direct support professional

support worker

program director

direct care worker

direct support worker

Cooperative for Human Services Inc.

I was hired as a program coordinator for the ISS department of cooperative for Human services, right off the bat from my first interview with HR to my second interview with my assistant director to finally meeting my direct supervisor, the position is nothing like any one of them had described the direct supervisor having the closest description to what it actually is that you do as a program coordinator because they actually do that work with you. There's a huge lack of communication there is no proper training on paperwork company procedures or protocols, you are often asked and required to perform duties that are not in your job description and you may also not be qualified to do, and if you voice your opinion on being uncomfortable with something that you're asked to do you are told to do it anyways. CHS has learned how to manipulate words to protect themselves from practices that are unlawful and not in the best interest of the individuals that they service. No matter how much advocating what concerns you voice about your individuals needs,CHS is a business in refuses to move or even look into better placements for the individuals that are no longer independent for fear of losing the funding for that individual for the ISS program.   CHS claims their main goal is to make sure people are treated with dignity and respect but that does not imply to the employees of this company. Upper management,although should be professional adults behave more like high school seniors in the cool kids club click, they turn a blind eye true valid workplace complaints if it means protecting one of their own. The ISS program for CHS is an unorganized unethical shitshow overseen by unqualified people in their positions they love to walk around with their title on their chest but have no idea how to do their jobs.

I have worked at CHS for a while. I have noticed quite a few things that I would like to share with potential employees. The work is incredibly difficult, you will love your clients and you will love your managers and coworkers. There can be a great sense of community among the people who are at the entry-level positions. The pay is okay, however, it is not enough to support yourself independently in the Boston area. You receive reimbursement for using your car and depending on where you are driving you can earn back between $100-$700 a month, however, the company does not offer you any help if you have a car accident on the job. Advancing in the company is possible, however, the company prefers to hire from outside. You can advocate as much as you want for your individuals, however, the upper management will not do too much about it. The company does not allow overtime.  The Lexington office intimidates employees who are trying to complain about workplace harassment. Wage theft is another issue with the company. Please make sure you keep track of the hours you work and make sure you are paid accordingly.

Staff at the programs are great, clients are great, co-workers at the program level are great. The Lexington office is well known to be avoided when possible. Watch your back, they will act one way to you and turn the next day. They do not like being questioned or  hear a suggestion or viewpoint on a client other than what their "clinical team" states. This has led to unsafe situations in programs and left house staff in difficult situations. You will be lied to. They keep promising supports, etc. Drag it out and then deny they had ever offered them.  They are very vindictive, one person in particular who goes over the line of hostile work environment at times. The people running this place have been there forever and have no clue how to treat people. The turn over rate of employees at the program levels is very high.  There's a union which is great, except the Lexington office continually tries to squander staff from complaining to the union.  I highly suggest you keep looking on your job search and don't fall into this place.

Work-life balance
Fair. You will be required to work weekends and certain holidays.

Pay & benefits
Decent insurance benefits, decent vacation policy, COL is so high that it is hard to afford to live in this area despite the pay

Job security and advancement
They probably won't let you go, but you might end up leaving. Little chance of advancement

Management
Their management is HORRIBLE to their staff and communication is extremely poor

Culture
You don't get a lunch break. You are expected to work hard with little appreciation. Our agency does promote holistic and positive caring for its individuals, but then struggles to actually provide that care at times. Your individuals see you like their family and that can make you want to stay, that is my favorite part of the job. You mostly work independently but as a part of a team to provide care.

Overall
If you are passionate about taking care of disabled adults, you'll like it. However, incompetent management and lack of respect for staff are major issues.

The Cooperative for Human Services is an amazing company. Their staff always put in a great deal of time and effort to support the individuals in the organization. 

In order to thrive in this organization, which you will because all of our managers want staff to succeed and grow within the organization, employees need to be open and honest with all members of their team.

Successful employees work hard to go above and beyond expectations to better support the individuals. They care about the health and safety of the people we serve, they're open to new ideas and most importantly they are committed to the people we support.

This was supposed to have been an exciting, dynamic, progressive organization with team members who were educated, dedicated and pioneers in programming.  A company that valued employees. It was the complete opposite.  The organization is filled with family members of the directors. There is a refusal to listen to new ideas or concerns about clients.  It’s done the way it’s always been done. Frequently undermined by Directors and managers have been there many years The culture is very stressful, disrespectful, gossip, with frequent outbursts heard throughout the office.

When I was hired at CHS I was excited to be a part of a company that seemed so inclusive and to really have a high focus on treating employees. It was very disappointing to see how CHS truly operates. The way upper management speak of program staff behind closed doors is very dismissive and at times very insulting.  In my experience, upper management spoke a great game at meetings with staff, but it was not how business was conducted. After I left CHS, I was contacted by the Attorney General's office to discuss CHS and current complaints and investigations involving CHS. Overall a very disppointing employment experience.

A typical day starts by preparing medication for a client as soon as she comes in from day program. I learned how to be patient with individuals with intellectual disabilities and better understand their needs. Communication is very well and management takes their time and very patient to make sure we understand every part of our job description. 
There is no hard part if your willing to learn and dedication to your current role.
Helping other people cope with their needs while learning in the process

I enjoyed my employment at cooperative for Human Services. Some days were more stressful than others, but management goes above and beyond to support staff and issues are resolved relatively quickly.  I recommend CHS to anyone compassionate and wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. The individuals served work hard to regain/maintain independence and staff work just as hard to support them. My time at CHS has been absolutely amazing and the only reason I resigned was to relocate. 

Most clients are very sweet and a pleasure to serve. Thats about where the pros end. Management is horrible. Micromanage like crazy. Extremely high turnover rate, (almost everyone left within 1-6 months) which you will surely understand why if you start working here. The pay (so I've heard) is more than similar positions in other nonprofits, but still very low for the type of work you will be doing. You will get burnt out very easily. I would look elsewhere for opportunities unless you are desperate. Otherwise, be prepared to work a thankless job at a very poorly managed nonprofit.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 1 salary reported	$21.89 per hour
Support worker 34 salaries reported	$16.76 per hour
Program director 3 salaries reported	$21.41 per hour
Direct care worker 15 salaries reported	$16.78 per hour
Direct support worker 9 salaries reported	$21.52 per hour

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