direct support professional

program coordinator

mental health technician

board certified behavior analyst

registered nurse

EP!C

Epic is a provider of services and education for the developmentally disabled population in Peoria Illinois. This population is critically underserved in Illinois. What the company attempts to do here is praiseworthy. This company has its issues though ...

Epic’s biggest issue is middle management. Most are young and very inexperienced. These managers seem to be allowed a tremendous amount of latitude with little oversight or consequences . There is a lot of drama, antisocial behavior, backstabbing, false accusations, etc. it went so far as to cross the line into workplace bullying for me . there is no development of staff or leadership in general. Upper management largely unaware & Seemingly uncaring about what goes on. HR will not help you & will defend middle management.  Rules are enforced inconsistently by upper management depending on who their favorites are. You might be in the clique one day , then out the next. Generally a Toxic atmosphere. There is no one you can trust in middle and upper management . I always felt like what I did was never enough & you constantly have your guard up. Uncertainty was a constant issue . Occasionally the CEO would say how she appreciated what we did. That felt good, but only went so far. You generally don’t feel appreciated for what you do. And no matter what role you fill here- it can be a tough job..

I left after many years & have not looked back. I miss the individuals I served. I miss my coworkers. Epic has hemorrhaged & continues to loose tenured employees. Poor Retention rates are closely tied to the horrible culture & atmosphere there. They have monthly job fairs for a reason. 

If you take a job here, you will be changed for the better by the individuals you serve. You may find purpose in what you do. You won’t  get paid a lot & you will have to put up with a lot from management. If you are a DSP, you should automatically be awarded a place in heaven for what you will go through...

I started my job at EPIC and had little to no training on how to deal with everyday needs from the clients at EPIC.  I had to pick up training skills each day from co-workers, which most of them were just like me didn't have the answer.  Then when you did something that was considered wrong (against policy) you were reprimanded for it.  You always felt that your supervisor was under pressure from upper management to watch for your mistakes and never supportive.

As far as upper management goes, employees seem to be fearful of one person at EPIC and most felt that way, in gossip I would hear from other staff, it was common knowledge he likes to fire people because "it does not matter to him, one way or another" his actual words  I had to deal with this person twice and felt like he showed so much disrespect and fakeness to me, I was wondering why I was here. The environment at EPIC is very fast paced and loud at times with client needs being overwhelming to us the undermanned staff with little training and little support from supervisors who at times had less training and being brand new themselves.  

This is not a place for young people to start off at due to the negative atmosphere given off by untrained staff (I don't know answers), supervisors who are (I'm your Boss attitudes, your beneath me), And the upper management that are (We are Gods, bow to us or else).  It sounds unbelievable but it is the truth.  Working at EPIC has made me not trust people, feel like I'm uneducated (because I didn't have all the answers) and the big one for me I was always treated as inferior. As most will say the pleasant thing that does keep me here are the clients they at times can be demanding and helpless but that is what I'm here for to meet those needs.

A typical day consisted of client interaction, running errors, filling orders, computer work, meetings arranging outings, talking to staff and coworkers, addressing any problems at different houses, monitoring staff giving medications, helping care for individuals, I learned that working with some coworkers was not going to be good no matter how well you did your job, Some of the people in management were very uncooperative when you brought certain things to light they would pretend they knew nothing about what you were talking about Some managers go along with anything their friends tell them to do. The workplace for the most part was very hectic, staff work under constant criticism, not enough training, not being able to be heard, being held accountable for incandescence beyond their control, poor work environment, long work days, little assistance with problems, little or no cooperation form coworkers,  Lack of communication is the hardest part of the job. Working with clients and their families and getting positive feed back from my personal staff.

Assisting clients with disabilities with their daily routines, like hygiene, community outings, and medication administration and promoting independence.

I have learned that out clients are just like everyone else, if not stronger.

Management is somewhat weak, but they are currently working harder to listen to staff and use them as positive resources.

Many of the staff do not stay for long periods of time and the ones that do, are dedicated and remain honest for their full length of employment.

The hardest part of the job is when management ignores you, but they are working on this.

The most enjoyable part of the job is watching the clients strive for more independence and their smiling faces.

EP!C is an awesome place to work. I have had the opportunity to work in different positions in different departments and have enjoyed how each department is very mission-driven. EP!C's staff is made up of very knowledgable and approachable professionals. I enjoy the people I work with, and really appreciate the flexibility and life/work balance EP!C provides. EP!C also provides a free onsite wellness center/gym for their employees that makes it easy to work out. Management has an extensive career and experience in the field, and are always looking for new and innovative ways to support people with disabilities and us as staff members. 

The company has invested thousands of dollars to improve the culture, but the executive and administration team are the issue and unwilling to hold themselves accountable. The work environment is entirely based on popularity and social value as well as gossip used as collateral. Leadership is dictated by the executive team preventing them from doing their jobs. HR is the worst offenders and work diligently to find any excuse to justify termination. It is the most unethical and unhealthy experience and the individuals with disabilities suffer for it.

EP!C is a non profit organization located in Peoria, IL that supports adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities.  The direct support professionals are at the forefront of the company and work directly with the individuals.  EP!C recruits many CNA's and nursing students looking to gain experience in the field of healthcare.  All DSP's undergo weeks of training to become certified to work with individuals with disabilities.  All of the staff at EP!C genuinely care about the individuals and truly live the mission.  This is a wonderful place to work and a company that has made an impact in the community.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Knowing that you are truly making a difference in people’s lives. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Previously I would have said the work/life balance, but at the end of my time there, working for the current “director” became the most stressful part of the job. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It is a great place for individuals with developmental disabilities, but they are absolutely awful to their employees. Despite multiple people with varying job titles complaining about a specific person in leadership, nothing is done.

EP!C was, without question, the most toxic and demoralizing work experience of my career. Despite showing dedication to the mission and consistently performing at a high level, I experienced ongoing retaliation, micromanagement, and unethical behavior from leadership. Concerns brought to HR went unaddressed, creating a culture where retaliation was tolerated and accountability was nonexistent. The internal work environment is hostile and misaligned with the organization’s public values. This is not a workplace I would recommend to anyone seeking professionalism, respect, or integrity.

I have worked at EP!C for almost two years now, and started in an entry level position. I realized from the beginning that I was meant to be here. Because I felt that need to make this my career, I worked hard, and was able to move up in the company. 

I absolutely love the people that we support, and they bring a smile to my face daily. If I am having a bad day, it does not last long! 

I had the ability to move up into a salary position within two years. If you care about people, are hardworking, and love to make a difference, then I recommend looking into a position at EP!C. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 6 salaries reported	$3,200 per month
Program coordinator 4 salaries reported	$50,810 per year
Mental health technician 2 salaries reported	$60,500 per year
Board certified behavior analyst 1 salary reported	$77,998 per year
Registered nurse 2 salaries reported	$82,500 per year

Working at EP!C: Company Overview and Reviews

EP!C

EP!C Ratings

Popular jobs at EP!C

Salary Satisfaction

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected