licensed clinical social worker

behavior technician

registered nurse

operations supervisor

addiction counselor

Community Bridges, Inc.

Upon starting in a billing position with Community Bridges, one wants to believe that because the company has been in the addiction and mental health care industry for so many years that they must be a great place to work and have an excellent placement program. The reality is that this could not be further from the truth.

When you begin, you are with usually one other person for training which consists of a packet you are to refer to for the different plans concerning whom you are billing (private medical insurance or Medicaid). There is nothing wrong with this for reference purposes but that's all it should be; a reference. They have one person who is your trainer but unfortunately, that person is also the auditor and what appears to be the secretary for the manager of the department. She (and the manager alike) are spread so thin that they are easily frustrated by almost all questions -and that's when you saw the manager which was few and far between.  Often she would be MIA for days on end and reside in a location of the building where she was unapproachable (you would have to wonder if this was deliberate) and then come in to the office and not even say so much as a hello. There is an attitude presented such as you are an annoyance and you need to just refer to the "packet" nod and smile. The attitude is the same if you approach the manager and you get the feeling from them like you are an inconvenience for asking a question or two. Very impersonal and rude and it really makes you question your value as an employee before you are even a full-time employee.  I certainly questioned mine and I know I was worth more than how they made me believe I was.  The plus side was at least you had kind and compassionate co-workers but if you asked them something more than once you got chastised for "talking" and not working. 

You had no choice but to ask co-workers due to the inconsistent "training."  There were so many on my level where two people knew something, but three others didn't.  There would not be so many questions but the billing procedures were (and probably still are) constantly being changed. Members are not eligible and even though there are open positions within their eligibility department, they don't send any of the temps to fill these positions so there was a massive back-log of claims that were denied due to no enrollment and a lack of support in this area. The day to day operations become redundant & tedious because even if you have identified, researched and communicated the cause of the denial they want the same claims billed each week (almost to the point of insulting your intelligence like it was not done right by you the first time).  You are then expected to do not only the role of the medical biller, but also the enrollment specialist whom sometimes took weeks to update the member's record. Mind you- this was as a temp -forget even being a full-time employee!  I can't even begin to explain how ridiculous it became when you had to do the job of two or three other people/departments and you were treated like an idiot and on top of that being allocated more and more responsibilities. Add to that their servers crashed constantly!

I was there for three months and was recognized ONCE and I often exceeded their production goals.  Asked about a FT position, got a look like a deer in head lights and a shrug. They also assigned us to take turns cleaning the break room refrigerator when half of us didn't even use it.  These two factors sent a few of us over the edge and we left because by then with everything else compounding, we were over it. They have actually told individuals that they wanted them to stay but did not want to give them a full time position with a pay increase and benefits.  So, if the above said indicates why turn-over is high in this department alone maybe they need to clean house and get someone in there who actually respects their employees (and not just the favorites or mid-level ones) and gives them a proper career opportunity if they are serious about their future. There is a reason why many in this position are hired and referred by a temp agency and C.B.I. knows full well (or should know) about these problems and yet it has been going on for a long time according to some of the longer term employees.

Additionally, the office was hot because for the amount of people it was crowded. Around the time I left, instead of allowing us to telecommute (which would have been nice considering some of us took an hour or more each day to commute both ways -2 or 3 hours total) they decided that instead they were going to pack more and more employees into the already hot crowded office.  Two people to a cube was the plan to be exact. I cannot even fathom how this must be for people still there now as the temps approach 110 degrees and the A/C is set at a strict level and is not allowed to be touched. This job COULD be done 100% remote but they apparently do not trust their employees considering how they like to hire someone who is a micro-managing fiend.

My conclusion is they want to use people to get the claims out the door but they really don't care long-term what happens to them or an individual's career aspirations.  It is a waste of time and not worth it for the low morale, so no, I cannot recommend working here. There are several billing positions available in the Phoenix/Mesa area that are comparable in pay and likely you would be much better off if you are serious about seeking long-term placement and career opportunity in this field.

