Ever wonder what a day in the life of a TECH staff person looks like?  Here’s your chance to hear directly from the source.  We asked April Green, Direct Support Professional at TECH’s Adult Life Skills Building, to tell us about her role, how she got started at TECH and what she loves about her job!

THE BASICS

T | April, give us your TECH, Inc. story.  How did you get started at TECH and what are your career goals within the organization?

A |My Mom and Grandma both worked for TECH so I knew a lot of our clients since I was 16 years old. As soon as I knew TECH was hiring I applied and was hired in 1999 for a split shift at Landon house. I worked that position for about three and a half years and applied for (and was hired) as Team Leader for that house for another three years or so. I left TECH in January 2007 and moved away for almost a year. Once I returned to Hutchinson, I reapplied and was hired for the overnight shift at what use to be Sunflower House. I decided that I wanted more interaction with our clients so I applied for a community floater position (which was filling in for or rovers and community houses). I did a lot of fill in at Star House and jumped at the opportunity to apply for a Team Leader position there. I moved through various positions at TECH and now currently work at the Adult Life Skills building, our day service program and will fill in every now and then in residential when there is a need.  I love this opportunity!

T | Do you have a motto or personal mantra you live by?

A | “YOLO” – You only live once.

T | Any fun office nicknames you can share with us?

A | Apey

April and her “crew” dancing at TECH’s Adult Life Skills Building

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

T | Explain to us what you do as a DSP at TECH’s Adult Life Skills Building.

A | A VARIETY of different things;  crafts, teaching social skills, money skills, motor skills, daily living skills and my favorite, working on our dancing skills!  Music is always the cure to lighten the mood!

T | What does a typical day at the ALS look like?

A | Every day is something different….always!

T | What TECH, Inc. project or accomplishment do you consider to be the most significant in your tenure?

A | I love the fact that I have been able to assist a client in expanding work skills. When I first started working with this client, it was a struggle to achieve something as simple as completion of dumping the breakroom trash. Now it’s a breeze! He knows all of the steps and we have added delivering the OFFICE mail to each location as well as recycling. It has been amazing to watch him grow! His continued successes may lead to further expansions of his job. Plus, he notices every pay day when they count out his “big money.”  🙂

T | What would people would be surprised to know about your position?

A | It’s not as easy as it looks. I always have to be on my toes and thinking outside of the box.

T | What’s your favorite thing about working for TECH, Inc?

A | I love doing things with the clients. Seeing them take so much pride and joy in making crafts or going out in the community and trying new things their smiles are priceless.

April Green

THE FUN STUFF

T | If you could witness one historical event, what would it be?

A | Woodstock

T | Favorite things to do on your days off?

A | Spending time with family, hanging out in my bar/saloon (it’s in my backyard!).

T | I’m happiest when…

A | I’m with my kids and husband.

T | What’s your favorite quote?

A | Never judge a book by its cover!

Thanks, April, for sharing with us! For those of you considering a career helping others and think TECH could be a good place for you, be sure to visit our Careers page and check out our current openings!