direct support professional

habilitation specialist

behavioral specialist

registered nurse

group manager

A Very Special Place

I would like to start off my review by saying that the residents were absolutely amazing, and they were the light and joy of my time working for the company and they deserve the very best of the very best. Leaving the residents was the hardest part of leaving this job for me, because I really did love and care for them. Also, some of the staff there were really great as well, and were really great people to work with and to be around.
I will say, however, my experience being an Assistant Residence Manager there was completely disorganized and disastrous. I can see that the company needs better oversight and proper training of management teams in the homes, because during my time there, I felt that my management training was extremely inadequate. The manager that I worked under was barely there when I was there, barely trained me in anything, and when they did, would train me in like five minutes real quick then leave me on my own, and it led to me making a lot of mistakes at times due to not being thoroughly trained. Whenever I had questions and the manager wasn’t on site, they were hard to reach and barely ever answered their phone- and when they did, they answered hours later or the next day, when it was too late. And, as a new Assistant Residence Manager who was still learning everything and needed to look to the Manager on how to properly do things, it really felt like I was abandoned most of the time.
Furthermore, because I was new and didn’t really know anyone in the company or proper roles, and the Manager was sometimes hard to reach, if I ever reached out to someone else in the company about an issue to try to resolve something but it was the wrong person for the issue, I was scolded for it. I really, honestly, tried my best and genuinely wanted to help; but it felt so discouraging feeling like I was on my own. Also, I really didn’t like the rigidity of my schedule, as I was chained down set days and hours- Unless someone called out for an overnight last second (which was often) and I couldn’t get coverage (which was also often, as the Manager also never even provided me with the On-Call list for the entire time I was employed there so my pool for staff to call for coverage was very small), then of course in that case my schedule didn’t matter. Even when I had taken a few personal days for vacation, I still had staff not respecting the fact that I took vacation time and trying to call and text me to call out of shifts. It got the point where I had no work-life balance, and my entire life revolved around the job.
I don’t have any ill-will towards the company and wish them the best, and I also met some really awesome employees who worked there while I worked there, but I really think they honestly need a more cohesive training program for new management specifically outside of the general orientation, because my management experience was pretty terrible.
I have since went to a new company, and my experience there as an Assistant Residence Manager has been much better- My schedule is flexible to what works for me, the Manager at my current house has made sure to sit down and teach me everything I need to know in an organized manner, they are accessible whenever I have questions and are happy to help me if I need help with something, the company itself has also provided additional Management training for all new Managers so we’re all on the same page, and the Manager I work with now has made me feel like I am part of a cohesive TEAM rather than figuring things out on my own.
A Very Special Place is not a bad company to work for by any means in general, but if I went back in time to go work there, I would have rather worked for them as a DSP instead of an Assistant Residence Manager.

In the field of developmental disabilities, the work is tough and emotionally draining. It is important to note foremost that the support system in place for the Day Habilitation program is excellent in that there are no closed doors or deaf ears to concerns. I experienced this first hand and with no exception as a part time Individual Habilitation Assistant, technically the lowest position on the totem pole (custodial makes more than IHA, not to knock the amazing custodial staff in place).

Patience should be a high quality trait prior to taking any position within the company. The field is demanding of such qualities as to work with the consumer base to achieve their highest potential. Teamwork in this unique environment is certainly an acquired skill as it is under varying circumstances, sometimes dire in nature, one with thin skin may find themselves in need of their coworker's expertise and assistance. I believe this is bolstered by supervisory meetings and assessments.

Upward mobility without a degree is practically impossible, regardless of employees ability to manage, assess and implement solutions in the workplace. I've heard of progression within the group home setting to management positions through hard work, but I have never experienced or seen it in the day or evening programs. The stagnation is imparted on funding at the day and evening program level, and the low turnover rate at the management level. It is no fault of the directors or even the executives. The day and night habilitation programs do not enjoy the money imparted on programs in companies like Community Resources or AHRC. This is an opinion and communicated to me from management. It is not a fact.

While, like any workplace, it is wrought with sometimes salacious discussion and trivial occurrences, seldom are they malicious. This is again credited to management's ability to quell workplace unrest with solution oriented options and open, frank discussion. 

All in all, the pay was sub par (I made $4.00 less per hour than other similar positions in competing New York City agencies). As I was part-time, I didn't qualify for benefits. The general consensus was that the benefits do not fit the titles and work. This is typical in any companies in health and human services without a union. I stayed for the few years I did because of the company's incredible flexibility and my superb supervisors and directors. Personally, I believe they should be absorbed by 1199 or another healthcare union for their employees to see a semblance of proper compensation and representation.