I worked briefly for CBI as I did not receive support from my management.  It seems great at first, and higher management was super nice and friendly, but that friendly tone can be deceiving.  The niceties make you think they're fighting for you, are on your side, and helping you, but in reality, nothing is being done to help resolve your issues.  After two months of zero solutions or resolutions to very concerning and triggering problems (I felt very uncomfortable and unsafe in my assigned work environment; vocalized this weekly) I handed in my two week notice.  The director had a complete 180 in personality and was horrific to me once the notice was received.  I was called and asked to come into the office to talk about my notice.  They listed off a bunch of solutions but said I never asked for these specific solutions, so why would they offer them.  When in reality, I was in constant communication with my supervisor following up about solutions yet was told nothing could be done; "you have to wait it out".  Yet suddenly when I quit, there are several solutions. But I "made my decision", so they had "zero interest in making those solutions a reality as I closed the door forever on CBI" by handing in my notice and "not allowing time for solutions".  If they wanted me to stay, they could have worked something out, but the director was too offended by my resignation to negotiate.  Pay is too low to be treated so poorly and not be supported by those there to "help" you.  Director also told me to "get my mental health in check before taking on a new job" and "if I'm not mentally right", I shouldn't have applied.  This was in rebuttal to me stating the workplace was causing a mentally unhealthy and extremely toxic work environment (my listed reason for resignation). I would insert what those issues/concerns were and what I was a witness to, but this post would be loaded with self harm, assault, and s*xual assault trigger warnings. Great response from someone who is a department director for a mental health agency!  They didn't even provide HR with my resignation letter and told HR I never provided one.  I contacted HR to follow up regarding my resignation and they were extremely helpful, took my concerns seriously and filed incident reports; however, I wish I had contacted them sooner. That was a mistake on my end, although I don't know how much longer I would have stayed regardless.

For years I tried being an employee at CBI because on paper they had everything I was looking for in both a job and a company, and then I got hired. Training was long and arduous, and quite a bit of it didn’t pertain to your particular position because they train everyone at once. After training you start at your facility, mine being the detention center in Mesa next door to the courthouse. Working there I found out that ANYONE in this state has the ability to petition ANYONE at any time for any reason. I can’t tell you how many patients I came across that has been petitioned for vindictive reasons. It was worse than working at a zoo. They have dozens of reclining chairs in one large room under observation, that’s it. The “bubble” is where all the actual qualified people hide out and try their hardest to do as little as possible. The staff that’s on the floor are barely qualified, poorly trained, and are mostly recovering addicts or felons. There wasn’t a single day I worked there that they didn’t have a major problem on the floor. Most days there was a major incident nearly every hour. If someone got too out of hand they were given a shot, or two, to help them “calm down,” and then they were put into isolation. My position as a Behavioral Health Clinician had nothing to do with actually helping anyone, it was to find them their next drop off spot. Too many times that consisted of either spending half your day finding placement for them, or simply repeating them right back to the streets. I lost track of the amount of people that cried at my desk because they were petitioned because they were in a custody battle with their ex and they had gotten locked up just for leverage in court. They could be doing so much better than they are, but it’s quite apparent they’re just in it for the money. Not to mention, my boss at the time was a woman with no formal education not even a high school diploma; however, my position requires an advanced degree. Also, that particular location has an extremely high turn over rate because of the boss doesn’t like you she simply gets rid of you. Avoid this place like the plague. They don’t care about you, or their patients, all they care about is how much money they can milk from the state. 

Former Employee Payson,
    
    The Management is extremely unprofessional,if an employee made a mistake, the Program Manager would call you out in front of other employees.HIPAA doesn't exists  a few employees talk about the Residents in front of other Residents. The services they offer to clients are excellent however,they are growing at a very fast rate and there for are under staffed , the amount of work we are expected to do is impossible. I had worked for this company for a little over 8 months and I never received my CBI ID Badge.


