direct support professional

residential manager

registered nurse

habilitation specialist

licensed practical nurse

IGHL

I worked for IGHL from 1994 to 1998 in direct care and residential management roles. Through meeting and working closely with one of the physical therapists at IGHL I decided to return to school and become a PT myself, which I accomplished in 2000. I worked for 12 years as a PT in various settings such as acute care, sub acute rehab, SNF, and home care. In 2012 I decided to make the switch to IGHL and have been with them ever since. I am a per diem employee but they are very flexible in hiring therapists in the employment category that best suits the applicant. They pay very well for per diem and contract employees, but I'm not sure of the rates for part time or full time. They are also very flexible with letting you set your own schedule and manage your own time. It's a super casual and fun work environment; you can show up in jeans and a t-shirt. The staff are also so fun and supportive. And the clients you get to work with...they will change your life. It's so wonderful to follow these folks across their entire lifespan. This job really lets you think outside the box, be creative,  try new things. It's never about reimbursement, it's about doing the right thing. What a refreshing change. I plan to work here for the remainder of my career. The company has grown a great deal in the past few years and growth is expected to consume. If you're a physical therapist, I can't recommend IGHL highly enough!

I applied with them years ago and the minute I came to apply I let them know I had another job so I would have to work around that one . They were all for it and understanding until one of their staff quit and they needed coverage at the house I would’ve been working at . So they pushed me forward to orientation . While at my other job I receive a call saying not all of my paperwork was completed I would have to leave my job I was at to come complete it . When I told them I couldn’t just leave my job they “ fired me “ . Even though I had never actually clocked in for a single shift . Fast forward YEARS later I’m getting the run around for WEEKS as to why I wasn’t eligible to work there . After running down the same scenario to 6 different workers and literally calling NONSTOP to try to work . I finally get a call back saying that they can’t hire me and they have NO reason as to why . The list of shifts and coverage they need for their houses is RIDICULOUS yet they still refuse to hire people . I wouldn’t trust my family members there and I definitely wouldn’t waste your time applying . If you don’t have someone in the Human Resources department that can pull you in with favoritism  they’re just going to give you the run around even though they desperately need help 

The only way to make a fair wage with the agency is by working overnights or weekends because of the overnight and weekend differential they add on. Positions during the day during the week are underpaid for what you are expected to do. You are responsible for people’s lives, their health and medications, and their daily living skills like meal prep, bathing in some locations and toileting in some locations. It is a lot of responsibility. While I do appreciate that there are many locations to choose from and there are many set positions open, I do believe with what is expected of you the pay must be greater. Also when you start working for the agency they make you sign paperwork forfeiting your rights to breaks, so regardless of whether you work in a really demanding house or a really laid back house you don’t get any breaks. For example people I have worked with while working here work 8 and 12 hour shifts with no break. There are opportunities to become an assistant residential manager or residential manager but the pay for that is also less than deserved, and you are expected to be on call 24/7 when you are not at work. In my opinion I would not recommend working for IGHL residences to any friends or family.

If helping to care for others is something you love to do, and you're compassionate, empathetic and patient, this is a perfect job for you. Caring for individuals with disabilities is challenging but highly rewarding. You can make a huge difference in their lives and building a strong bond and relationship with them is a joy. They can be some of the most thankful and happy individuals which in turn can bring such joy in doing this work. It is definitely hard work at times but seeing their smiles and knowing you are helping them to live their fullest, happiest life possible is just something so special it can honestly change your life and the way you see the world. 

IGHL is a very rewarding place to work at. With that being said, a lot of staff to management drama occurs when there is miscommunication and favoritism involved. When you report these issues to anyone within the company including the HR department, you feel as though you are left with blank stares or backs turned away from you. This makes it hard for future employees to stay at their sites and thus, hurts the residents due to lack of staff. I care about these individuals and the fact of the matter is that when higher positioned staff neglect or are causing issues without consequence, it harms the consumers more then the employees. I full heartedly believe that if managers and senior staff received corrective action to the degree that newer employed staff did, many residential homes would have alot more staff and be a much better environment to live in. 

A typical day at this company is very rewarding, fun, and a learning experience. Each day can bring a change; something new, something fun, something interesting. I've learned to take whatever challenge comes my way, and deal with the situation. Management makes work exciting, fun, and geared to learn something new with a twist. The co-workers are fun with great personalities, eager to assist with any new arising situations. The hardest part of the job is when a staff member leaves the company; it is extremely hard to say goodbye. The same way with the consumers/clients; it is very hard to say goodbye. The most enjoyable part of the job is having fun with the consumers/clients; communicating with consumers/clients that is non-verbal and watching them communicate to you their needs as well as their wants.

The work itself is not the problem. It is the way the company is run. Very understaffed. Incompetent workers are kept because of the dire need for staff throughout the agency.  Employees get away with not doing any of their REQUIRED certifications. A potentially fulfilling job is ruined by poor management. The agency literally hires anybody. Also, the pay is extremely low for the field of work and they do not offer raises.  Staff are allowed to start working before their background checks are completed. That puts everybody in a potentially dangerous situation. Extremely high turnover rate of employees. Worked full time here for three years and had perfect scores on all my evaluations. When asked about seeking a pay raise, my manager laughed and told me you'd be lucky if the agency even considers it. Only time I received a pay raise was when the entire company received a 50 cent raise.

I was employed for IGHL as a Day Habilitation Specialist Floater, which means I worked in 6 different day programs whenever they needed me. A typical day at work would include going out into the community to deliver meals to older individuals who had a hard time getting around, senior shopping, and teaching daily life skills. At this job, I learned how to accepts others with differences and how to teach individuals with intellectual disabilities daily life skills. In the six different programs, I worked with 19 co-workers and was able to get along very well with each co-worker. The management staff at IGHL was extremely helpful and supportive. The hardest part of the routine was getting to know the 84 individuals I worked with. The most enjoyable part of the job was the joy I received from working with all of the individuals with disabilities.

The job itself is very rewarding and usually really fun but you need to be able to handle stress very well if you want to work here long-term. You never know the reputation a house has until you’re in the agency for a while. The vibe of a house can make or break you. For example, my first house was a very behavioral house and now I’m burnt out. But if you really don’t like it you can easily transfer to a different one. Staff/management drama happens sometimes but just don’t entertain it and you’re fine. DCCs are definitely not payed enough for what we are expected to do. But that’s healthcare for ya…overall I think if you’re a compassionate person and looking for some clinical experience, this job is worth going for. 

I have worked for IGHL for almost 12 years and am very happy.  The work environment is friendly, positive, a family like atmosphere. Managers and senior co-workers work together throughout the day to make sure there a supportive team setting.  I have learned so much about this population and the training services continue to be offered. We have access to a great gym, great health benefits and multiple opportunities to advance and move throughout the company. 
The most enjoyable part of this job is getting to know my individuals and to be able to advocate for their wants and needs. To continue their education and skills on a daily basis. When coming to work does not feel like a job you have found home. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 93 salaries reported	$19.96 per hour
Residential manager 23 salaries reported	$28.78 per hour
Registered nurse 18 salaries reported	$45.10 per hour
Habilitation specialist 199 salaries reported	$16.60 per hour
Licensed practical nurse 4 salaries reported	$32.50 per hour

Working at IGHL: Company Overview and Reviews

IGHL

IGHL Ratings

Popular jobs at IGHL

Salary Satisfaction

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected