behavioral specialist

direct support professional

garden associate

nursing assistant

maintenance technician

James L. Maher Center

I recently interviewed at the Maher Center, and the experience was disappointing from start to finish. Upon arrival, there was no appropriate place to sit, leaving me in a public area exposed to loud, inappropriate conversations from other employees, including the hiring manager. The language used was unprofessional, and the overall atmosphere felt toxic—definitely not what I'd expect from an organization that claims to promote respect and inclusivity.

After the interview, I was told I’d receive follow-up communication, but weeks later, there has been complete silence. Even if they decided to move forward with other candidates, a simple update would have been both courteous and professional. This lack of transparency and respect toward candidates has left me with serious reservations about the organization.

Based on my experience, I wouldn’t recommend pursuing a position here if you value a respectful, professional, and organized work environment.

I worked at James Maher Center for two years and, while the job itself was meaningful, the work environment was unprofessional and unfair.

Unequal Pay & Opportunities: Despite positive performance reviews and strong qualifications, I was paid less than colleagues doing the same job. Opportunities for training, certifications, and advancement were selectively given to certain employees while others, including myself, were excluded without explanation.

Workplace Bias: I often faced dismissive and condescending treatment due to my background and accent. A coworker repeatedly made inappropriate remarks about my heritage, and management did nothing to address it. Instead, I felt discouraged from speaking up.

Toxic Culture & Lack of Support: The leadership tolerated favoritism and created an environment where certain employees were given preferential treatment while others were overlooked. Concerns about workplace behavior were ignored, making it difficult to feel respected or valued.
While working with clients was fulfilling, the overall workplace culture made it a challenging and frustrating experience. I hope to see improvements in fairness, professionalism, and equal opportunities for all employees.

The James L. Maher center, the (Middletown location), does not provide adequate support, compensation and most importantly safety for the participants in the program and for the workers who care for these individuals. My experience at this center was shocking and uncomfertable. The participants are left alone unsupervised and without the care they need. Management (especially male managment) acted inappropriately with other female workers and never once did HR do anything to address the numerous reports concerning our safety to HR from myself and my fellow staff. Ultimately leaving was the best decision I've ever made concerning my employment. Hopefully those who investigate centers like this can help get this location back on the right track or closed because some assessment is seriouspy needed immediately.

I have worked at JLMC for nearly ten years.  I came in as a DSP and worked my way up to middle management.  Despite previous reviews there is definitely room for advancement.  My Director who I report directly to oversees multiple programs yet finds the time to always listen no matter how busy she may be.  I have read all the negative reviews and honestly it seems like a lot of disgruntled people that for one reason or another left unhappy.  If you do your job you will not have an issue.  My Director is always flexible with me and is solution-oriented.  One person can only do so much- it takes a team to make a difference.

If you remember the purpose behind this work which is the clients then you will be just fine.  If you take advantage of situations then it will be addressed.  Some take being addressed in a negative way others take it as a learning tool.  I just to learn from mistakes rather than blame others.

If you're willing to conform to the extremely low standards the management will only allow you to follow then, go for it apply 😉. Here is a tip on how to keep your job ( keep your mouth shut, head down and absolutely don't advocate for the residents) You will absolutely loss your job and management and the already understaffed and untrained staff that have worked there for multiple years will always back up the corpted management ( They know no other way) my heartbreaks for the residents stuck with staff who will sweep everything under the rug to protect their paycheck, rather than this vulnerable, population.

Very stressful, everyone is unhappy, people who dont work with the participants or even know them tell you what to do even if they aren't capable of doing it. Management holds grudes if your not close with them as friends. There is NO confidentiality everyone knows everyone's business. They push the staff and participants to do things they shouldn't be doing and get mad when it's not being done. They give loads of paper work for staff to do but dont give them enough time to do it. It's a disorganized place, and they are against the good workers but pamper the bad ones...only people who ever get fired or written up are good employees. This company doesnt work with people's schedules and gets mad if you ask them too.

I have worked at the Maher Center for nearly five years.  The Senior Management Team has recently been reinforced with some new Director's.  As a whole, the Senior Management Team is working very hard to keep the work culture cooperative and upbeat.  They have implemented many new team building initiatives and are meeting very frequently to implement strategies to retain and keep their staff happy.  The management team is present in all of the programs and is always willing to help whenever needed.  In a short time, I firmly believe that this vibrant team of talented Directors will make the Maher Center one of the best and rewarding places to work within this field.  I feel honored to be part of a company that works so hard to make not only their participants but their staff happy as well.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The clients was very sweet and kind welcoming 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Upper management (Director) office not taking complaints seriously not giving much room for growth and no follow through 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
TOXIC, STRESSFUL, NOT VERY DIVERSE 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Awful. I worked long hours, was not valued for my work and my complaints wasn’t taken seriously. Definitely felt like it was a  popularity contest. Evil spirited people who tear down your spirit until you eventually leave for your own sanity.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Poor upper management. CEO married into the family. Organization has floundered the last 2 years. You work for an organization who doesn't care about you as a person or an asset. You are only a number.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Lack of leadership and direction. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Toxic. The bottom line is the only thing that matters to them. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Stressful. Managers are micromanaging instead of empowering employees. Contracts are used to fund upper managements pockets and not to help the disabled.

Run away if you are thinking of working here!!! Very toxic and dishonest managers and upper management. Many staff are dishonest and it is tolerated. I received Zero support. The organization is chaotic, unprofessional, and delivers sub par services to its clients. I would not want my family member with this agency, nor would I recommend this agency to AnyOne!!! Staff ignore the residents and spend 95% of their shift on their phone and watching tv. I worked many many shifts by myself in charge of 5 guys. This is not supposed to happen, but is common practice at this agency. This agency is a sinking ship and very poorly managed on all levels. My work experience here was horrible, disheartening, and very very disappointing.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Behavioral specialist 8 salaries reported	$23.25 per hour
Direct support professional 2 salaries reported	$20.00 per hour
Garden associate 1 salary reported	$18.00 per hour
Nursing assistant 4 salaries reported	$24.50 per hour
Maintenance technician 1 salary reported	$21.00 per hour

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