case manager

program manager

driver

cook

licensed vocational nurse

FIRST TO SERVE

First of all, I responded to the "clinical case manager" listing. Turns out, it was false advertisement, and it was actually a "client support specialist" position for project room key. Talked to the other interviewees, and later co-workers, they all responded to the listing, thinking they're interviewing for the clinical case manager position, but them got pushed into project room key like me. That's fine, but some of us actually wanted clinical experience and build our clinical case management skills.  

Client support specialist consists yelling at clients and kicking clients out in the middle of the night with no exit plans or referrals for exhibiting mental health symptoms--the opposite case management, clinical, and client support. When my team and I tried to provide some sort of support for clients, the site manager said it's "not our job" and we're "not qualified" to do that.  Of course, the site manager they hired is incompetent, and runs the site like he's a more of a CO than a case manager or social worker. He's more obsessed with doing stigmatizing car and room searches, than implementing harm-reduction, trauma informed services for the wellbeing of clients.  He plays favorite with staff if you share his philosophy on perpetrating stigma against homeless, duo diagnosis clients. He is rude, petty, and two faced.  He'll act nice in front of us and talked down on another staff or service provider he doesn't like.  Then he'll go to them and yell at them about us, saying he's going to fire us, trying to use that to scared them into performing unethical and even illegal practices against clients that violate contract with LAHSA and other service providers.  He'll respond to my shift to call us out for petty things, but when it comes to an actual emergency or crisis onsite, he's unresponsive. And if you go the the supervisor above him for help or any concern, he'll start giving you attitude and gaslight you into thinking you sound like you're incompetent for going to the supervisor above him. When really, it just exposes how incompetent and harmful he is to both staff and client.

Nepotism and favoritism is definitely rampant here. Good luck going to your supervisor for any form of grievance against the site supervisor.  Unless they already like you somehow, they won't respond to you, even if it's a legitimate concern about unethical practices against clients.

Also, the CEO tried to low-ball my salary, found out after I talked to the other employees here.  

Unless you know how to kiss *ss, or have family working in upper management, or is just that desperate for some money, I would stay clear from this "non-profit."

Working here as a case manager was definitely one intriguing experience. Working with the clients also known as “guests” was satisfying working with. Helping them attain permanent housing was by far one of the best feelings in the world. However, the workplace culture within certain sites in this company  and the employees were toxic. First to Serve really needs to be cautious hiring certain employees because the interactions I had from some employees lack professionalism and communication skills. Some employees would be 30 plus or 40-50 years old and still having a high school mentality of gossiping other employees or were verbally disrespectful. Fortunately there were some employees who I had pleasure working with. Some program managers were great but unfortunately some were unsupportive. The hardest part of the job was  the lack of support from some of the program managers. Depending on who the program manager is assigned with you, they may or not assist you during crisis interventions and would have you rather do the bare minimum. Another part of the job that was hard was constantly note taking weekly. The program managers would be monitoring your notes if you have submitted them. As long as you were organized and have a lifestyle outside of work that helps you keep your sanity and regulates your mental health, working as a case manager here is doable. The biggest unfortunate aspect about this job was that the company really doesn’t give raises to their case managers or their employees. Asked for a raised and was informed about “lack of funding” or needing to transferred at another site due to funding which was unfortunate to hear and honestly one of the biggest reasons why I departed from First to Serve. Overall, working at this company was an interesting experience. Despite not getting a raise and many issues I have experienced, I gained tremendous experience from this company. If you want to work with the homeless population and gain experience in mental health, working as a case manager at this company can be for you. But be wary of some of the employees who behave unprofessional and stay to yourself while getting anything done. 

