Position: Direct Support Assistant
Years of Service: 1 year
Del Costantino was named one of the Capital Region DDSOO’s 2024 DSPs of the Year because he is considered a valuable member of the team – both by colleagues and the people he supports.
William Loya, a coworker who nominated Del for this honor, says he is always eager to help the people he works with and wants to make sure they enjoy outings.
“Del is a well-rounded and valuable staff member for the home and takes on tasks without being asked, which ensures the smooth-running of the home,” Loya says.
Del volunteered to take a reassignment and then also volunteered to stay an additional 60 days, shining at a time when that home was having difficulties. Loya says Del would always come in with a smile and ask what he could do to help.
In addition, Loya says Del continuously volunteers to work extra shifts to accommodate the house.
“He comes up with unique ideas and ensures that policies and procedures are always followed,” Loya adds. “Del has personally made it his mission, it would seem, to help the house residents grow.”
“He is very, very good when dealing with a difficult situation and keeping a level head about it. I am very fortunate to have Del in the home,” Loya says.
During medication administration times, Del can be found working with people on self-administration and reading, with one person in particular, the medication and helping that person pronounce the difficult words.
“It does not matter how long it takes, he is patient,” Loya says. “He always does what is asked of him and will take the initiative to do things without being asked. Del is a very valuable member of the house and the team.”