Support Professionals
For anyone considering work in the field of
developmental disabilities, I would definitely recommend
Residential Services, Inc. While an employee at RSI, I was very
impressed by the company’s level of commitment to its residents.
RSI takes its mission very seriously, and this translates, for
the employee, to a work environment that is fulfilling because
the goals are important and meaningful. Making a difference in a
resident’s life is its own reward, but RSI adds to this
experience through the respect and attention management pays to
staff and their needs. If I were to move back to the Chapel Hill
area, I would certainly apply again to work at RSI.
Suzanne Hahn
Former RSI position: Part-Time Direct Support Professional (DSP)
It is often said that the grand irony of
life is that it must be lived forward but can only be understood
backward. The benefits I’ve gained from my work at RSI are a
testament to the accuracy of this expression. As I began my work
as a direct support professional, I had little context for
understanding how important my work was to the lives of the
individuals I spent time supporting. Now, having taken a state
position supporting policy advancement for people with
intellectual and other developmental disabilities [as a Program
Manager at the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities], I
realize that the ethics and values instilled in me by my work at
RSI are and will continue to be the primary motivator for me in
my work. Unfortunately, a devotion to quality services for
people with ID/DD does not permeate our human service system,
and I feel very fortunate to have been initiated to this work in
an environment that truly believes in its mission and works
every day to improve upon it.
Jason Laws
Former RSI positions: Direct Supports Coordinator (DSC) and
Supervisor of Support Services
Working at RSI has been an amazing
experience. Since I have been here, I have learned a great deal
about myself and about interacting with others. I have also
learned to face many daunting challenges and to develop ways to
overcome these obstacles. My time here has taught me how to be
creative in developing solutions to real-world problems and in
developing relationships with the people we support. RSI has
provided me with what I feel is a very supportive and open
environment to work in. From the directors to the direct support
staff, everyone is encouraged to work together and offer each
other valuable resources, which in turn provides a rewarding
environment to work in.
Justin Reif
Former RSI positions: Former Full-Time Direct Support
Professional (DSP), Direct Support Coordinator (DSC)
Current RSI position: Senior Direct Supports Coordinator (SDSC)
I would say that the most memorable part of
my time at RSI would be the ability to watch lives change little
by little. Through our work on goals that are focused on each
individual's development and skills, I had the rare opportunity
to see others learn and grow. Even if there was a misstep, it
became part of the journey. Guiding someone in making a grocery
list may not sound particularly exciting (and can be downright
tedious at first) until the day you realize they have made one
without any assistance, and you helped do that. Suddenly, you
have seen someone learn a skill that will help them in the real
world, and that is exciting.
Shirin Zarrinnam
Former RSI Positions: Part-time Direct Support Professional
(DSP), Direct Supports Coordinator (DSC)
I worked part-time for RSI while in college.
What started off as a job quickly became a lifestyle as I
changed my major to a human services field and altered my
personal interests. I left the company to practice social work
with a different population before returning to RSI as an Autism
Specialist. This work has provided me with the most rewarding
and memorable experiences of my life. I've been surrounded by an
amazing staff, fun work environment, and residents who continue
to teach me more than I ever thought I could learn. Greatly
influenced by my time at RSI, I decided to pursue a Master's in
Social Work and was recently accepted into the University of
North Carolina's prominent MSW program.
Chris Nealy
Former RSI Positions: Part-Time Direct Support Professional
(DSP), Autism Specialist
