direct support professional

program manager

caregiver

residential assistant

employment consultant

AccessCNY

As a full-time RN you were assigned to between 4 to 6 group homes for the developmentally disabled and/or sometimes a few different sites like a brain injury day program or independent living programs.
    You basically took care of the medical needs of the residents which except for mandated assessments and updates on care plans etc was basically checking and signing off on all of the meds and training the staff on any new medical issues they might need to help with or be aware of. 
90% of it is paperwork. But out in the field locally around Syracuse. 

The residents were wonderful they would hug you and draw you pictures, and most of the staff that worked and basically lived with these people were good for the most part too.

Administration could be a little all over the place and tended to focus on negatives more than positives.

Ultimately all of my sites seem to really like and appreciate my efforts, but there was one house where this one house manager took an instant dislike to me and would call and lie about me to management every single week LOL.

It wore me down, and of course no one would switch with me because no one else wanted that house so it ended up being half firing/ half quitting one of those situations.

When higher ups can't resolve a ridiculous bullying situation between two "professionals"  working at a not-for-profit, something is not working somewhere along the system.

You will absolutely love all of your residents though! ♥️ 

The specific department "Networks" aka day hab have some of the worst management I have ever encountered in my entire life working.  They care nothing about their staff, and only look to make a buck off the participants.  I have never been so appalled and greed stricken by the way this department carries themselves.  The entire management department at networks should be ashamed of themselves for the way they are treating their staff that does EVERYTHING for them, including serving the wonderful participants in the community.  The head games and "clicks" between so called "assistant managers" (and they know who they are) is what destroyed Networks and its staff.  When you lose 4 staff in less than a month, theres something wrong.   I left Networks after being treated like absolute garbage for months, and not a single management employee did a thing about it.  I did not leave bc of the participants or even staff, I left bc management is absolutely terrible!!! DO. NOT WORK FOR THIS COMPANY 

AccessCNY has the most positive and inclusive company culture I've ever been a part of. It became clear on the first day how many people feel passionate about their work. There is a strong dedication to your success and the lives of those we serve. Training is comprehensive and unlike anything out there. They've also introduced mentoring programs and leadership development initiatives. The benefits are impressive, the work is inspiring, and they really do live their values of diversity and respect. Executive Director is very visible. Access is growing quickly so new opportunities are popping up frequently.

The one shortfall is the heavy reliance on part-time and per diem/relief positions. If you have someone who shows promise and dedication, help facilitate them into full-time or permanent roles. Pay can be low, but there are many opportunities to advance.

Typical day: Do some cleaning. Prepare dinner. Complete goals with participants. Pack lunches if necessary. Personal care (baths). Laundry. 
Many co-workers are negative and/or apathetic towards participants' abilities. Management does not communicate effectively with staff. Schedules are often incorrect and not up to date. There is never enough staff to cover necessary shifts, especially if staff has a vacation or is out sick. 

Upper management does not appear to care about participants' overall welfare aside from being physically taken care of. However, diet plans are rarely adhered to despite major health risks involved.

Negative behavior (biting, screaming/crying, throwing objects) was, in my experience, always rewarded contrary to any behavioral plans in place.

Sorry to say folks, but this company literally cares about one thing only. It’s not their amazingly hard working staff, or the beautiful participants we serve in the Community either...  it’s literally only concerned with turning a buck. I have never been so appalled and saddened by the Greed I have seen exhibited by this company, and the Higher ups. They should honestly be ashamed of themselves... also... Unfortunately higher ups admit to knowing lower-leveled employees are being literally mentally abused on the job by ACCESSCNY STAFF!!! (Especially Upper Management) staff are literally told they are “replaceable” etc. it honestly breaks my heart, because the demography of people this company works with. DO NOT WORK WITH OR SUPPORT THIS COMPANY...

What is the best part of working at the company?
AccessCny actually listens and responds to the concerns of their employees!

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Working with employees who lack good work ethics. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
I work at an IRA, which requires you to work as a team with your co-workers! And if someone does not do their job, it reflects on you as well! And if you the type of person who do not like to leave things undone, you're going to find yourself getting burnt out!!

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Very busy and challenging, mingled with moments of laughter and fun.

Flexible hours, friendly co workers.  This was a non-profit Agency providing services for people with developmental, physical and mental disabilities.  Therapists and Management live by the mission statement to provide a quality of life for people with disabilities.  Good
place for recent college graduates with degrees in Human services. 
Provide workstudy programs, work with colleges and universities to provide internships. Most Managers are approachable, willing to work with you if you need assistance to improve your job performance. Agency is known for providing employees and staff competitive salary and benefit packages.

I did home care services for a male client and his wife. The atmosphere was fun and lively we laughed and sang christian songs to get his day started, we played various board games, and watched his favorite shows on television. I also helped with some personal care when needed. I ran errands, paid bills, shopped for groceries and did laundry. The management  was awesome they worked with me to make sure the clients needs were met. The hardest part of my job was communicating with him because of the stroke. His wife was a great help when I couldn't understand. I enjoyed my time with them and was sad when my time ended.

As a Personal Assistant you do a lot of work and aren't compensated well. You get no benefits unless you have multiple clients and can work full time and I've worked there over a year and have not received any type of raise, even though my client is very happy with me. You have to have physicals and TB tests done, but the office does not provide you with paperwork for your own doctor to do the testing. Overall the main office is not helpful and disorganized. The pros to be being a personal assistant are that you can make your own hours, provided that there are clients who's needs match your availability.

Every family and client is different. Sometimes you have to prepare your rutine of work and sometimes they strictly want you to follow theirs, won't accept new ideas or ways to do things. Be patience, don't fight your way over their exigencies or preferences. If you have an observation or a way to do things, suggest it as an advice. Be prepare to be call by your client any time/any day.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 81 salaries reported	$22.21 per hour
Program manager 6 salaries reported	$26.32 per hour
Caregiver 33 salaries reported	$17.65 per hour
Residential assistant 3 salaries reported	$22.53 per hour
Employment consultant 1 salary reported	$20.08 per hour

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