direct support professional

specialist

onboarding manager

community support specialist

billing specialist

Connections NW

Working at Connections Northwest has been an incredible journey. Imagine a job where you're paid to go mountain biking, hiking, or skiing with your clients – it's as amazing as it sounds! As someone supporting individuals in the IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) community, each day brings new challenges and rewards.

The best part of this job is the active lifestyle it promotes. Instead of being confined to an office, I'm out exploring the Northwest, ensuring my clients are having fantastic experiences. It's not all fun and games, though. The real challenge lies in making sure my clients feel understood and emotionally supported. It can be tough at times, but the satisfaction of seeing them thrive makes it all worthwhile.

Connections Northwest's management deserves praise for their approachability and genuine interest in employee well-being. They've created an environment where open communication is encouraged, and they're always receptive to new ideas. They've even modernized our systems, making administrative tasks a breeze with paperless processes.

What truly sets this company apart is its authentic workplace culture. It feels less like a job and more like a community where everyone's contributions are valued. The care shown for both employees and clients is evident in every aspect of the organization.

During my time here, I've gained valuable skills in client care and learned how a well-run company operates. But the most enjoyable aspect? Getting to spend my workday in the great outdoors, engaging in activities I love.

For anyone passionate about making a difference and embracing an active lifestyle, Connections Northwest offers a uniquely fulfilling career. It's more than just a job – it's an opportunity to impact lives while having incredible experiences yourself.

I worked as a bilingual connections specialist at Connections NW for a short time but quit due to the inconsistent and stressful office environment. The mission to support individuals with disabilities is noble, but the internal culture felt erratic and uncertain.  

In my experience, I was praised for going "above and beyond," helping a client stay with the company, being independent, asking good questions (encouraged), and offered a promotion to Program Coordinator. Then suddenly, after a compliment about a shared health experience (laughed off positively), I was called into a meeting for performance concerns. When I asked why it wasn't mentioned directly, the response was it was being addressed now. Prior feedback on my competence vanished — I was now "bothering" colleagues with questions, underperforming, and anonymous critical reports were cited. A sudden, unexpected shift with no prior hints or guidance to improve. This created uncertainty and stress. 

If you're looking for stability, clear communication, and consistent feedback, consider other options.



  My experience working at this company was disappointing due to extremely poor management and a lack of communication from leadership. There was no real support from supervisors, and important updates or expectations were often unclear or not communicated at all.

One of the most concerning issues was how employee situations were handled — or rather, not handled. If a client made an accusation, management would immediately take the client's word without investigating or allowing the employee a chance to defend themselves. In my case, this resulted in a termination letter based solely on unverified claims, with no discussion or review process.

The overall environment left me feeling unvalued and constantly on edge, knowing that management would not stand by their team. I cannot recommend this job to others, especially those looking for fair treatment or clear communication.

I worked at Connections Northwest for a significant period and would strongly caution anyone considering employment to look closely at how staff are treated.

Despite maintaining communication and having clearly established availability, my hours were abruptly reduced and I was then terminated with very little notice. There was no meaningful attempt to resolve scheduling issues beforehand.

This kind of instability is especially concerning in caregiving, where consistency is critical for both employees and the individuals relying on that care. When staffing changes happen this quickly, it raises serious concerns about reliability and continuity of care.

Management communication felt inconsistent, and at times it seemed easier to replace staff than to work with them. I recommend getting expectations clearly documented and being prepared for sudden changes in hours or job security.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The client where nice and they worked around the schedule u needed

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Not having enough hours to have a need amount of income and getting clients to work for that you felt comfortable with

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Not the best it could have used a lot more support for saps and it should offer different rates based on the clients difficulty they should have a rating system

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Depended on the clients I had lined up to work with some days where great other long and drawn out

What is the best part of working at the company?
Helpful company , lots of training to work through. Enjoy Job lots of traveling opportunities. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Getting a hold people on the weekend to help with Hr. Questions. Travel some time is to much for the Client’s . And my Vehicle. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very professional, and quick pace for the consumers needs . 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Assisting Consumers needs on Pre designed task list from town to town .

I worked at CNW for almost 2 years. While I initially enjoyed my time, coworkers and management in the beginning, the leadership team slowly started to lose sight of their core values (self admitted in an emotional, teary eyed meeting) Many decisions, like my termination, were extremely inconsistent. The way they treat their employees is not equal. There is very little transparency, and support from leadership severely diminished over time, making it a very stressful environment at times. I do miss my team, and wish them the best but I would not recommend working for this company. 

It is a thrill to start my work day as I work with the best people imaginable both in my direct care and my supervisory team. Anytime I have an issue I need clarification with or even just a small concern it is addressed immediately with professionalism and care that deserves nothing but praise. Having just passed my first year with Connections Northwest, I can confidently say that they're best employer in the field.

A typical day will vary for every single shift. One day you could be taking a client to doctors appointments, the next on a trip to the local museum. I have work for a few Caregiving companies and Connections-NW is easily one of the best. 

All the relevant supervisors are easy to get in touch with, and they provide regular check ins as well. 

I have been with them for over a year, and i don't have any plans on changing that anytime soon.

I enjoy working with my client. I am not forced to add more clients if I don’t want to. I am allowed the freedom to work my schedule and vacation out with my client and clients family. I feel stress free because I am more in control of my own work/life balance. All of the office staff are helpful when I need them, they respond quickly as I have questions or need help. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 34 salaries reported	$25.07 per hour
Specialist 4 salaries reported	$26.25 per hour
Onboarding manager 3 salaries reported	$26.83 per hour
Community support specialist 2 salaries reported	$27.00 per hour
Billing specialist 3 salaries reported	$27.00 per hour

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