GoodLife serves adults with disabilities in family-style home settings. Our direct support staff provides daily teaching, support and companionship, which are vital to each client’s quality of life. Team Leaders manage individual homes to help ensure a safe and meaningful experience for our residents. Today, Kassie Johnston shares what it means to be a team leader and why she values the responsibility of her job every day.
Kassie, how do you contribute to GoodLife’s population?
I serve GoodLife as a Team Leader for the seven residents and three staff members at one of our homes in Lawrence, Kansas. That means I do a lot of different things depending on the day! One day I might spend time monitoring activities and community programs or help our direct support providers (DSP) deliver daily care when needed. The next day, I may help a resident understand their personal finances, pass out medications, and assist as a resident makes lunch.
Sounds like ultimately your job is to help ensure everything runs smoothly.
Absolutely! I have a great staff, so they make my job easy. I’m here to support them with whatever they need to deliver the best care possible.
What do you like best about your job?
Every day I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my residents. It’s my job to help provide an environment that encourages them to live meaningful, purposeful, and independent lives. That responsibility means a lot to me, and I work hard not to take it for granted. In addition, GoodLife hires and trains the best DSPs. Knowing my residents are in capable, caring hands allows me to do my job well.
How does GoodLife support a meaningful quality of life?
GoodLife is uniquely structured to allow our residents to have choice and control over their day, and live and interact within social environments. Our skill acquisition programs help residents gain independence in daily tasks and interests. From a staff perspective, GoodLife’s flexibility in scheduling gives my DSPs and me opportunities to create a work week that provides a better work/life balance. When staff is well-taken care of, that transfers directly to residents.
Will you share an example of meaningful support of a resident?
The story of a resident that is no longer with us comes to mind. When she arrived at GoodLife, she was withdrawn and lacked emotion. It was clear her quality of life was low. Here, she received consistent, genuine care from staff and she began to thrive. It was such an honor to watch her love for life blossom and flourish during her time with us. She never needed a reason to celebrate–whether it was someone’s birthday or a trip to the store, this resident brought laughter and joy to every moment. She was able to be the best version of herself and experience a purposeful life through her remaining years. GoodLife provided her that opportunity.
Why would you recommend working at GoodLife to a friend?
GoodLife is a company that values promoting from within. I’ve seen several coworkers progress from DSP to Team Leader over the 5.5 years I’ve been here. As I look to my own future, I am confident that when I’m ready to move on from being a Team Leader, GoodLife will support me in figuring out where else in the organization I can make a meaningful difference.
Want to join the GoodLife family? Check out our open positions and apply today.
