direct support professional

program specialist

coach

maintenance specialist

kitchen assistant

Down Home Ranch

The intentions of the planning for the future of DHR is great but timeframes, funding and reverting back to the way it has always been done hasn't moved forward.   Tight tight budgets but the needs to improve areas are always needed.   Due to this,  most areas are running on the minimum needed staff to accomplish and maintain the high standards expected. Great place to start out and work with what they call "burnout" happens to the most positive and dedicated staff.  They promote taking time off, but in most cases the job does not pause for time off, so taking the time off mostly puts folks behind. 

After living and working in Austin, it was so nice to transition to Down Home Ranch where I look out my window and see mini horses and longhorns. While the animals and setting are nice, the people I work with make it the best company ever. At many nonprofits, you may not see the people you're impacting on a daily basis, but the Ranch is so much different. You're not only seeing the Ranchers (clients) each day, you're building relationships and getting to know the real people behind the program. You can share meals and fellowship with Ranchers and fellow staff each and every day. It's like no other place.

While the drive to work is a bit longer than I previously had, it is filled with back roads and way less traffic.

Simply put, working at Down Home Ranch is good for the soul.

The schedule isn’t the typical 9-5 for the Direct Support job. However it leaves time during the day to get other stuff done. ’ve also picked up a few hobbies.

There is plenty of fishing, trails, and other interesting stuff to do on the ranch. 

The City of Elgin has a neat downtown with a yoga studio, coffee shop, piano conservatory and a few other interesting places.

We have an employee committee that meets monthly to make sure our voices are heard, and to make sure all staff feel appreciated. Each month we have a grab and go breakfast to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.

Fulfilling job with a good work culture a good place for young people to get a foot in the door to nonprofit work. It's a beautiful place that wants to empower their clients in as many ways as possible.  Management can be unclear on assigned tasks and turn over is extremely high. Some structural elements can put employees at increased liability risk due to the organizational difficulties and facilities design. There is little to no room for pay increases as seen on their 990 forms over the last three years. 

Never in my entire life did I ever think I would find a place like this and I probably never will.I truly cared so much about and was willing to do anything for and spending the rest of my life there cause the ranch is a remarkable place for what it stand for. Come to find out that's not enough. The Executive Director treats the staff with little to no respect. As a leader of the company you should talk with your employees and let them know how well of a job they are doing or if the need some improvement have a discussion with them and help them improve.

The drive to work is wonderful, it's a way for me to prepare for the day without that chaotic traffic. I have a great team that supports me.I learn something new everyday, whether it is about myself of those I serve. working at Down Home Ranch requires a real love and dedication to the community. If you want to make a real difference in another persons life....come on Down to DHR.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Every one is very nice they will help you out on thing if you don’t know how to do it 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
There yelling at there own house mates

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Family  members culture is great and wonderful 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Easy some time and get easier some day

Down Home Ranch is an excellent place to work if you want to be in the non-profit sector. Everyone there work collaboratively and has a positive attitude. The work is very rewarding. The pay is, however, exceptionally low. You will never be able to retire from Down Home Ranch. You may even have to pick up a second job to make it.

In this environment, the days are never the same and the challenges keep you on you toes.  Communication is getting to where it is needed.  Hardest part at the moment, is CV19 prevents contact with the residents and other staff, is becoming difficult maintaining a relationship that was already built over the year.  Most enjoyable, is the interactions with staff, volunteer and Ranchers...

Working with the ranchers is the most enjoyable part of my day.  Being part of a team that strives to make the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities better each day, it is invaluable! 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 7 salaries reported	$15.00 per hour
Program specialist 5 salaries reported	$13.00 per hour
Coach 2 salaries reported	$13.00 per hour
Maintenance specialist 2 salaries reported	$19.25 per hour
Kitchen assistant 1 salary reported	$13.00 per hour

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