Page 6 - Work Force November 2024

OPWDD members honored as Direct Support Professionals of the Year
ALBANY — The state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) recently recognized 24 CSEA members employed at the agency as “Statewide Direct Support Professionals of the Year.”
The event included remarks from OPWDD Deputy Commissioners Adrienne Mazeau and John Barbuto.
Mazeau spoke about the importance of the recognition event.
“It’s a chance to highlight the vital work you do, your commitment and also the positive attitude you bring every day,” said Mazeau.
Barbuto noted the agency’s mission and dedication of its staff. “When we show up, we connect
with people and connect with the heart,” said Barbuto. “Thank you for all you do.”
OPWDD Acting
Commissioner Willow
Baer also gave
remarks. Each honoree
received certificates
from OPWDD and CSEA recognizing their service. CSEA Deputy Director of State Operations Rob Scholz presented our union’s certificates on behalf of CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. The awardees, before coming to the stage, were praised by regional presenters familiar with their work.
“Our union recognizes the incredible work that members in this field do every day with some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Sullivan. “They take such great care of the clients they are responsible for and treat them just like family. Direct support professionals deserve incredible amounts of gratitude for what they do every day.”
Joining the direct support professional (DSP) awardees, four
of our union members were also honored as CSEA National Alliance of
Direct Support Professional (NADSP) E-badge earners. The national program, administered through OPWDD in partnership with CSEA and NADSP, provides a monetary award for members’ efforts to boost the professionalism of the field and get credentialed. There are three levels of certification: DSP 1, DSP 2 and DSP 3. New York is leading the nation in DSP credentials and CSEA is a key part of this effort.
Direct care work is gratifying
but can also be challenging. Over the years, CSEA has heard from many members who work in direct care who have struggled with work/life balance as the result of mandate overtime fueled by chronic
understaffing. This
has prompted CSEA to work with OPWDD to give voice to members’ concerns and partner with agencies to
boost recruitment and retention efforts.
OPWDD has made progress on both fronts
and members are seeing a positive difference.
Kerri Wilkey, a direct support worker from Western NY DDSO, who was recognized at the event, says she notices an improvement in staffing levels and overtime mandates.
“We have three new trainees in our house and 10 new trainees on our team in the last year; that’s big,” said Wilkey.
Wilkey has also seen an improvement in workers’ work-life balance.
“I am working two doubles (shifts) and two singles with three days off,” said Wilkey. “That extra day really helps. A lot of jobs don’t give you that. It’s like
a mini-vacation.”
— Therese Assalian
See more on page 7.
From left, Broome Developmental Center Local President Kimberly Grover supports local member and honoree Tim Fitzpatrick.
6 The Work Force
November 2024
“When we show up, we connect with people and connect with the heart. Thank you for all you do.”
From left, Capital District DDSO honoree Del Costantino poses with OPWDD Acting Commissioner Willow Baer after accepting his certificates.
E- Badge Academy participant and CSEA Long Island DDSO and Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center Local member Shavone Danzy, center, is congratulated by Deputy OPWDD Commisioner Adrienne Marzeau, left, and OPWDD Acting Commissioner Willow Baer, right. (Photo by John Benedict, OPWDD)
From left, Hudson Valley DDSO honoree Taura Combest with OPWDD Acting Commissioner Willow Baer.