Staff Spotlight – Matt Maroney, Supported Employment Coordinator:

Matt Maroney closes in on five years at United Counseling Service (UCS) in September, and it’s safe to say he’s found where he’s meant to be. Coming from a career in private industry and with a business degree, Matt had no experience in human services before he applied for a job at UCS. He was looking for a career change and landed on something that makes him truly happy.

“I wish I’d done it thirty years sooner,” says Matt. “It took me a long time and suffering through other jobs in my career to find this one.”

Matt’s current role is Supported Employment Coordinator, which involves supervising the UCS Community Supports and Employment teams, and meeting with other agencies across the state of Vermont and the Vermont Department of Disabilities Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). He also makes and maintains connections in the community to keep a roster of employers available for clients of the Employment program. When there are staff shortages, Matt steps in to cover schedules so that clients do not go without programming. No matter where he finds himself on any given day, he loves the work.

“I wear many, many hats,” says Matt. “Client coverage is typically the best part of my week, because I get to spend time with the clients. The most fulfilling part is knowing that you’re doing a little something to make somebody’s life better.”

Clients and staff bring a lot of joy to each day for Matt. He feels lucky to be able to witness Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) doing their jobs with care, compassion and creativity every day. DSPs spend more time with clients on a daily basis than anyone. They put the hours in, with smiles on their faces, to support clients through different seasons of their lives. A DSP can turn a day around for a client struggling with something in their life. They support clients on their employment journeys and help them find ways to engage with their community, explore their interests, and reach goals. “One of the things I get to witness on a daily basis is that our DSPs are absolutely amazing,” says Matt. “If they weren’t as caring and compassionate and good at what they do, none of this stuff works.”

Matt enjoys making time in his schedule to get out to see what the Community Supports groups are doing around town, including at Gardening Club, a popular client program led by DSP Roxy Iskowitz, based at the Bennington Community Garden. Matt loves being able to stop by and chat with clients, who are happy to see him and share what they are working on in the garden and in their own lives. These interactions make his life richer both in and outside work. “It makes you feel good that everybody is happy to see you and wants to talk to you,” says Matt. “Helping clients can reduce a lot of stress in your own life.”

When Matt is not at work, he spends a lot of time with his son and coaches sports throughout the year, including baseball, football and basketball—he has coached basketball for almost thirty years. He plans to take a break from coaching when his son heads to college in the fall, leaving some time to play guitar and golf.

Though his workdays and life at home are busy, Matt feels fulfilled.

Working in his role at UCS Developmental Services gives Matt what he wanted for a long time before joining the agency  “There are days that are crazy and hectic, but I still go home happy. It’s not everybody that gets to go home and feel good about what they did for the day, every day.”