Completed RJP Sample

This a sample of a completed realistic jobpreview for an adult who directs his owncare. He has taken the templates includedin this toolkit and modified them to tell hisstory and share a little bit about himself,his life, and his support needs. Thissample will give you some ideas of howyou can customize the templates to meetyour specific needs.

MichaelLarsonRealistic Job Preview:

A presentationdesigned to let you

know what it’s like towork as a direct support

professional for me.

A little about me

Growing up I was the boywho walked funny.

Now I’m pursuing myPh.D. at the University ofMinnesota.

I work at the University ofMinnesota as a projectcoordinator.

I’m passionate aboutsocial justice and Gophersports.

I’m originally fromMankato, Minnesota.

Things I’m good at

I never give up. I’m creative about solving

problems. I have a good sense of

humor. I’m able to stick up for

myself, and I do that forother people too.

I’m a good writer—I helpother people tell theirstories in my work.

I’m good at my job andpeople know my work.

Things I’m not so good at

I’m disorganized and I would call myself aslob.

I don’t say no, even when I should. I’m stubborn about some things. I don’t always ask for what I need. I often drink a Mountain Dew and have a

candy bar instead of eating lunch (or dinner). Timeliness doesn’t happen to be one of my

passions (that means I’m late — a lot).

My work is my passion I’m a work-a-holic and I love

what I do:– My work is about improving

the lives of people withdisabilities through theresearch and evaluation ofcommunity human services.

– Sometimes I do volunteerwork beyond my job at theUniversity, such as helpingwith community events andprograms, and mentoringother people withdisabilities.

Presenting at a conference in 2002.That was before the accident thatinjured my spinal cord.

…celebrating the end of the bus driverstrike in the Twin Cities.

…celebrating the 4th anniversary of thesigning of the ADA with Tipper Gore (therumors are not true).

…leading a discussion at aconference breakout session.

…at a health care rally with self-advocates in D.C. (I’m behind the thirdsign from the left).

Things I like I enjoy watching sports,

especially the University ofMinnesota Gophers.

I enjoy doing things outdoors,such as camping withWilderness Inquiry.

In my free time I like to go tomovies, do things with mychurch, and sometimes justwatch TV.

I’m passionate about politics —especially the liberal kind that Iagree with. However, I don’tmind arguing about politics withpeople I don’t agree with.

My disabilities are just labels I have Cerebral Palsy and

acquired a spinal cord injury in2005, but those are just labels.Here’s what I’m talking about:– I use a chair, but I’m able to

walk with a great deal ofassistance.

– The muscles in my body areoften very tight and tense.

– My speech can be difficultto understand.

– My arms and hands arepretty weak. I use my leftarm to do just abouteverything.

Here’s what I need I need help:

– Transferring from my bed tomy wheel chair.

– Getting dressed andundressed.

– Using the toilet, changingmy catheter, and doing abowel program.

– Bathing, brushing andflossing my teeth, shaving,and combing my hair.

More of what I need I need help:

– With range-of-motionexercises, walking practice,and pool therapy.

– Grocery shopping,preparing meals, doinglaundry and cleaning myhouse.

– Opening and organizing mymail.

– Doing things in thecommunity.

There are few things that I coulddo for myself, but I ask for helpwith tasks like shaving andcooking.

What I want potential staff tounderstand about me

I know what I need, anddirect my own care.

It’s very important to meto be listened to andhave my ideasrespected.

I don’t want people tobe afraid of offeringsuggestions or tellingme when I seem to bedoing something stupid.

More things I want potentialstaff to know about me

Sometimes it’s very important to me to show myindependence and other times I appreciateassistance.

Working is important to me and I don’t like to give up.Sometimes I need encouragement to lighten up andtake a break.

I want people to know that I’ve had a big change inmy life when I injured my spinal cord in 2005 andacquired a second disability. I used to care for myself— I could walk and drive a car until then.

My hopes and dreams

I hope to finish my Ph.D. inevaluation studies.

I dream that one day theGophers will go to the RoseBowl.

I hope to be a successfulresearcher, with manypublished articles andinvitations to travel.

While we’re at it, I hope to goon an Alaskan cruise.

My hopes and dreams My dream is that one day all

people with disabilities willhave great lives.

I hope to keep meeting greatpeople and making qualityfriendships.

What some of my staff have said about workingwith me

“Sometimes I need to flexible with Mike, but Mike is flexible with metoo.”

“I work for Mike, but it’s not like a regular job…it’s a friendship. I get tohang out with him some mornings and nights and I think we have a coolrelationship.”

“It’s a little scary doing a transfer. He fell once and it really freaked meout. I wasn’t strong enough to lift him so I had to call the fire departmentto help get him back in his chair.”

“Sometimes it’s frustrating when Mike is late or on those days whendoing his care takes longer than I had planned.”

“Mike is anything but a neat freak. His stuff is all over the place.” “Working with Mike isn’t always serious. We laugh together and get the

work done.” “Sometimes I wonder about some of the things Mike does like not

taking care of himself, but I just have to let it go and let him live his ownlife.”

An ideal DSP for me is someone who:

Is a good communicator. You needto be able to both listen to what Ineed and say what you need. Youcan’t be a wimp.

Is flexible and respectful. Has a good sense of humor. Likes to talk about interesting

things like politics and Gophersports.

Lives near by and is ok withworking short shifts.

Takes initiative and is a hardworker.

A person who wouldn’t be ideal issomeone who:

Already has a busy schedule. This job takestime and patience.

Isn’t comfortable helping with intimate needslike changing a catheter or helping me withmy bowel program.

Likes to be in charge. People doing this jobneed to be good listeners and take directionfrom a person with a disability.

Has problems with physical tasks like helpingme stand and walk.

If you are hired to work with me, youcan expect to:

Do some relatively intimatepersonal care

Do some heavy lifting Laugh at some pretty good

jokes and some not so goodjokes

Do some domestic work likecooking and cleaning

Help me walk — it’s a trueadventure!

Occasionally take a break withme and have fun (go out to eat,see a movie, or go to a game)

A typical weekday

I sometimes work until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.Watch TVCatch a movie or a Gopher gameMeet with my DSP at 9:30 p.m., eat supper, get ready forbed

Evenings

Work in my office or in the communityUsually skip lunchMedical or therapy appointments

Afternoons

Get up at 8:00 a.m.Bowel program and shower (every other day)Get dressedEat breakfastGet to work by 11:00 a.m. (if not earlier)

Mornings

A typical weekend day

Meet with my DSP at 10:00 p.m., eat supper if I haven’talready, get ready for bed

Evenings

Usually leisure time, watch TV, go to a sporting event ormovie, get together with friends, or sometimes go to work.

Afternoons

Get up at 9:00 a.m.Bowel program and shower (every other day)Get dressedEat breakfastSometimes I go to work or for a walk

Mornings

Here are some fun moments with friends andfamily I’d like to share with you

Making your decision about workingwith me

You need to decide if working with meis a good fit for you. I want staff who areflexible, respectable and good listeners,and are interested in learning aboutwhat supports I need.

Think about what you have learnedabout me and working with me, andthen make your decision. I look forwardto hearing from you.