residential counselor

case manager

director of care

program director

clinician

NFI North

I was employed there for about 90 days. It’s been about three weeks since I have worked there I gave myself time to write an honest review of this facility, and made sure my emotions weren’t clouding my recommendation. We for surely had a mutual departure when I saw the true colors of the facility. I have the right to write an honest review, and this is honest. The last time somebody made an honest review about this facility I was very new in the staff meeting, and they were snarking about the review and not acknowledging it professionally.
  A typical day at work would be a shift, pass down with limited communication where it would be heard, but not applied or acknowledged, depending on who you were working with. There was planned schedules every shift, but no consistency. Almost every employee at the end of the night would have something to say about Management and how horrible it was there and Management can choose to turn a blind eye to this but I worked with a lot of people that felt the same way and some of them even left. I was the only one that was trying to do something about it and I got pushed out for it. I remain professional to them and gave them support and they talked about supporting each other during the shift yet when it came to supporting each other during a shift, it was gossip and drama. There was fear of retaliation, and Management would be aware of them not being good at taking feedback, yet it was an excuse not to acknowledge the feedback. It depended on who you were to give feedback to Management for them to listen, considering there was favoritism involved. The standards and values were unclear. I was not properly trained to their liking, and the person that I looked to lead me had no accountability in that.
   Some of the clients when we talked about them in Wednesday staff meeting a lot of staff, including myself, thought that their care was out of our scope yet it was not acknowledge by the clinician, and it seemed that there was a pattern with that in the past other express as a concern, but there was no room for change or other ideas in the facility.
  I believe I learned about myself during my 90 day employment here, in terms of my desire of personal and professional growth. this was a wake up call that I deserved more and after detoxing from this work environment, I have come to see how happy I have become knowing that I’m not always going to be pulled in the office or talk to about everything that I do during a shift that is “wrong”. That was stressful a shift. It was hard, especially considering I was being walked out like I was a nuisance, and I was clearly a joy for them to have the power to open the door and shut it behind me. I worked New Year’s Eve at night And I am an ex correctional officer with PTSD. I hate fireworks. It is a huge sugar for me, and I told this place I have a disability, which was PTSD. I heard fireworks at the end of my shift. It was about 11 PM. I had a PTSD attack where I started to cry and feel unsafe. There was no client to observe that and one of my coworker helped me in the office and talk to me in the office and I was allowed to go home at the end of my shift watch was within 30 minutes of my PTSD attack. I was talked about my 90 day review, and how this was unprofessional to happen on the floor and I couldn’t “keep it together” yet this was nothing that I could help or control, and they were aware of that, and tried to play it off as something it wasn’t. I’ll learn so much being here about myself and what I deserve and how the grass may look greener, but it definitely isn’t.
This was obviously an at will employment, they avoided the personal concerns, and it was shown and unfair on my 90 day review. it was truly a “we wear pink on Wednesdays” form of management. Management and the workplace culture for those who are not “clicked” in was a place for a growing hostile/toxic work environment. They claim they want different personality, types, and collaboration but when you present something different, it’s almost as if you were bullied and pushed out for your ideas. I believe they see your age as an obstacle, as I had experience in the field and was open to new knowledge yet, they told me to just sit back and watch yeah when I was trying to sit back and watch as I was advised, I would be told different other things by different people and give them different task by different people that would not be in the category of sitting back and watching.
  The hardest part about the job was truly Management it was never the clients or the kids they had ups and downs, but it never made me question my employment. Management within my first month of being there talked to me about a training that I had. The training was over 2 weeks ago by the time they had a “check in” with me. I asked a question during my training that was not out of malice about always changing the schedule, considering it’s not helpful for the clients and I was wondering how we can better that or if there was a way to collaborate. I was confronted with and I was sat in the office with almost every member of management EXCEPT HR who should have been there. There was no clear HR person within the facility, and no clear resources on who to reach out to. There was no boundaries between coworkers and management. But getting back to the part where I was sat in the office with the whole list of feedback, which was a huge part of the culture, that was not given to me in the moment as they valued. I felt bullied, humiliated and criticized, since that point on after my one month of employment. I was blatantly, called a liar by management because I couldn’t remember the exact words that I said two weeks ago about a question I asked. My coworker was even baffled when they pulled her in the office to discuss this because she was sitting next to me in the training and didn’t have a clue what they were talking about. Ever since that meeting with Management, I tried to take that feedback and apply it to my every day work I tried to make progress it was not seen and since that day they were trying to push me out because of a question that I had that they took personally, because it made their facility  “look bad” because SRB was the “star” of NFI North. Instead of them, seeing it as a opportunity to grow with a new set of perspectives, they took it as a chance to bully me out until my 90 day review came up to give me all the ones or twos on every category in my review. This was so clearly personal. They took no accountability on saying so. I had a one or I believe a 2 on attendance when I was there, for everyone of my scheduled shifts, unless I was sick and I had doctors notes to prove it and that was only twice, I was spoken to about that others who did not provide doctors notes or called out two hours after their shift began. I worked over 40hours a week almost every week I was there. My own supervisor wouldn’t even take accountability for his actions, and I was blamed for them on his poor part of communication. I would take accountability and try to implement the change and communicate yet there was none evident. He couldn’t attend my 90 day review because he was  “sick” although he made the comment of I’m an ex alcoholic, and I’m gonna go out drinking with my friends the weekend before for his birthday. I was called out attendance…I truly didn’t stand a chance because I had a voice and wouldn’t be bullied and questions about their policies and procedures. Always be a double standard about what people could do based on what or who they were. A lot of the people that work there deserve more and deserve better, but they will never come forward. I don’t even think I would recommend this job to a person I don’t like. 
   The most enjoyable part of the job was the clients and truly seeing some of their growth and helping them and providing and showing them what good boundaries looks like. I could truly say the clients on the residence were the best part of this job and empowering them to make the right decisions and choices and guiding them. The culture is LGBTQ+ Friendly and very involved in the trans community. 

