direct support professional

direct service provider

board certified behavior analyst

qualified intellectual disabilities professional

program coordinator

Envision Unlimited

Envision is a large client centered agency for adults with developmental disabilities, with several locations on the North and south sides or Chicago. Having worked in both the CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement/ Residential) and Developmental Training facilities, I have noticed that most staff and management are for the clients advancement and providing quality care. While in most large companies there are few "bad apples" overall most people employed by the company are there for the betterment of the clients.

A typical day includes reviewing each client's assigned to you Individual Service Plan, and going over the goals which were chosen by them, their guardian, and staff in their annual staffing and tracking their progress. In addition to running goals staff members must also prepare monthly reports on the clients including, Behavioral data, significant events as well as any outings or events that the clients may have participated in. Clients typically have 2 - 3 goals that fall into several categories such as: Economic, Independent Living, Communication, Community Integration, Wellness and more...

While I feel Envision is very client centered, however, I do feel as though there is a need for improvement in the area of staff appreciation. I believe that for the work that is performed, compensation should be a lot higher. Staff members are required to  work with bodily fluids such as fecal matter and urine, difficult clients who at times get violent, and other issues that make the job very difficult. In addition tool and instruments that are necessary for the job are not present or malfunctioning which makes matters more difficulty, especially when working with non-ambulatory clients. Often times staff are asked to do thing beyond their job description and are not recognized for their efforts. In addition supervisors have a tendency to micro-manage, and not listen to suggestion from members who work closely and know the clients better than they do. I have also noticed little to no chance for advancement. When new jobs are available they are listed at each site, but only lateral transfers, I've have noticed higher ranking jobs listed on online sites but not within the company.

A typical day at Envision starts at 8:30 am with attendance taking as clients come in and a brief morning meeting. Scheduled program kicks in for about an hour after which both clients and staff take a 15 minutes break. Programming continues after the break time for about another hour then clients and staff go to lunch. The day continues with a series of activities like friendship skills, job training, exercise, for about an hour and a half and followed by another 15 minutes break. after the break time clients are free to do the activities that interests them until closing time which is 3:00 pm. From 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm staff complete paperwork for the day. 
I have learnt to better my time management skills and complete all tasks within the set time and accurately. My co-workers are very eager to assist when needed. A very healthy relationship among us.
The hardest part of the job is when clients are having a difficult day and not in corporation with staff or the other clients.
Its very satisfying to watch the clients reach the point where they master and achieve their set goals. That is the most enjoyable part of the job.

My time with Envision has been good. Being able to be apart of the improvement in the lives of the intellectually disabled has proven my patients and my desire to care for strangers. On a regular day I'd pick up my clients from their designated work sites and take them home to be bathed and fed. After dinner I administered medication and prepared them for bed. some days I'd take clients to doctors appointments. I made sure that groceries and household cleaning supplies were available for clients and staff. I completed the proper paperwork for the day and found things to do in order to occupy my time before the end of my shift. Some days these task were performed alone but for the most part there was always someone to share the work with. Having another staff present always made the days go by smoother. Teamwork allowed us enough time to get our jobs done and still have time to address the issues of six clients. The most exciting part was being able to take my clients on outings to places that they never knew existed. The levels of appreciation always made my job worth keeping.

My typical day at work as a Training Counselor to adults with developmental disabilities was prepare clients for daily activities. Clients would watch the news and discuss current events. They also have goals they are to work on as well as behavior's that have to be tracked daily.The clients also exercise and are allowed to work and make a separate paycheck. As a training counselor it was my job to prepare the clients to go into the community  and be able to  function independently. My co workers were okay. The hardest part of my job was to  maintain patience. There is a lot of repeating yourself being very redundant. The program was like an adult day care.  They were allowed to play games (BINGO, Uno, color) to remain occupied. The most enjoyable part of my job was the fact that the dress code was really laid back. The environment was very calm. We could also take the clients into the community on outings such as to the restaurant or the barbershop.

My time at Envision Unlimited has been very rewarding! I have worked my way through being a QIDP, OIG Liaison, and now the Associate Director of Quality Assurance. There are many opportunities for advancement at this agency and we're continuing to grow. I have had great co-workers at every level. Here you will find caring and dedicated staff no matter your position. We have a wonderful team of dedicated, hard-working and compassionate staff! Everyone's main goal is centered around our mission for our members-choice, independence, and inclusion. We wouldn't be here without them. I have had great managers at every step of my career here. Everyone is willing to help and answer any questions you have. 

#EnvisionProud

This was my first job in the field. I had previously been a volunteer at my high school and my personal lived experience with my brother. The company pays for your training and provides good benefits for full time employees.  I got a lot of useful experience and certifications through this job and they give you a lot of paid holidays and decent amount of PTO which gave me room to move around as needed. The downside is the company’s values and expectations do not accurately reflect the needs of the people you are providing direct service for. This causes lots of staff turnover especially in the residential department. Community Day services department also struggles with tyranny in leadership. Lots of intimidation and bullying, but no accountability from staff contributing to toxic workplace issues. Overall, having good boundaries and advocacy skills for yourself is the best advice I would offer to anyone who is looking to develop their career path with Envision.

Working with and for the clients is a blas! t It can be challenging at times, but the rewards of seeing them achieve their goal/s and the looks on their face makes my job that more better. Now dealing with my supervisor that I have now (who by the way my director is not happy of her hiring him now due to his lack of experience in the field) is a pain. My job use to be fun and exciting I thought this would end up as my career turns out its just another job and its how my supervisor views it. I can go on on on on on on this job is great in the interactions with the clients and other staff members. Supervisor is the worst.

I have been with the company for a year and a half. I have learned a lot. But this agency is severally understaffed. Also, since it is all managed care- services never stop. Which makes the job very stable (it survived the pandemic) but if your team is out. Or down a staff. People are overloaded. My co workers stay late to finish notes on their off days. They shouldn’t have to do that. All this agency cares about is the notes since that is the only way they get their funding. I’m tired of working somewhere that puts money over employees. But still preach about “self care”. Make your caseloads more manageable and stop biting off more than you can chew. Compensation is also low for ppl with a masters. 

Envision is a company that doesn't care about their clients or staff, they only care about making money.
The money received is used in pointless things instead of providing individual aides to clients with dangerous behaviors, those clients are placed together with a crowd of other clients and there is not enough staff to keep the vulnerable ones safe. 
The Dsp's and Case managers are clearly burned out in all of the centers. 
Expect nepotism, a toxic environment, a salary that is ridiculous for all of the expectations, lack of transparency, and expect to get physically hurt by clients.
I also witness people in higher positions that have zero people skills being rude towards clients and staff.


What is the best part of working at the company?
I worked in the PSR department and had an awesome team that I'd look forward to seeing everyday. Also making an impact on the clients' lives.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The notes for billing Medicare/Medicaid, but you catch on to it better with time.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
My first boss was very demanding and kinda unfair, but when she left the woman who took her place has been mostly awesome.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Get to the office, take some time to prepare for the day.
Lead 2-3 groups.
Have time for documentation.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 7 salaries reported	$21.24 per hour
Direct service provider 6 salaries reported	$16.00 per hour
Board certified behavior analyst 1 salary reported	$38.46 per hour
Qualified intellectual disabilities professional 1 salary reported	$49,565 per year
Program coordinator 2 salaries reported	$44,250 per year

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