A typical day at work involves supporting a 21-year-old with autism in daily activities that encourage growth and independence. This includes working on life skills, working on and encouraging healthy habits, exploring their interests, and providing overall encouragement to help them succeed as a human being.

What I’ve learned is how impactful patience and positivity can be. I’ve also gained insight into the importance of tailoring my approach to their unique personality and needs.

Management is helpful and responsive, providing the resources and guidance needed to make the job more effective and enjoyable.

The workplace culture is positive and supportive, focusing on collaboration and respect, which makes it easier to navigate challenges.

The hardest part of the job is finding ways to keep them motivated on days when they feel discouraged or uninterested. It takes creativity and a lot of understanding, but the process helps not only the child grow, but helps me grow as a person as well.

The most enjoyable part of the job is seeing their face light up when they accomplish something new or engage in something they love. Knowing that my work helps them grow and feel confident makes it all worth it.


It's hard to put people first when the policy is actually prioritized- But the best staff always tried.

Audits were a real test of each locations organization, staying on top of the to- do, paper work and accountability. I missed working at the programs. Very fun if you have the right mindset and need steady hours.

DSP's at the group home are the literal backbone of this agency. Great for OT-but sometimes it's not optional. I find that if you have things handled at home, you really can put in the hours - and get paid.

I wish they had given these hardworking staff a sort of job culture-  but the group homes and the other buildings , the staffing just come together to create their own as faces come and go.

It's really about the individuals - always is. Every day is a new day to just.... help someone-
just be ready to process the paperwork that comes with it. I think I always expect staff to come and go- The hard part is when a resident or program attendee passes. you get involved. 
Be ready to take some emotional/mental work back home with you.

You also need to be vaccinated to work there. 

A typical day at AVSP is a busy and productive day.  As I work at front desk my job is much more than front desk work.  I open up front answer messages from night before, welcome people in for job interviews, meetings etc.  I check emails and distribute accordingly.
Schedule job interviews, meetings and sign in all correspondence and deliveries.  Answer the phones, scan items , file correspondence in employees files, type up letters and job descriptions. Make orientation packets and separate incoming and outgoing mail.  Make new hire folders and help with many of recruiters functions.  The most rewarding thing about this job is when our consumers come in and we can see first hand what good this agency's does for the developmentally disabled population.

This place has the potential to be a great and wonderful organization to be a part of if they had some real professionalism, integrity, balance and structure like some of the larger facilities out there.

Some of the management can be very positive, kind, supportive and team players..... other's can be demanding, cold, careless, demeaning and not supportive of their staff. 

One person says the policy is one way and then another person says the policy is opposite from what you were previously told.

Not enough staff to take vacation or days off for personal leave or doctor's appointments.

Too much drama that is not dealt with in an appropriate manner.

I had a very good experience working for AVSP. Our program thrived thanks to good leadership, with directors who worked tirelessly to make sure staff contributed and worked as a team in order to ensure that individuals needs/goals are met. 
The Executive Office has been extremely supportive throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,  working to accommodate any schedule changes I had, and always in a gracious and kind way. 
This agency is a great place to work! I was lucky to work with an amazing team of staff; who are passionate about their work, knowledgeable, and always ready to help.



It was a fun job being able to work at the evening recreational program. It gave opportunity to be creative in terms of lesson plans of activities for the individuals to participate in. Many activities include cooking, watching movies, bowling, community integration, socialization, sewing, arts and crafts, bingo, trivia games, hook rug, baking and parties. My co-workers were very friendly making it a positive environment.

all management at executive office along with secretaries and meet n greet staff never smile, all seem miserable. I would never enroll any person with disabilities there. Only concerned about money. If they treat staff badly, how are they treating helpless, disabled individuals?  The residences are old and dirty. Only spend just what they have to on clothes and things for the residents. Dont know where the rest goes.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Caring for individuals with special needs and the wonderful staff that support them.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most stressful part the job was being on call.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
A comfortable, family like culture.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day was ensuring the health of the individuals, medication reconciliation, scheduling appointments, reviewing appointment notes.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 22 salaries reported	$19.78 per hour
Habilitation specialist 9 salaries reported	$23.88 per hour
Behavioral specialist 3 salaries reported	$41.96 per hour
Registered nurse 5 salaries reported	$44.19 per hour
Group manager 3 salaries reported	$21.99 per hour

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