After 8 years spent at NFI 6 of which I was a supervisor. Management turnover destroyed morale, overall mission of the specific program (Sidney Riverbend) as well as NFI mission, the treatment turned from theraputic and meaningful to detrimental to clients and functioned in a way that would only set clients up to fail. It was a devastating turn of events. I loved my work with the clients but after 3 months of watching the day to day upper management direct staff to basically becoming "babysitters" and hours spent walking or driving to follow clients around as they eloped, just to keep eyes on and often clients would put themselves in unsafe situations and our direction continued to be "just keep eyes on" It broke my heart to put so much of my time, energy, life into something I truly believed in to watch it turn to ruins with just one shift in lead management of the program. I hated to leave the clients because I was there to solely provide therapy and hope to each and every client but spending months watching the company (SRB program) decline and being party to doing the opposite of my mission for working with these kids, I had to leave. Also be aware that once you reach a level that is the higher of the pay scale. They will put a target on your head and treat you in a manner in attempt to push you out, to get a resignation. If they are unsuccessful, they have no qualms in reaching and coming up with an excuse to terminate even the most dedicated employees by challenging your performance and send you out the door with nothing but deformation of character. It gives me no Joy to post these negative things but it's 100% true and I hope I can save at least a few people years of energy and effort into an inevitable failure through no fault of your own. Don't let the fake first interactions and impressions fool you. The director treat's staff extremely disrespectfully and speaks to them like children. Almost the entirety of the total number of floor staff Left after this one poor decision in promoting an assistant director into a director which includes a wonderful man who stepped into the assistant director position and with a valiant effort and rightul approach, he could not encourage any changes or resolve the horrible treatment to staff along with a number of many other problems coming from the directors chair that after 3 months, he resigned. Voted "Best place to work in 20 something" must have been awarded in someone's delusional state of mind because the quick and beyond drastic negative decline of the program began in either 2017 or 2018. Don't be fooled!!! 

Like another reviewer, I gave myself a good chunk of time to be sure I was able to give an honest review.  

