Karmen Englert
SIOUXFALLS,SD
Summary
Compassionate Direct Support Professional with strengths in mental and emotional support, accurate documentation, and behavior redirection. Delivers person-centered care that protects dignity, builds trust, and improves daily quality of life. Communication building skills through art and music and encouragement of self love.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Resources for Human Development, RHD
Sioux Falls, SD
08.2025 - Current
- Document care activities and observations accurately.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support in a more creative approach. With the individuals i have been able to communicate their wants, needs and ideas through numerous activities such as art and music.
- Facilitated community integration through transportation, outings, and social engagement.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services such as mandt training.
- Adapted support approaches based on individual preferences, fostering increased trust and rapport over time.
- Organized recreational events that encouraged relationship building among individuals, as well as staff and families and increased their sense of belonging within our community.
- Served as a reliable point of contact for family members, maintaining open lines of communication when they come into the rooms about individual progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Provided emotional and practical support to individuals, fostering positive and supportive care both in the day service program as well as in their homes.
- Trained new staff on best practices in direct support, elevating overall quality of care provided.
- Organized and participated in recreational activities, contributing to vibrant community life for the individuals.
- Advocated for individuals' needs and rights in various settings, enhancing their quality of life.
- Supported daily hygiene needs of individuals by assisting with bathing, dressing, toileting, dental care and personal grooming.
- Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors and families to ensure that every individual supported is cared for and loved.
- Provide medication at documented times as well as assist with medication reminders to those that are self-med, working directly with nursing.
- Implemented person-centered support plans and reinforced individualized goals, understanding that personal growth for each individual is of utmost importance.
- Assisted individuals with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness, as well as promoting independence and dignity.
- Monitored safety conditions and responded promptly to behavioral or health changes.
Education
Associate of Science - Liberal Arts
YPEI
New Haven, CT12-2024
Skills
- Time management
- Safety education
- Behavior redirection
- Personal support
- Compassionate care
- Medication administration
- Documentation accuracy
- Decision-making support
- Relationship building
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Resources for Human Development, RHD
08.2025 - Current
Associate of Science - Liberal Arts
YPEI