case manager

residential counselor

program manager

housing specialist

clinician

Bill Wilson Center

The programs serve others with a passion. It seems like the management does not have a steady course as things are always changing; not just programs/funding but decisions that impact the culture.  Management says it wants a 'wellness' program and to take care of staff but the daily work expectations do not match that.  Working well beyond 40 hours, especially non hourly staff, is expected as no other way to met basic expectations.  It is a blame based culture not accountability & improvement culture.  Except when things go really wrong/incidents then everyone pulls together and is present to assist-wish it was always like that.  Its like emotional and reactive management team that seems to keep secrets.  Individual employees throughout are so dedicated but do not seem to be appreciated. individual program teams are tight and care but so many mixed messages and changes always.  most enjoyable is working with all the clients and pairing with other bwc programs to meet all the client needs (housing, vocational training, counseling, whatever it takes).

Takes more than a month get hired
Takes more than 90 days to complete on boarding tasks
No training is provided, it's sink or swim here
Pay scales are at a whim, directors can make less than Program managers, case managers can make less than residential counselors
Workloads are skewed, if you are good at your job, you'll be asked to carry the workload of you coworkers, with no incentive or pay increase
Experience will not get you a raise
Hitting your OKR goals does not matter
Meeting contract obligations will not matter
Work performed is not verified by the agency
High turnover, my location has had 12 new employees per year since I started, which seems to be the going rate at all other locations too
As long as you meet their numbers, upper management couldn't care less how a program is run
Little to no explanation to completing timecards

There are some really great people in the mental health division in management and direct staff- that said it is clear the the CEO prefers the other departments over MH by comments she has made during all staff meetings. The benefits are okay but comparable to other non prof mh orgs in the area that pay more. A healthy work life balance is highly unlikely. You will get experience with diverse populations and get hours quickly. There should be more opportunities for staff to speak out about challenges, more strength based feedback from upper management, and opportunities for growth. You can make a positive impact on the lives of many clients, receive supervision, and access to trainings. 

I loved my job at the Bill Wilson Center. I was given the opportunity to help young men and women in various ways. A typical day was coming into work and there being anywhere from 5 to 20 children living in the youth shelter. Building relationships, bonding and helping the children was what I remember and enjoyed the most. Some days we had issues with a few of the children and some days were spent having fun going on outings, cooking or just hanging out in the shelter. Every experience was a learning experience and I would not take back working there and helping those children at all.

What is the best part of working at the company?
There really isn't any. The lack of leadership from upper management, whether its supervisors, directors, or HR, they all lack a level of care, professionalism, and conflict resolution. They do not adhere to your concerns, and rather punitively punish you, instead of helping you. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The lack of upper management leadership. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
No true trainings, lack of leadership from above, over worked, no pay scale raises, no recognition for your hard work, no accountability. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
no guidance, leadership, and motivation from any of your superiors.

A typical day would be, I'd come into work an talk to the youth about how their day was, how they were doing, what their plans were to getting off the streets, were they looking for work. Things of that nature. I learned that no one is immune to hard times and that's its always import to stay calm an positive about what ever life throws your way, good or bad. Managment was like my co-workers, cool and down to earth. I think the hardest part of the job was seeing kids on the steet like that, so young. It was sad. The most enjoyable part was seeing one of the youth succeed in findind a job or finding housing for themselves.

•	Input client data into AWARDS and CMS computer programs 
•	Oversee AFDC applications for client funding  
•	Creating the daily census 
•	Filing, auditing and monitoring clients files. 
•	Emergency Commercially Sexually Exploited Children intakes
•	Working closely with Santa Clara and San Jose Police Departments with emergency intakes 
•	Screening, evaluation and orientation of homeless youth
•	Handle crisis phone calls and walk-in crisis situations
•	Provide individual and group counseling to residents
•	Discipline youth and recommend or initiate other measures to control behavior  
•	Daily, weekly and monthly program reports
•	Maintain and dispense appropriate medications

Best part of job.... freedom to do your work. 
Worst part of job... management claims to have your back. They say one thing to the client and then refuses to acknowledge what they said when client asks for those things promised. Puts case manager in "bad guy" spot with client. 

Lack of training. Management has no idea how to do what you need to do to be successful. No procedures in place. You learn by watching someone do it once then you are on your own. 

Beware of strangers bearing gifts.

I manage the agency database and am the IT liaison for the agency. Typically, I correct data entry errors and run SQL queries to ensure that the data that's being entered is correct. I also troubleshoot IT problems and determine to escalate to a third party IT support company.
Currently, I am managing the implementation of a new agency database. Meeting with program managers and staff to determine what forms and fields are needed for this new database. Also, creating timelines and deliverables for this new database.

All I can say is that while I was working here, I had one meeting where one of the VPs lied directly to our contract monitor about the type of work done at their main drop-in center in San Jose. I get she was trying to keep the contract, but at what expense?

I learned a lot about high-stress nonprofit organizations.

The hardest part was not having a way to report or whistleblow unethical behavior. It was essentially a every person accuse every person environment. every. day.

I enjoyed being able to work with youth directly, and maintain supportive relationships with clients throughout their time getting housing.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Case manager 23 salaries reported	$27.46 per hour
Residential counselor 12 salaries reported	$25.92 per hour
Program manager 5 salaries reported	$72,855 per year
Housing specialist 2 salaries reported	$26.00 per hour
Clinician 5 salaries reported	$85,300 per year

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