I worked at this location for 3.5 years and can say with full confidence: 1) That was the best job I’ve ever had, 2) The team at Sidney Riverbend was the best team I’ve ever worked with, and 3) NFI is the best company I’ve ever worked for.

Never before have I felt so empowered and encouraged to use my skills and abilities the best way I saw fit.  Sure, there are structures in place that have to be respected, but those structures aren’t static.  The agency and the programs are constantly evolving and open to influence from every level.  Related to that, not only are you free to speak truth to power in the agency, but you’re actively and regularly encouraged to do so!  Even better, the “power” listens because they care.  Management sincerely wants to continually improve, and they need feedback from the team to know where and how to do that most effectively.

As incredible as working at SRB can be, one point that needs to be made clear is that this line of work isn’t for everyone.  Wanting to help kids may be a requirement for the job, but it’s not enough.  This work is hard.  It is very hard.  You will be challenged, sometimes intellectually and sometimes physically.  But most of all, you will be challenged emotionally.  Every day.  By every person you help.  This is not a criticism.  In fact, it was one of the things I appreciated most about the job.  It compelled me, sometimes forced me to grow, to adapt, to be vulnerable.  It was the hardest job I’ve ever had, which is why it was also the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, and I am a better person because of it.

Finally, there is one rather significant downside which I would like to mention.  Until corporate addresses the unpaid overtime sometimes required of salaried employees, I would strongly caution people considering one of these positions.  Here, I’m not referring to those times when the position you were hired for is especially demanding and requires a bit more time, I’m referring to having to pick up shifts for $0 an hour while hourly employees who are given a choice to work those shifts would be getting paid $20-30 an hour.  Granted, this was required pretty infrequently, but I often felt pressured to volunteer, and it was frustrating to be asked to do someone else’s job for free when I still had my own job to do.

That said, I wouldn’t trade my time at Sidney Riverbend for anything.  Thanks to everyone who made my time there so incredible.  I miss you all.


Working for NFI North has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. The push for continued self development, growth and encouragement is beyond any company I have ever been employed through. Not only am I a valued  employee however this has become a family for me. The consistent appreciation from upper management leads to a positive and cheerful environment to not only come into but also leave off on. I value the paid for trainings, broadening my education at no extra cost to myself or time as they are all scheduled within working hours. Accommodations are consistently made not only for myself but I have been witness to many family emergencies and or situations arising mid shift, directly before as well as miscellaneously and there has never been a hesitation within upper management to ensure adequate time off and a handled schedule otherwise. Communication is by far top tier within this company as a whole and being heard as an employee is often under valued - not here. There is a saying often used “you take the good days with the bad ones.” 
I don’t utilize this working within NFI North. I find myself saying “ you take the amazing days with the trying moments.” - while parts of this job can be trying, the outcome, the lesson, the breakthrough…those are always the amazing parts that shine through, even within the trying moments and within those moments there will be a full staff of support for you. I find the hardest parts of my shift are leaving more often than not.  I owe this company endless gratitude for my continued education, the belief they have within me as an employee and a human being, my continued growth as an individual and the constant and consistent support within this family to help their employees continue to grow within the mission for all of its programs. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
The team dynamic. I really appreciate that all of us as co workers get along, and are able to give each other feedback to help one another grow. Out of my time here, I’ve never felt out of place. Truly supported by those around me professionally. The management team really advocate for their supervisees, and I always feel heard with my concerns and ideas I bring to the program. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
It can be stressful in the beginning if you are new to this field. It’s unpredictable some days, but it’s an excellent way to gain confidence in your position. I’ve grown professionally and personally from this job. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The environment is very structured, we follow a schedule for the evenings and have a pretty consistent routine. It is a cleanly environment and we try to keep it that way the best to our ability for our participants and guests. The culture at our program is like a community. We all give each other feedback and we are openly communicative. There’s always room to grow here and you are encouraged to grow. I also really admire that we have a family style culture for our participants so they can discharge home successfully with some familiarity of home at the program. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I come to work, I clock in, and take 15 minutes to plan the shift with the shift supervisor. There is a CRMA on the team, one who cooks dinner and another team member does groups. We do therapeutic groups with the participants , help assist them with chores and attend to their needs through the shift. We take them on outings which are really fun.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Good teamwork, outings, fun activities, fair with breaks, great supervisor

