direct support professional

in home caregiver

direct support professional ii

caregiver

program manager

CIS, Inc.

I was employed at Community Integrated Services, Inc. (CIS) for over a decade. I began my career as a direct support staff, I spent approximately two years working in the client homes at multiple locations throughout the Spokane area. Some of my day-to-day duties included reviewing medication records each shift and offering medications as prescribed. In addition, I documented client progress in areas of goal achievement, behavior observations, and the acts of daily living my clients engaged in. I also spent most days on shift supporting clients in the community for grocery shopping, recreation, medical appointments, and work etc. This role also included safeguarding residents and using de-escalation strategies during times of behavioral challenges. I experienced a lot and had many responsibilities in this role, but there was a framework of training, behavior plans, and support from peers and management that got me through.

After my direct support role, I was promoted to management where I remained for the rest of my career. CIS grew and evolved a lot over that timeframe and so did my position in the company. There’s so much to unpack about the various duties I took on, but I think the most helpful insight I can provide is the kind of hours I worked and for what reasons. One of the most challenging aspects of the job is being the after-hours contact for the agency. This required my time and attention day and night at a moment’s notice to respond to crises, investigate incidents and take appropriate action, receiving call-outs from staff and finding coverage. This disrupted my personal life and took time away from work deadlines such as staff evaluations, writing support plans, and various other tasks I had to reprioritize and juggle. I spent many holidays and weekends in the office and at my programs getting things caught up. I worked 60+ hours a week on average throughout my managerial career, and there were periods when I worked more than that. 

The longer I stayed in this field, the more I learned, and the more I knew, the more I became responsible for. I couldn’t stand the thought that I would miss something or fall behind in some way that would be a detriment to my clients and the company, so I worked a lot to prevent that. That’s not to say I didn’t make mistakes, there were times when I felt I had failed in some way, but I had an incredible supervisor that backed me up. I can’t speak for all situations that could arise, but in my experience, if you work hard and maintain your integrity, you’ll be supported. What’s more, you’ll see how your efforts contribute to the overall success of the company. I got to be a part of something much bigger than myself and I was given the opportunity to shape its future. I did a lot of personal and professional growing up at this company, and I met a lot of great people along the way.

It’s becoming increasingly rare to find an employer that will give you the opportunity to start at entry-level and progress into different areas, but CIS offers many paths for those that want advancement. Alternatively, there’s a great deal of experience you can add to your resume that will place you in good stead for careers outside of CIS. I have known many staff members over the years that did great work and moved onto other good things in different fields. In addition, there’s long-time support staff that are vitally important to the lives of the individuals they support. It’s the experienced staff that find the “breakthroughs” in client progress, and their expertise is heavily relied on by CIS management and multidisciplinary teams of therapists, case managers, medical professionals etc., for their commitment and insight.

No matter where you land in this company or if you plan to stay long or short-term, your efforts will be valued. Any role within CIS will have its share of responsibilities and challenges to face, that’s the reality of this line of work. However, there’s a team of staff, administrators, and management that will help you succeed.  I left this company with a heavy heart to start a new chapter in my life, but there’s a part of me that will always feel connected to the people there, the work we did, and what CIS continues to achieve after my departure. 

This company has grown and evolved for the better, and I am jealous of those that remain and of the new hires about to start their career—this is a great time to join CIS.

Good reviews are definitely by managers. Working 16+ hour days 7 days a week is how you make the 3300 dollars it says you'll earn. Real hourly is 13 and hour which in spokane is low for the field. Your responsible to take the clients everywhere they want and get paid very little for mileage. Doesnt even really come close to covering gas you use. The only positive is you typically get the same client but when your off for your 8 hours to sleep the night staff always wake you up to help. So you get more like 6 hours of sleep. Management is rude and they dont listen to concerns. I should have realized that when I had my interview and I waited 15 minutes past my time and the interview lady comes out and throws the clipboard and said fill this out. You get 45 a week for food which helps kind off but that's actually included in your pay. That's something else they dont tell you. You dont get food you have to buy your own but you dont really get to eat cause your watching the client. No breaks through out the day most days. Depending on what client you get it can be easy,  relaxing and require no supervision. Other times you get clients that are violent angry and want to attack you. They give you training but it's very poor when you do have a client issue that require management they never answer. They do the very least to maximize profits.

