monitor

substance abuse counselor

counselor

case manager

clinical supervisor

Firetree

This location is severely and constantly understaffed. This causes all staff members to be overworked and increases the rate of burnout. I used to enjoy working here, but ever since we picked up a DOC contract I feel like the facility just serves as a holding tank for DOC clients, most of whom are sent to CCC centers, as per DOC policy, which are not conducive to recovery. The facility staff tries very hard to provide quality care, but sometimes it feels like we're just sending DOC clients back out to relapse at the CCCs. When I asked for accomodations from the facility director to decrease my workload, his response was, "well everyone here is overworked." The clinical supervisor and assistant facility director are great, but they can only do so much. I also enjoy working with our clientele, but the workload is overwhelming. Huge disconnect between corporate staff and facility staff. It's also uncomfortable that corporate pays to ship everyone to Williamsport, PA for new hire training with catered lunches at the corporate headquarters mansion, but does not visit the other facilities or allocate those resources towards programming or increased pay for overworked staff. I know our facility could use some updated ventilation and pipe work. 

The first duty of the day is to check all client insurance, a long time consuming job, but absolutely necessary. There are several interruptions while attempting to do this everyday. My supervisor is a wonderful person, she is pleasant, understanding and is always trying to get me two things: more pay and more responsibilities (which I have requested) but with the way things are today her hands are tied at this point. The only negative thing in my job is the third person we must endure in the office. And there are only the three of us here every day. She is loud, rude and always knows the best way to do things. She is the number two reason I would like to leave my job, unfortunately, the first is the pay scale. I just don't make enough to keep my home going. I have learned so many things while working for Firetree. I had the opportunity to work for them previously when the economy was better and I made more money I did all the managed care billing (which I learned when I was there) my supervisor taught me all of the billing processes. But, that was a long time ago and that facility had to close and I worked there until it did. It was a few years before they opened up again. But, now they cannot afford to pay the way they did back then. My supervisor is the same and I am grateful for that, she is a wonderful person.

I have worked with Firetree for a little over 12 yrs now and I am highly satisfied with my employer.  Firetree has always been willing to listen to employee concerns and tries to meet employees needs for a better work environment.  Working in the human service field is a difficult job, let alone working with addicts, but Firetree makes sure that their employees are well taken care.  I would encourage anyone interested in working in the human services field apply at Firetree.  You will not only receive multiple benefits, but you will be rewarded the opportunity to ultimately change a  person's life for the better.  The most rewarding feeling is when a past client calls in after years of sobriety and thanks you for helping them get through one of the most difficult times in their life.  Being a positive aspect of someone else's life journey is the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced,  it's these little accomplishments that make working at Firetree all worth it in the end.   

Residents do what they want. There are rules that staff nor residents follow. All administration does is gossip about everyone. Not one resident will say this place helped them in any way. Director is terrible in too many ways to mention. As far as a supervisor your on your own so if your unsure, flip a coin. He hides in his office and sneaks out the back door and his alliance with his fellow administration is odd because they will be the first to speak of his incompetence in the job and that he is a pushover but never say it to his face. A blind eye is turned because like every other job they cant get staff or keep them. You WILL be forced to cover a shift if not picked up by another overworked employee. If you are looking for a TEAM atmosphere,  RUN!!! CORPORATE needs to come in and spend more than a few hours because if they care at all about their business they would make changes NOW. Or if you are desperate for a check just kiss butt and you will be fine 

My position is an Administrative Assistant in the Day Reporting Center. This program is based on the number of clients that we serve. My position was cut to part time due to the number of clients falling below my need to be in the office full time. Currently at the part time position I need to find another part time position to continue with my life needs. I love working in this department. The clients are great, The typical day is checking the clients in, entering information into the data base. If a new client arrives, an intake is done, information is uploaded into the data base, service note is written. Audit on each file is done at the time of discharge. I need to check the billing for accuracy before being submitted. Attendance report is done weekly and submitted to the CEO. My position is client focused making sure that all their needs are met and continue to have a positive relationship.

When I started I worked as a Counselor Assistant maintaining a 20-25 client caseload. Work day was difficult initially as I was not use to the amount of required paperwork needed. As I developed a routine for myself, getting things done in a more timely manner, the job became more rewarding and less stressful. I learned a great deal from all the staff I encountered in my 25 years of working there. Staff became family and we supported one another. Yes over the years there were a few bad apples, but they usually did not stay long as they wouldn't allow themselves to become a family unit and learn to work in a cohesive environment. Hardest part was the turnover with staff, and management in the last 5 years of my stay. The most enjoyable was the wonderful people I met and worked with as I still maintain those relationships. Loved working for Genesis House and the Firetree Company. 

In a typical day I facilitate large and small group settings and process paperwork vital to cliente's success within the rehabilitation program. While working at this facility, I have developed a greater understanding of the differing aspects specific to counseling a drug and alcohol population. I am presently involved with the development of a new Holistic Program within the facility. I currently play an integral part of providing the clientele with recreational related treatment actitivities as well as traditional counseling. Most co-workers withing the company are supportive and approachable, but a few are power hungry and aggressive in nature. The hardest part of the job is the intense amount of daily paperwork expressed by all counselors who work at the facility. What I enjoy most about the job is simply helping others improve the chances of remaining sober throughout the rest of their lives.

The ASAM alignment has really made things unmanageable. The groups are now two hours long and it makes the rest of the job extremely difficult - especially if you are assigned two groups in one day, which happens extremely often. Everyone's workload is extremely hefty. Counseling positions are actually three jobs - intake, counseling, and case management. This is the first place that I have worked were this is a thing. There is no training plan in place - I had to teach myself everything. This shows in the employee retention rate. Thank god I had a clinical background to work with. If you can't teach yourself, you aren't going to learn how to do your job. DOC contracted so that is another pile of paperwork to do that complicates things. I enjoy working with the clients so I wish that I could say I enjoyed my job as a whole. Good experience if you are just beginning in the field. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Population working with and experience you get with the clients. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The way upper management treats employees, high health insurance premiums, lack of communication with upper management, and unprofessional upper management.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
High stress, no overtime paid,  overtime that goes into PTO time, no lunch breaks , eat while doing sessions, and turn over high. Gossiping between staff.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
If late night counselor may have 2-6 intakes and need stay past clock out time depends on arrival time.  Covering at least 2-3 groups a day if call offs. Also,  scheduling required weekly sessions within 8 hour work day.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Monitor 6 salaries reported	$16.83 per hour
Substance abuse counselor 2 salaries reported	$52,250 per year
Counselor 4 salaries reported	$51,938 per year
Case manager 5 salaries reported	$46,300 per year
Clinical supervisor 4 salaries reported	$57,250 per year

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