    How does Upper Management  fix the problems at CB?----Simple...Pay people more and hire more people and actually take care of them and listen to your employees, and you'll cut turnover by half and the company and Residents will benefit.second,Get rid of NextGen;the software was developed 25 years ago for Doctor’s Office Managers not Treatment Centers.I didn't have any particular issues other than I never felt like part of the team. I had to take a medical leave  and I was gone 7 weeks ,because of foot surgery, not one of co-workers called me to see if I was ok.Lots of employee drama and disrespectful comments to clients in care. I've worked in many facilities before but never one so far below standards. I did not leave because I had a problem with one person, I had a problem with the company as a whole. I did enjoy getting to know  and helping the Residents.


     I didn't have any particular issues other than I did not agree with the attitudes of the techs and the. Lots of employee drama and disrespectful comments to residents in care. I've worked in many facilities before but never one so far below standards. I did not leave because I had a problem with one person, I had a problem with the company as a whole. I did enjoy getting to know the Residents but like me, even the other employees had issues with management. Some companies have good morals and standards, and then there's the CBI poor morale, longest 12 hours of a day, hard to be positive because their was no cohesiveness,  and management not supportive,

The best thing about working here for as long as I have been is my coworkers on my shift. Without them I would have left long ago. Only here still because it's best for my life schedule . It's great for people in school if you're on night shift. There is the typical work drama but if you show up to work, you'll be okay. I started when it was just detox and it was lovely, but now that "voluntary" psych is involved, it has made coming to work a lot harder. They aren't truly voluntary, things are worded differently to get people to stay. Patients get away with a lot. Being attacked multiple times in the past has proven that. CBI tends to care about money now not much of patient care. There's so many who end up in inpatient who don't need to be or need a higher level of care while there are people in active detox who are being ignored.  Shift supervisors are awesome, it's the people above that who aren't the best. They claim to have worked on the floors when in reality they had it easy when it was only detox and pre COVID. They can't relate anymore and don't understand or care to see why their staff is burnt out. The pay is alright, I could be making more elsewhere but overtime opportunity was helping, which now the opportunities are slim. I will say there has been less experienced people hired making more than most working here for years which is mind blowing to me. You can move up easily with chances to switch positions 90 days after the current position you're in, a lot of people do it. Overall it's great for the experience in order to get into jobs elsewhere. Doubt you will see this Mr. CEO but if you do, appreciate the staff more. CBI makes more than enough, especially for a "non profit" to raise the pay for staff.  We should be getting paid more than $18 for what we deal with. Especially when our safety is on the line.  

Your co-workers are your biggest help. A typical day (night shift) consists of an influx of patients at shift change, partly due to outpatient closing down at 1800, and trying to get all those intakes in, as well as your med pass. You can learn a lot about psych here from the NP's and other nurses. Management is okay. But at the end of the day, they don't have your back. There is not much of a learning opportunity versus punitive action, especially if you are not a nurse. A lot of the people here are getting their second chance at life, and being put on admin leave without being informed why is stressful. Needless to say, it's a great job and you can and do help people. Sometimes patients are aggressive. Be prepared. Other times the patients are the most grateful people you will ever meet that are just having a bad day or series of bad circumstances. They pay well here, but nursing is usually understaffed. And if you work night shift, you get short end of the stick. Less support from centralized scheduling, upper management, and realistically, who is gonna wake up at 2AM to come in because census is up and it is unsafe staffing ratios? Nobody, really. So rather than staff more than you need and send people home early, which people are always willing to do, the company is always trying to play catch up and that causes stress for everyone. How quickly the people that worked the unit forget how dangerous it is to be shortly staffed once they are not dealing with the patients. The nurse practitioners are amazing. Night shift nurses have a strong team bond and are all willing to help, whether it be putting in orders, administering emergent PRN medication, providing feedback or expertise on a topic or assisting in hands on intervention. The night shift work culture is the best.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The sense of purpose in helping support others change their lives for the better, the Northern Regional Director's tenacity and fearlessness, and Northern Program Management leadership supporting their teams by working tirelessly to care for their employees.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Administrative leadership's lack of support and comprehension of urban and rural differences, patient demographic influence and exception, cultural competency challenges, and general business focus on turnover timeframe versus patient centered care and investment in retaining quality employees.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It depends on type of services offered at each unit, but many times the higher level of stress and time crunch can impede working as a cohesive unit. Consistent clashing of egos and power struggles often times detracts from efficiency. Funding for team building exercises and employee incentives would be beneficial to build rapport between clients and staff.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Absolutely obnoxiously crazy, but meaningful and often times fun and rewarding. Creating support role positions whether it be part time, permanent part time, or programs involving community service options would be nice. Having a nurse on site, counselor on site, administrative assistant, possibly a patient vending machine would both increase morale and support already-exhausted staff members.