Productive workplace with a heavy caseload along with facilitating groups all day conducting one on ones and sitting up transportation to the dmv, court and things of that nature. Basically  that's a typical work day but it varies from day to day   They do provide out lets for the clients with weights board games and table games .The hardest part of the job is the volume of clients compared to the time allowed . The most enjoyable part of the job is when you watch a client come in beat down and confused but leave brimming over with determination ,the willingness and confidence that's required to be successful in life which to me is Priceless.   What I have learned while at first to serve is time management along with a form of acceptance for the greater good. I also learn how to multitask with what was available.The working environment was competitive with slight family like culture based on progressing to a higher level. At the end of the day it was a necessary experience I needed for my growth and I wouldn't replace the experience because it play apart  in formulating a work ethnic that's needed to be a better employee and person for me as a whole

I recommend you do not apply for this company unless you are desperate for a job or experience in the field. The turnover rate is extremely high to the point where people only last one day and never come back once they see the way things work. Working with the homeless population is already very stressful, but the company and upper management make it worse. Management lacks common sense, structure, communication skills. You will be overworked and given many more responsibilities than you are compensated for, especially when employees leave their work falls on you even though you already have more than you can handle. Also, no paid holidays until 6 mo later, vacation time until you've been there for a whole year. These reviews are an honest representation of the company so know what you're getting into.

The place is not organized. You come in for interviews sit for over 2 hours waiting.  Interview very informal which was ok. However the Executive Director tried to under pay you and the benefits don’t begin for 6 months. You also can work for an entire year and still don’t end up with 80 vacation time you  barely hit 40 hours because you don’t start accusing until after 6 months of working.

Staff turnover is very high due to low wages and poor benefits along with unprofessional behavior from the top up.  
The clients are a lot to deal with being that they’re homeless or where so when you couple with high needs clients and the work stress it can be a lot to bare. Also not knowing when they will do staff reductions is also stressful. 

Don’t speak your mind  regardless of it being the right thing to dootherwise you will be come a target

The community in Recover Re-housing is very caring for each other. You are given a caseload of between 20-30 clients, or "guests" as they will call them and they will give a soft introduction of the policies. Although they will speed through most of the policies, your coworkers, who are more experienced will be there to lean on, as long as you ask the right questions. Asking questions toward the supervisors is a bit of a "hit-or-miss," as they will constantly be running to corporate every day. Lastly, pray to God you don't start your first day while demobilizing a motel voucher. You will have no time at all to learn the ropes and after the dust has settled they will expect you to have learned everything at the same time. Good luck!

Upon my employment at FTS, all I can say they were unorganized, they would “train” you for a moment and then after wards training or supervision was often never met. I also found out (by a colleague) my supervisor at the time would talk down about me behind my back to the higher ups, I was not present nor did this person intend to talk to me in person (they wanted to save face). Colleagues were the only reason the job was deemed bearable. Other than that they over use you, expectations are hard to meet due to work being piled up on you over and over again. If you do except the Case Manager position go in with a strong head on your shoulders, don’t let the higher ups get to you, and above all else.. look else where because this organization is not worth your self worth.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Management is very supportive.  The agency believes in giving people opportunities.  A great environment to gain experience.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
You frequently are working with individuals who have experienced multiple traumas.  Mental health and substance usage issues sometimes make it a challenging environment to work in.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment is very positive.  The culture is very welcoming and supportive.  Generally staff are friendly and supportive.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Generally my days are busy.  Begin each day completing reports and engaging with guests.  No two days are the same.

If a person never had any experience working with the homeless populations, this is a good place to start. Honestly,  working in this field is very difficult.  It requires a lot of patience and compassion.  Clients are difficult but many appreciate what you do for them. Many staff working here is very unprofessional. The owner only praises upper Management and there are Staff that are doing a better job then them. Owner, I can say give staff opportunities, however,  the conduct needs much work.  Case Managers should be paid much more for what they do. The job and environment is hard, but making a difference in the community and gaining experience is a wonderful thing.

I initially believed that First To Serve had a strong mission and purpose, but unfortunately, my experience with the company has been disappointing. Some of the management staff have displayed unprofessional behavior, including harassment and micromanagement, creating a toxic work environment. Despite enjoying the interactions with the clients, I found the company to be less than transparent about the job expectations. The workload is much heavier than represented, and the company culture does not reflect the values it claims to uphold. I would advise others to consider alternative opportunities, unless no other options are available. 


Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Case manager 4 salaries reported	$26.38 per hour
Program manager 6 salaries reported	$71,431 per year
Driver 4 salaries reported	$20.25 per hour
Cook 4 salaries reported	$22.00 per hour
Licensed vocational nurse 5 salaries reported	$30.50 per hour

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