medical assistant

patient services representative

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DAP Health

I worked as a Community Health Educator at DAP Health, a role that, while deeply fulfilling in its impact, ultimately left me disheartened by the organization's structural and leadership issues. I loved the work itself and the immediate impact it had on people’s lives, but the overwhelming workload—exacerbated by being understaffed and an understaffed but overfocused Harm Reduction team—often left me stretched thin. I was even forced to take on duties outside my role.

The team dynamics also deteriorated over time. While I initially worked alongside passionate colleagues, high turnover and stress hollowed out the team, leaving us with no real sense of identity. Leadership, rather than addressing these issues, seemed content to let the cycle of burnout and attrition continue. 

The merger with Borrego Health was the breaking point. It felt less like a strategic decision and more like a hostile takeover, with new leadership prioritizing financial growth over the very mission that made DAP Health unique. The push to replace experienced staff with less-qualified individuals from a bankrupt organization was demoralizing and detrimental to progress. Overnight, the organization transformed into something unrecognizable, and not for the better.

Opportunities for training and career advancement were another major frustration. While I was fast-tracked for certification, others languished for years without support. When it came to promotions, tenure often outweighed qualifications, leading to decisions that felt unfair and shortsighted. Despite being overlooked for advancement, I was still expected to shoulder responsibilities like training staff on the EHR system—duties meant for the team lead who was promoted over me.

In its current state, I fear DAP Health is doomed. Leadership is too focused on expansion and profit, alienating patients and eroding once-strong relationships. They’ve sacrificed what made the organization meaningful in favor of a hollow corporate model that serves no one well. It’s hard to find much positive to say about the company now, beyond the dedication of a few good colleagues who continue to try despite overwhelming odds.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work inside a malfunctioning blender filled with passive aggression, broken promises, and the occasional gaslight—look no further than DAP Health.
The culture? Imagine a team-building retreat hosted by Voldemort. Leadership? Picture a group of raccoons in lab coats arguing over who gets to drive the bus off a cliff. They lie with the confidence of a toddler holding a broken vase saying, “It was like that when I got here.”
Ask a question, and suddenly you’re a threat to national security. Suggest an improvement? Congratulations, you’ve just volunteered as tribute. The only thing more toxic than the work environment is the coffee in the break room—both will leave you questioning your life choices. Meetings are like séances—lots of talking, no real communication. I spend most of my time trying to do my job while avoiding the drama, the blame-shifting, and the occasional backhanded compliment disguised as “feedback.”


All of what follows is my opinion and personal experience working at Desert AIDS Project:

Too many managers and not enough people actually doing the work.  

Took several months to replace support positions (or didn't replace at all) and duties were given to those of us who were support staff without fair compensation and then hired yet another "Director" for the department.

It is a very political environment.  One day you're "in" and then you're not.  I saw this happen over and over again and then experienced it myself. 

This would be great if looking for something short-term, while simultaneously looking for a worthwhile long-term career path.  

I witnessed exorbitant waste in resources--in event production and Director salaries (most, if not all over $100,000), while the support staff received a fraction of this.  It's technically non-profit with an all too familiar corporate theme.  

Didn't even bother asking why I left.  

I felt used and abused and so grateful to not be there anymore.

I worked as a retiree working at the company, not a great fit, but I learned and am glad I am free . The pay is as much as McDonalds, with expectations of doing a heck of alot more in the "all duties assigned", like cleaning out the toilet in the van, taking blood from people possibly infected with Hep B or HIV or god knows what else! naw, not my thing to take blood out of people, just wanted to work in a job that I can provide some experience and expertise. This was not a place to do that, they are not inclined to honor anyone at the front line, but the upper management does make alot of money, just look at the cars they drive at the DAP parking lot, lol 
glad Im away from there. Was an experience Id rather forget, but I did try to outreach to those who are in need of assistance, for that I am thankful that I was able to reach out and do what I could.  Retirees, they dont care about you, find something better than a job at DAP, there are alot of jobs out there that care about retirees more than that place. 

My experience working at DAP has been nothing but positive. DAP offers many different positions, which you can move up to and increase your pay/skills through different departments. 
Also, the benefits of working here include amazing medical/dental benefits, chiropractor services, chair massages, tai chi, acupuncture, a free gym, yoga, paid lunches, ect. 
There is always a celebration going on at DAP and all the employees are very spirited and participate in many of DAPs events like t
The AIDS walk, Pride Parade, and dining out for life.

The pay is great, but for a reason. The turnover is startling for such a big organization in a small town/region. If you're a healthcare professional, working for this organization will be jarring. It's run like a small community organization even though this is a federally-funded health care operation. There is barely any fiscal management. No employee goals so there are no performance reviews, no way of knowing how the department or organization are doing. People disappear all the time with just a "we wish them well" email to all staff. Changes are made without rational reasons or discussion. Seemingly, this place is here for the CEO to get wealthy donors to give money.

They have lost their way as the CEO creates his name sake.  The true clients miss out while the top raise their pay. The work you do doesn’t matter… All that matters is they’re growing egos they don’t care what you do it’s immaterial. Working in this company is like negotiating through a bunch of sharks. Employees are allowed to ban together and run in packs much like high school.  Working here was not a pleasant experience. I hear it used to be, but nobody smiles anymore not truthfully.

All I can constantly remember is how an inexperienced Grt. Manager that lacks knowledge is allowed to be dishonest, unprofessional, disrespectful, arrogant, immature, conniving, that exhibits abhorrent conduct get away with this behavior without penalty.

I really believed DAP fostered a respectful work environment for all and this is not the case. I do not recommend seeking employment in the Finance Department. The culture that is established is negative. There are many issues and intrusive people that need to be held responsible for their unprofessionalism and addressed by the CEO.

Even though the Desert AIDS Project appears to be a very compassionate place that is known for huge fund-raisers and awards banquets, and thrives to stay on top of the HIV/AIDS problems that face many of our population, it's weakness is in the upper management team. There have been many problems with the inconsistent variety of upper management employees hired to achieve and maintain Quality Assurance.

They pay decent, because of all the B.S that goes along with the job. Management is horrible, if you're not part of their click, then you will not succeed nor advance. H.R will not help if you go to them with concerning matters. If you're a brown noser like everyone else here then, this is a perfect job for you. Hard work doesn't matter, it's about loyalty, and if you're not part of the crowd then you'll have a target on your back. Some employees are ok, but you cannot trust anyone there. Everyone is out for themselves. You're basically set up for failure.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Medical assistant 67 salaries reported	$23.09 per hour
Patient services representative 54 salaries reported	$22.73 per hour
Nurse practitioner 13 salaries reported	$161,282 per year
Customer service representative 7 salaries reported	$21.00 per hour
Registered nurse 19 salaries reported	$49.78 per hour

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