direct support professional

licensed practical nurse

group manager

program coordinator

teacher's aide

New Jersey Institute for Disabilities

I worked for the company in a total of 7 years, all in which I worked at multiple sites, and raised throughout the ranks. I worked in both day centers and adult centers, from floor staff to management. The whole company as an idea is great, has strong morals and dedication to JUST the clients and residents. As a staff member there is no respect, no regard to any individuals, and complete mismanagement. I've seen so many different issues brushed under the carpet for particular employees and yet the same issue for another caused their underemployment. The upper management plays favoritism as much as they can when it helps them the most but when the pressure is on them they are quick to point out others. 

The morale of the company as a total is lower than those that were stuck on slave ships coming to America in the 1600's. I've seen staff members across the board work 20 hour shifts back to back, and the one day they say no the staff members are written up and crucified. 

Their day programs are run very tight, i have to give that much to them. Staffing can be a little tight, but every company has that issue, as for their residential programs I cannot even start to explain how many times i see staff members using their own money for items needs. From food to paper towels and other cleaning supplies and then wait three to four months to get their money back. Sure it is one thing if it were crackers or paper towels but I mean a Thanksgiving meal, Birthday party supplies, to even a week worth of groceries. 

As far as the training goes, they throw you in front of a computer for a week and then off to the job and expect you to know how to handle individuals with disabilities; their criteria for staff members for employment can be compared to that of retail. Some of the staff members that were hired were more incompetent that that of a middle-school aged child. One of the main focuses is direct care for individuals in their programs but some of their staff members couldn't proper give medication when needed, or even proper showers after their "training" was done. 

Honestly, if you want to work 10+ hours days with  no appreciation, a company that has no morale with staff, and get paid minimum wage then you have the right job, otherwise move on.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Amazing organization to work for. Great PTO time, great benefits, yearly bonuses with no cap, room for advancement, very family oriented and takes care of their staff… As an example, during Covid when the programs closed, they provided 100% pay for him over a month, then went to 80% when they could not provide 100% while employees continue to stay home, 50% was provided and then job opportunities in Grouphome were provided when they could not pay Staff to stay home. Covid bonus of an extra $2 an hour we’re giving up until the end of this may. A raise was then provided starting July to all employees. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Staffing whom complain about having to work, complain about petty situations, gossip (it’s in every job though). We are all adults and shouldn’t complain about having a job that takes care of you and your family. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
There are staff who care and work together and other staff who do as little as they can. Team work is always being encouraged and praised.

You get used to the routine pretty quickly, learn peoples names, etc. I learned an extraordinary amount about the field during my time there and was able to use the acquired knowledge to excel in other parts of the field. Management is person specific. Some are incredible and others cause the morale to go way down. The field is full of people just there for the paycheck, which is odd because the pay is quite poor. I have worked there for years, excelling in every aspect of the job but still cannot afford to pay my bills. It can be a very rewarding experience but when certain things go bad for a certain amount of time, it is difficult to find perspective. There are a lot of people who complain constantly on a daily basis on anything possible there is to complain about. The hardest part of the job is dealing with apathetic or underqualified supervisors. The most enjoyable part of the job is the bonds you form with the people that you serve. And you don't realize the impact you have on their lives.

As a School for children with disabilities you would think that the atmosphere would be depressing, but to the contrary, it was a very upbeat and positive workplace.  I was a receptionist/front desk and 
clerical support for the entire school and OT, PT, and ST departments, such as therapies, wheelchair clinic, and augmentative clinic. I operated a multi-line phone system, and participated in many projects as necessary.  Interaction with students and their families was a bonus you could not replace.

A typical day at NJID specifically Lakeview school consists of staff constantly getting pulled from classrooms to cover other rooms. Not because staff is absent but because administration refuses to hire more people. We are severely overworked and when we try to address the issue we are met with attitude and spite. The lack of consistent staff in classrooms because of coverage effects our students needs and abilities to thrive. The reason being that programs can not be run successfully due to having to direct unfamiliar staff the entire day. Not to mention that the pay rate is low for the amount of work required. Everyone is expected to pull their weight and then some and not incentives are given. 

NJID is like the new modern day slavery.  You do  six jobs  in one get low wages. Poor Management highly unprofessional and unskilled.  Assistant Supervisor uses profanity is a liar, very untrustworthy and let’s not forget unorganized. Company vehicles are unsafe and unreliable. The company does not provide bus aides, which is very well needed.  The work location is very dirty and unsanitary. This  company wants you to give 100 percent to the clients only because they are attached with a high price tag.  The Supervisor is not sympathetic towards employees and doesn’t understand sometimes things happen and employee may need to take time off.  This supervisor request a doctor’s note for certain employees each time they are out. Their is no room for advancement or growth only for certain employees.

I’ve been a nurse almost 15 years. I’ve worked in every type of facility and they all have pros and cons. But I actually love my job. I love the individuals we care for and I think we have an amazing staff at our program. Our supervisors are also the best! I feel they are professional and have a lot of experience with this population of individuals. They always look out for the staff and the individuals we care for. We all work together very well. There are days that can be stressful but  really that can happen any where. Honestly, I enjoy going to work every day. The only “ negative” aspect is that the nurses are not eligible for any vacation time or health benefits.  All in all NJID is a great place to work.

The program itself for the students is excellent. If you want a job that you can't advance in, here it is. It is a good first job, something nice to put on your resume, just don't get comfortable. There is no room for advancement. There is also little to no communication between the staff and administration about current concerns, therefore issues go unresolved. It is a nonprofit so there is no union reps to speak for the people when there are situations that need to be addressed. The staff has a overall love and concern for the students, that is what motivates staff to continue working. But overall, it is not worth the headache.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The best part is the way the employer takes care of their employees.  Encouraging and professionally provided continued education.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most stressful part is the providing enough staffing.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Friendly and professional.  Providing adequate training for new staffs  Incooperating  leadership and and skills training. for 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical is when you have to deal with taking client to doctor 's visits and meeting their everyday needs

A day at work begging with me checking on all the clients to see how their night went. Then I check with my staff to get a report of their shift. I then check e-mails and review paper work from the shift . I have learned that as a manager that I have responsibility to make sure that my staff are doing their job and meeting the expatiation of the job.  The hardest part of the job is when i have to write up on of my staff. This is my responsibility as a manager . I will also use the write up as a teachable moment for the staff. I enjoy the interaction with the clients that I provide a severs for.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 143 salaries reported	$20.98 per hour
Licensed practical nurse 25 salaries reported	$37.65 per hour
Group manager 9 salaries reported	$23.64 per hour
Program coordinator 4 salaries reported	$23.27 per hour
Teacher's aide 3 salaries reported	$20.25 per hour

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