CIS went out on a limb and gave me an opportunity with little experience. After two years of hard work in the field I was offered a role in the office. I think this company was great to work for as far as management goes. Staff at the site could have been managed better as staff often did not follow protocol. The office culture was amazing. Working for the state has it's difficulties. There was too much work to complete per person and the pay was too low for the job. Even though I know my position deserved more pay, I stayed because I felt appreciated and the culture was truly great. I would not have left if I didn't need to leave the state for a familial obligations. Overall, if you are looking for a fulfilling career, I think CIS is a great organization. While the pay isn't great, you will have good work-life balance and a lot of support from the office and owners.

The management does not gaf about you!! They wilk throw you under the bus so fast. And they do not truly care about the clients. There were multiple first hand stories of clients not getting their medication at specific times because an employee "forgot" and management didn't care to check it out. 
Or clients accusing their staff of something that they know they wouldn't do, and management literally not caring what so ever. 
Employees will try to get you fired, and a reason to report you to get your credentials taken away. 
There was even an employee who was like engaged or married to a guy In management, left early most days, and this same person also tries to get people into arguments with management and tried to get people fired.  
Do not work here and do not trust anyone. The pay is not worth the drama. 

Expect complaints and client health and safety concerns to be brushed under the rug.  You WILL BE DESPISED if you raise valid concerns or truly try to advocate for the individuals.  Consistency in the homes/programs is NON-EXISTENT. CIS definitely values those that fill open shifts over those that take their jobs seriously.  They say they care and they say they're passionate about the clients they serve and that they appreciate their staff. But that is so far from the truth.  I dont know about Federal Way, but the Spokane location is a joke.  The only pro I can think of is the flexibility of scheduli g.

CIS is a company that with the patience to deal with the most crazy and calm situations of your life you will do amazing! There are days where you run around with your client helping them do things they never thought possible and other days where all they want is to hang out at there home and relax. To succeed in CIS you need patience for behavioral situations with our clients, and a selfless attitude. With those two assets your tkme here with be a fulfilling experience you will never forget. With those

Perfect  for getting a good paycheck great for self development very rewarding. But if you want a job that cares it’s NOT here from someone who has given 7+ years. If you ignore their wrong doings then your the problem stand up and speak about the way you are treated and see people being treated. Teach this company how to respect others and value their employees. As of now this company isn’t it. Management needs alot of work. Unprofessional lack interpersonal skills.  Good people disappear because they don’t fit in the clique of unprofessionalism. 


If you only want to get a pay check your in luck, this is the place for you.  If you'll work extra shifts they will work you til you drop.  If you advocate for any kind of change, to help the client, you'll be hold to stay in your pay grade.  Don't ever challenge the Manager's also don't expect to see them.  Even if you tell them well in advance about scheduling needs to meet the needs of the clients it won't happen, unless you push hard. You will never get a pay raise unless the state increases reimbursement rates.  Once in a house there is no additional traing or development.


I was ready ,Eager too start / how to work long hours/ enjoyable/eager/being around a bunch of guys/nothing/the end of the day.Later I relized that this was going too be a long day with long hours but eager too see my check at the end of the week.I also relize I was going to be moving fast at the beginning of the work task but nothing I would not be able too handle,The hardest part of the job is waiting on the day too pass and the most enjoyable part of the job was known that I worked hard and long hours so I no I would make enough too take care of my family and besides I enjoy woring

A typical day is committed to serving adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues, and helping them thrive. I learned how to create and maintain dynamic living arrangements that are tailored to their unique and changing needs. Moreover, the management was ok, and my co-workers were cool. In addition, I'd have to say the hardest thing about my job is making time for self initiated projects. You can get so busy with client work that often those personal projects that can become a turning point in your practise are pushed to the side.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 36 salaries reported	$21.14 per hour
In home caregiver 31 salaries reported	$21.25 per hour
Direct support professional ii 17 salaries reported	$23.75 per hour
Caregiver 14 salaries reported	$21.25 per hour
Program manager 4 salaries reported	$68,500 per year

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