Neffertina German, the Director of our Community Support program says that her children think that her job is fun. They’re not wrong, she says, “I get paid to have fun.”
While her educational background as a specialist in project management doesn’t necessarily fit with her current job, Neffertina says her on-the-job experience more than fits the bill. Neffertina says she’s always been drawn to the social services field. “I’ve worked as a daycare owner, a Head Start teacher, a youth minister, I’ve worked in nursing homes…I’ve gone the gamut – I’ve worked from cradle to grave and all the different populations in between.”
“I’ve worked as a daycare owner, a Head Start teacher, a youth minister, I’ve worked in nursing homes…I’ve gone the gamut – I’ve worked from cradle to grave and all the different populations in between.”
We’re a Whole Community
While she’s enjoyed seeing her responsibilities increase over time, Neffertina says the best part of the job is that her co-workers and clients are like her family. “I really value these folks…we see ourselves as a whole community. No one here feels like they’re doing this kind of support of service alone.”
Neffertina also enjoys the flexibility that comes with the job. “Since joining HCBS, I’ve been able to enjoy the most flexibility. I get to keep the fun part of what this program does.”
A Typical Workday
When asked what a typical workday looks like, Neffertina says there isn’t one. Some days start at the gym. Other co-workers might start the day at the library or the park. “We really try to tailor it to our clients likes and interests. My guy is bowling, pool, movies, bingo, hanging out at the park, Dave & Busters. This is what we do.” Neffertina says her philosophy at work is, “We are all humans, and we all should be loved.” Neffertina goes out of her way to ensure that her clients get to interact with their peers, “We have a lot of group activities that we do throughout the week.”
Always in the community, Neffertina recently had the opportunity to promote her job to someone with a Masters of Education who was working in daycare: “You’ll have one client vs six or seven kids, and you’ll be able to enjoy yourself and be out and have fun and help that one person just live their best life.”
Creativity is Key
Neffertina says there is one key skill for Direct Support Professionals: creativity. “You have to look outside of the box to help your person get engaged in life. You should not be reading a book, and your client should not be looking bored.” To the families of her clients, she says, “We love your people like they are our family and we’re going to take care of them like they are our family.”
HCBS appreciates Neffertina’s passion for her job and how she treats her clients like family. If you know someone as creative and socially-minded as Neffertina who is looking for a fun job where your co-workers feel like family, suggest that they Join Our Team!
