developmental service worker

career coach

program coordinator for non-profit organizations

program coordinator

developer

JVS SoCal

The interview process for my initial hiring was straightforward, consisting of a phone screening and a virtual interview, both of which were easy to navigate. Training was provided by the Associate Director and coworkers, though the quality of training varied depending on the coworker involved. My training included a combination of classroom-style learning and hands-on experience. The role requires continuous learning, as there are always new challenges and struggles, both as an employee and in assisting the veterans we serve.

Management has its ups and downs, varying by team or department. Approximately 80% of management is supportive, but there remains 10-20% that lacks effective leadership. Teamwork between departments is generally strong, though occasionally, interpersonal conflicts arise that can affect both coworkers and the veterans we aim to help.

The most challenging aspect of the job is assisting clients—primarily veterans—transition from unemployment into sustainable, long-term employment. Many solutions offered were short-term jobs, which did not fully address the systemic barriers the veterans faced.

The most enjoyable part of the job was the camaraderie among coworkers who genuinely supported one another across departments and teams. The best moments came from hearing success stories of veterans or coworkers' clients securing employment or housing, which was immensely rewarding.

Unfortunately, not long before a major holiday, employees were informed that we needed to reapply and re-interview for our positions. The announcement was made in a way that lacked empathy. In the end, some employees were let go, despite having consistently performed well in their roles for an extended period, with no prior warnings or explanations for the sudden changes.

I would not recommend this company to any of my friends or family, especially due to the behavior of HR. I have worked in a variety of roles, including in telemarketing, debt settlement, warehouses, as well as legitimate companies like retail stores, financial institutions, and schools. However, this is the only place where I lacked confidence in the HR department, from the time I was first hired until their most recent actions.

The mission statement of JVS—"Empowering individuals to achieve dignity and economic independence through sustainable employment"—feels hollow in light of how HR and corporate leadership handled the most recent situation. Their actions completely contradicted the values they claim to uphold.

Pros:
The rewarding opportunity to give back to the community and make a positive difference in the lives of veterans, office parties that create a sense of community, supportive and mostly amazing coworkers, employer-covered medical benefits at no cost to employees, working in a historic location like Bob Hope Patriotic Hall.

Cons:
Despite dedicating yourself to helping clients, corporate and HR often appear indifferent to the challenges of managing an 80+ client caseload, each with significant struggles.
For veterans, the experience is akin to visiting the VA—building trust with someone only to have to start over with a new face during the next interaction. This lack of continuity disrupts client progress and creates additional frustration.
The lack of consistency not only affects clients but also places an immense burden on coworkers, who are left managing double or triple their usual caseloads. This leads to some clients being overlooked, leaving their needs unmet.
There is a clear lack of recognition and no emphasis on seniority unless you have the right connections.
HR frequently takes matters personally, exhibits unprofessional behavior, and rarely shows accountability for their mistakes.
While JVS stands for "Job, Vision, Success," the corporate side—especially HR—seems disconnected from the organization's mission statement, undermining its core values.

 I will copy and paste from previous comments because it is true. 

"Upper management does not care about employees. The employee turnover rate is high. Employees do not receive sufficient training. Pay does not adequately compensate for the enormous workload. Support is nonexistent. Career advancement is unlikely. Benefits are not affordable. Office morale is low due to poor work conditions. Would not recommend."

"This employment is considered a stepping stone into case management and management knowing this exploits hard working people. Expect an inhumanly high case load with a high workload while constantly being asked to stop and do “projects” which add unnecessary stress. Numbers and reports matter above all else as this company is subcontracted and renewal of the contract is paramount.

If case management is truly your goal, obtain your experience and move on as helping others isn’t motive here, renewal of their contract is."

This employment is considered a stepping stone into case management and management knowing this exploits hard working people. Expect a inhumanly high case load with a high workload while constantly being asked to stop and do “projects” which add unnecessary stress. Numbers and reports matter above all else as this company is subcontracted and renewal of the contract is paramount. 

Expect unfair labor law practices as upper management have a lawyer which effectively shuts the union AFSCME local 800 down. AFSCME local 800 is not willing to commit the resources to stop unfair labor practices. 

If case management is truly your goal, obtain your experience and move on as helping others isn’t motive here, renewal of their contract is. 

This review is specifically regarding the Antelope Valley locations. Management and coworkers are awesome.  The job is fast pace, and consistently changing. It requires employees to be well organized with excellent time management skills, self starters with the ability to multitask and work well under pressure with minimal direction. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Helping people that are actually seeking help

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Over worked, no training or guidance, unrealistic expectations, lack of upper management involvement. Make you help others in their program while your program suffers.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Walking on eggshells, don't know who to ask for help.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Constant virtual meetings, can't get work done and many excel tracking sheets.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Iloved my job. Making sure every employee received correct compensation.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Managers not understanding the importance of sending time sheets when due.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very hard working team. Relaxed atmosphere.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Entering data into spreadsheets or journal entry, gathering time sheets

Upper management does not care about employees. The employee turnover rate is high. Employees do not receive sufficient training. Pay does not adequately compensate for the enormous workload. Support is non existent. Career advancement is unlikely. Benefits are not affordable. Office morale is low due to poor work conditions. Would not recommend.

Prior to the change of name JVS  to JVS SoCal the organization worked to serve the community of under employed but as the new name changed so did the focus. More emphasis on profit or quantity versus quality.

What you'd expect from a non-profit agency, heavy caseloads, limited resources and mediocre-indifferent management.  Your merit review is directly aligned to the performance of your caseload. So if your caseload is unmotivated your performance reviews will/can be negatively impacted. 

love my work...and im good at it...in spite of no training...low pay...promises of a raise...never happened...management does not acknowledge accomplishments...underhanded punishment when you actually do what you are supposed to do...shady budgeting...for profit nonprofit

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Developmental service worker 2 salaries reported	$19.22 per hour
Career coach 1 salary reported	$22.50 per hour
Program coordinator for non-profit organizations 1 salary reported	$50,500 per year
Program coordinator 3 salaries reported	$22.10 per hour
Developer 3 salaries reported	$18.49 per hour

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