Cbi has been my employer for past 5 years.  Recently CBI is growing too fast and feels like an assembly line. The expectations are extreme and the amount of work given to one person is unbearable. There was a time when the job felt like it had purpose, that client care was of upmost importance, and management worked with you. Now it’s turned into a numbers game. There a “leave if you don’t like it” attitude from upper management. Although the PTO is generous, it’s almost impossible to use. Holidays are not paid but forced PTO days, if you’re chosen not to work. Cbi’s expectations are extreme and impossible to meet. At the end of a work day you’re completely drained. Extremely high turnover (of amazing staff) due to stress, low compensation, and poor management . If you’re serious about starting a career path in behavioral health unfortunately CBI is no longer the place to do so.  Supervisor roles tend to be salary and they have you working 10 or 12hr days with rotating on call on the weekends. The average job expectancy is about 2 years. Management is notorious for writing up individuals that they do not want leaving their current position. Pto accrued is not payed out even if you leave on good terms. After 4 years you’re entitled to a 20% payout. It’s very common for individuals to leave and forfeit 100+ of pto. If job security and mental well-being are important to you I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere for employment. 

Community Bridges offers great PTO benefits, however, if you take PTO you are punished. The work week is 4 ten hour days. There are weekly client engagement requirements so if you take PTO for 4 days you need to find a way to meet those engagement expectations or you are disciplined with a write up. SMI Administrator is shockingly disrespectful, unsupportive and completely demeaning to team members. She has directed her clinical coordinators to treat the team members like children. We are continuously understaffed, so the employees that do stay (many quit based on leadership issues) are incredibly overworked.. and told by leadership " well that's just how it is sometimes on this team" . Upon being hired, HR informs you that it is required that you take on call one time per week. The reality is you take it three to four times a week with no compensation.  Leadership, specifically SMI Adminstrator who is new, has made being employed under several of the teams, a completely intolerable experience. Many of the team members, those that have quit and those of us that remain, used to love our job. That is not the case any longer.  It is very unfortunate as what Community Bridges does is very important to those they serve.  Although our Fact teams are under staff, if you are interested in applying for employment with  Community Bridges, which for the most part is an amazing company, stay away from the Fact team. We are all very unhappy an overworked.

Working at Community Bridges Inc is a great experience that teaches you a lot about behavioral health and medicine. Staff is composed of RNs NPs and other clinical staff like social workers and floor technicians. There is a huge amount of respect going on and everybody has the interest of the patients in mind. Community Bridges is a team company dedicated to making lives better especially homeless substance abuse and mentally ill clients. There is no greater company for this kind of work. If you are interested in helping people every single day and getting paid for it you are in the right place.

Management is great and provides guidance and direction and leadership and HR is also extremely responsible and prompt.

New employees get a welcoming orientation and are taught correctly. 

You get 8, 10, or 12 hours each shift to make a difference in somebody’s life. It’s up to you what you do with it.

If you want to help people who are at their wits end and have nothing you are coming to the right place.

Community Bridges has different programs such as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Rapid Re-Housing (RRH), Crisis Response Teams (CRT), and dedicated SMI teams. When nobody else will help these people, Community Bridges will.

If you want to dedicate your life to making a difference, Community Bridges is a good place to start.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Licensed clinical social worker 16 salaries reported	$46.31 per hour
Behavior technician 8 salaries reported	$27.41 per hour
Registered nurse 1 salary reported	$34.26 per hour
Operations supervisor 11 salaries reported	$33.44 per hour
Addiction counselor 7 salaries reported	$29.15 per hour

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