When Amy talks about her work, supporting individuals who are aging at home and living with disabilities, she doesn't talk about what her job takes, but instead about all that it gives back to her.

"It's just so fulfilling," Amy says. "There are so many things that we take for granted that mean so much for other people to do. It makes you so thankful for what we have. And my relationships with them make my heart so much bigger"

Amy supports her clients with activities of daily living. That can entail a wide variety of tasks on a daily basis. Some days that may mean helping a client get out of bed and get dressed, water her plants, or prepare her favorite sandwich for lunch. Often it means supporting her client with managing routine errands like trips to the grocery store, that create opportunities to connect with familiar people and places. Amy is so grateful to give her clients - and their families - the peace of mind to live independently at home.

"There's just such a huge need for good people who really care."

"It means so much to be able to give them positive experiences, a sense of control and a sense of connection that otherwise would be lost," Amy says.

Photo provided by Maine Careers with Purpose

It's been nearly a decade since she moved into this field and left her long-time waitressing job. "I don't think I'd ever go back," she says.

Amy is one of a growing number of Mainers who has discovered rewarding work in the field of Direct Support, ensuring that adults with age-related, physical, behavioral, intellectual, and cognitive health needs have the support they need to stay safe and independent in their homes and communities, and empowered to achieve their personal goals.

There are a multitude full-time, part-time or per diem positions available, which offer the flexibility to juggle work with family responsibilities. Paid training opportunities are widely available and easy to complete. Many positions do not require advanced degrees.

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Amy loves being able to work close to home, so she doesn't have to worry about the costs or hassle of a commute. "To be able to work locally, near home has made me so much closer with my entire community," she says. She encourages anyone interested in making a change to consider a position in Direct Support.

"There's just a huge, huge need," she says, "for good people, who really care."

To learn more about full-time, part-time and per diem opportunities in your community, go to Mainecareerswithpurpose.org. Follow @MaineCareerswithPurpose on Facebook and Instagram.

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