per hour! 

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Her jokes are pretty great, but her knack for turning everyday moments into epic adventures is the best.

Jess is in her 20s, full of energy and ready to dive into new adventures as she shapes her life.

Like many young adults with disabilites, Jess finished high school and was expected to spend her days either at a day training program or move into a residential facility.

She was living with her family, tried day training programs, looked at residential services, and nothing seemed like a good fit. Jess and her family felt like there must be a way for her to explore the world just like most 20-somethings do. 

Instead of following the traditional path, Jess and her family decided to self-direct her care services. Self-direction is an alternative to traditional Long-Term Services and Supports (residential services, day training, nursing homes, etc.) that allows people with disabilities to have the freedom, choice, and flexibility to decide who provides their services, where the services happen, and when the services occur.

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Self-Direction Changed The Trajectory for Jess 

The flexibility, choice, control, and freedom that self-direction offers have profoundly changed Jess's life for the better.

If she had continued down the path of only accessing traditional services,  her activities would dictated by the service providers, limiting what she could do and when.

Now, Jess enjoys the autonomy to decide her daily schedule, choosing activities that bring her joy and fulfillment.

Whether it's an impromptu visit to the park, a spontaneous swim, or a planned trip to the zoo, Jess's life is now full of possibilities and enriched by her newfound independence.

Her autism doesn't prevent her from living an incredbile life. Despite what our traditional service system leads us to believe.

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Building a Support Network

Jess has an incredible network of support people who help her around the clock, ensuring she gets the most out of life.

Each team member plays a vital role in her daily activities and overall well-being.

Allie, a member of Jess's team shared her role includes, “Supporting Jess in her daily life and ensure she gets the most out of life and the opportunity to enjoy the things that she loves."

She also mentioned, "My job is giving her opportunities, whether in therapy, activities, or building friendship. I strive to be creative because that broadens the horizon for possible activities and skills."

Allie loves seeing Jess make progress, expand her skills, try new activities, flourish in her routine, have less anxiety, and become more independent.

Benefits of Self-Direction 

Since working together through self-direction, Jess has expanded her world, explored new activities, experienced mood improvement, less anxiety, and the empowerment to ask for what she wants because she knows she'll be supported in her dreams.


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A Vision for the Future 

Jess and her family hope that the future is full of opportunities for Jess to explore employment and to continue living on her own with a self-directed care team.

 Additionally, the team hopes to build on their strong foundation by adding new team members who are as creative, spontaneous, and fun as Jess.

caregiver agreement

Want to do life with Jess? 

Are you someone who thrives on building genuine relationships and making a real difference?

 Supporting Jess means doing life alongside her—sharing in her daily joys, supporting her in activities she loves, and helping her explore new opportunities.

This role isn’t a caregiver; it’s about being a companion, mentor, and friend. You'll encourage her growth and independence while enjoying the rewarding experience of seeing her flourish.

 If you’re creative, spontaneous, and compassionate, Jess would love to have you on her team.

A morning yoga session peering into the jungle in Ubud, Bali.

Role Overview and Benefits 

Through self-direction, Jess has become an employer with help from professionals like a Support Broker and a payroll company to help her manage the responsibilities of being an employer.

Work alongside Jess, share in her daily experiences, supporting her in her favorite activities, and encouraging her to explore new opportunities. This role is about building relationship and being a part of Jess’s build a life she loves.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Jess in daily activities and routines
• Facilitate social engagement and community involvement
• Assist with therapy sessions and skill development
• Provide emotional support and companionship
 

Benefits

• Professional hourly rate - $26.52/hour

• Direct deposit, taxes withheld

 •Recurring weekly schedule

• Supportive team environment

• Autonomy/ self-directed work

• Kind and supportive family/employer

• Free continuing education courses

• Centrally located near Prospect, KY

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Ready to Make an Impact?

By joining Jess ’s care team, you’ll help her embrace new adventures, nurture her independence, and foster her growth. Be part of something truly rewarding—apply today and make a lasting difference.

Apply to Support Jess

Questions? Want to know more about self-direction? 

Discover how self-directing your disability care services can help you or a loved one gain more flexibility, choice, and control. Learn more here.