mental health technician

counselor

case manager

support specialist

administrative clerk

McAlister Institute

gained valuable insights into [industry-specific skills or tools], improved my communication and time management skills, and developed a deeper understanding of how to work effectively in a professional environment. I also learned how to adapt to shifting priorities and handle constructive feedback.Management:
The management team was approachable and supportive. They provided clear expectations, regular feedback, and encouraged growth. Their leadership style promoted accountability while also allowing flexibility and Workplace Culture:
The workplace culture was inclusive and collaborative. There was a strong sense of teamwork, and employees were encouraged to share ideas and take initiative. Team-building activities and open communication contributed to a positive and motivating environment. in how tasks were completed..The Hardest Part of the Job:
The most challenging part was managing multiple deadlines during peak periods. Balancing competing priorities while maintaining high-quality work required strong organizational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

The Most Enjoyable Part of the Job:
The most enjoyable part was seeing the impact of my work and contributing to team goals. I especially appreciated the collaborative projects, where I could learn from colleagues and see how individual contributions fit into the bigger picture. The sense of accomplishment and learning something new every day made the experience rewarding.

The most enjoyable part of the job: the coworkers that have my back, though there were some that don't as well. The hardest part of the job is the workplace culture. Many people here are for themselves, some are more clear about this, some do this behind your back while making you believe they have your back. Everyone in the company talks about you behind your back and there is not a lot of coaching or feedback for you to improve or have a teachable moment. In residential, they are looking for a warm body to fill the position and because of this, there is less time for you to learn what you need/want to learn because you are so busy running around. 

This feedback is experience based on a residential portion of this company.

Management was poor since day 1. A lot of tension with staff, who are kept in the dark about legal and ethical concerns regarding daily activities (especially peer counselors). The environment is toxic, employees get backlash if they try to stand for their rights and basic workplace manners. Managers are allowed to bully employees that they don‘t like.  The only good part about this place are the clients. Dealing with the needs and risks population is great! Not nearly as draining as  dealing with the toxicity of this organization.  These problems seem to be present in many locations.  There are a lot of complains by staff, there doesn’t seem to be support from admin when it comes to management issues.

Facilitate groups, update files, write notes drug tets clients. I have learned many social skills as well as patience and communication skills. Co-workers are easy to speak to and work with. The management is always excellant. The hardest part of the job is the ability to upkeep files and continue to have time for individual sessions with clients, as well as the fast pace and the influx of clients. The most enjoyable part of this job is assisting clients in their struggles through addiction and watching them achieve their goals in life, as i enjoy sharing my strength and hope as a recovering addict myself.

At will employer who will fire you without notice or reason. No job security at all. All employees are given the reason it is not a good fit no matter how long they are there. Employees that do their job are ignored. Over worked staff doing overtime with no overtime pay and scared to claim the overtime because they will get fired. Elevator permit been expired for years. Bed checks aren’t done at night and clients have no real safety. No security. Staff was called the n word and other racial slurs by clients and was not talked to or debriefed by management. Most staff bad mouth clients. This place is not here to help and you feel guilty going home every day knowing these clients will be back because of the flaws. Horrible run!

What is the best part of working at the company?
The employees and their dedication to their clients, they really care and bend over backwards to help them get clean and become productive people on
Society. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Seeing the clients not make it and relapse only to come back have to start all over again.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very high paced  and crazy. Always plenty to do. Always things being broken and needing repair. Fast paced environment 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Always busy, and more to do. From start of the day to quitting time

Counselors are encouraged to arrive up to several hours early to prepare for groups and get caught up on work and are forced to forge their timesheets to omit these hours.  There is never a chance to be paid for overtime at this company, and any whistleblower fears for their job security.  The workplace environment can get very toxic, including verbal and sexual harassment from fellow staff and management.  While it is a very rewarding role as a substance abuse counselor, I know I can find this work elsewhere without enduring these conditions.  All staff are overworked and underpaid.

Wake up the clients (usually 5 or 6) in the house and get them started for the day.  Allow the clients to get their personal hygiene boxes and allow them time to do personal hygiene.  Clients were allowed time to prepare breakfast then moved on to do chores in the home.  Next there was a bit of scheduled group time that needed to be conducted.  Clients got some time to watch TV and prepare lunch.  With good behavior the clients would be awarded time outside at the local park with adult supervision.  After time at the park take the clients back to the home and gave them as snack.  This usually was the end of the day shift.

No leadership no follow through. Loyalty is chosen over the safety of the people who choose this place for recovery. The CEO has lost sight of the purpose and appointments ignorant and incompetent people as managers.  Even after addressing concerns you will be fired before anything changes because they choose a blind eye approach instead of fixing internal poisen 




incompetent program manager who instead of providing clarity always seemed to make situations worse by her lack of leadership, lack of understanding and general

During my interview, I put it all out on the table, my schedule requirements, work environment, etc. They put on this facade of "family oriented" agency. They are not. I should not have ignored the red flags. Staff yelling and arguing with one another from across the room. It looked so unprofessional and chaotic, but the manager seemed really cool and nice, so I twisted the situation as "laid back." No. It was toxic. The way staff spoke to each other was rude and unprofessional. I was left to fend for myself with zero resources or support. It was a nightmare. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Mental health technician 17 salaries reported	$33.50 per hour
Counselor 19 salaries reported	$25.50 per hour
Case manager 5 salaries reported	$25.50 per hour
Support specialist 8 salaries reported	$22.69 per hour
Administrative clerk 9 salaries reported	$24.61 per hour

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