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Management tales turns to be on call... But they do their best to avoid it!!! This is the main reason I left. If it wasn't for this I would've stayed. In one meeting, they forced staff to sign the OT sheet and we couldn't leave the room til it was all filled out. When it's not filled out, it's the job of management on all to cover. They took advantage of staff so they didn't have to cover a few shifts as their job requires!!! EVERYONE was upset about it. Along with that, I applied to a team lead and after this behavior I thought "do I really wanna be working for management like this; I will only get taken advantage of". So the second interview I didn't even try. The team leadership got worse and worse. Their lucky some people they still have!!! They definitely don't deserve some of the staff there!!! 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Great environment, great team leadership, clean environment, respectful most the time, good hours, smart with how they set up meetings and training (you won't have to go to meetings or training outside your schedule, they make sure to schedule it so it's during your hours)

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Normally they are well and structured.

The mission is good and the work truly helps the people they serve, but the culture inside has changed a lot, especially after upper management restructuring in the last couple of years. Management often says the right things but doesn’t follow through, and staff who bring up problems or unfair treatment don’t get much support. Many people feel overworked, burned out, and unappreciated. Pay doesn’t always match the effort, and it’s hard to feel valued when leadership ignores what’s really happening. There are still great coworkers who care about the mission, but anyone thinking of joining should look past the nice words and make sure it’s the right fit for them.

NFI North  provided me the opportunity to complete various internships in undergraduate and my graduate degree. In addition they provided ample opportunity for growth and promotion within as well as the opportunity to explore various programs and populations they serve.  I was also continuously encouraged to attend extern all trainings to further my growth and development and provided opportunity to travel to attend conferences. I was also encouraged to explore various opportunities to enhance my skill level to include becoming a trainer for the agency as well as becoming certified and extern all trainings that I could then offer my coworkers .  Overall very supportive working environment and collaborative in every way ! 

 Where else can you go work that they offer a bachelors degree and also offer tuition reimbursement which covers that as well as offering ever Trinity for your immediate family members to also receive my degree .....priceless !

For starters, anytime a business states at the interview that they are "like a family" - run. Think about how dysfunctional your own family is. Management has less therapeutic training than those they employ and then shame those they employ when they attempt appropriate therapeutic interventions. What was that about "Do whatever it takes?" Also, did you know, everyone only suffers from anxiety and depression? I didn't. Training, you ask? One of their "brilliant" trainings involved post mortem assessment in which you yell "You failed!" - in a strengths based designed program to your colleague after they poured their heart out and overworked in creating ridiculously overly detailed treatment plan that any bum off the street could follow - hence the pay. Pay for gas you say? Hope your car has low mileage the begin with. The company will not ever buy cars for you to use... they are still thinking about... At least that's always the update at their statewide meetings... but enjoy the crafts, terrible games to "bring the family together", and stale cheese and crackers.

I came in excited because I previously loved working for NAFI, but my experience at NFI North was disappointing.

• I was told to do online training all week, then later criticized for not being on the floor. No one communicated this to me. 
• When I did start working with the team, I received no guidance or support.
• After a serious incident where staff were injured, I tried to take initiative with a plan on what to do if things became escalated. Instead of support, I was reprimanded and told I had no authority to make decisions.
• My team gave no feedback, and I often felt isolated and unwelcome.
• Management rarely came to the floor and communication was extremely poor.

Overall The lack of training, support, and communication made it impossible to succeed. I still value NAFI as a company, but this location did not provide the structure or respect needed for new staff. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Residential counselor 77 salaries reported	$20.00 per hour
Case manager 7 salaries reported	$50,000 per year
Director of care 4 salaries reported	$18.50 per hour
Program director 9 salaries reported	$63,889 per year
Clinician 4 salaries reported	$68,000 per year

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