clinician

care coordinator

residential advisor

support specialist

direct support professional

Northern Human Services

I have worked for this Agency for 11 years. I've had my good and bad days, but I learned a long time ago to trust my supervisors, speak up when something is not right, and to go to Human Resources for confidential problem solving. I have support from every location if I need help, affirmation, guidance, a sounding board to vent or to gain a different perspective, which, let's face it, that can be a game changer when our back is up. My position can be very stressful due to the nature of our work. For some positions, like direct support, whether we are growing in programs or in families needing them, or because people do not last, it seems we are constantly hiring. To those not understanding, that can seem like we are a bad employer with high turn around, but the fact of the matter is, not everyone is cut out for this kind of work or they require more money, particularly living in this State. The stress of our work can also come from the ever changing requirements of our state and government, add to that our recent pandemic with Staff having to work remotely or having to be on unemployment and, yes, we are often beyond overloaded. As I read some of these reviews, I can't help but feel offended because I know how much our Agency does to help support and maintain Staff regardless of performance or extenuating circumstances. Our Agency does in fact offer a wide variety of trainings through online resources, and in person 1:1 or with seminars, and conferences and will pay for this training. During the crisis, it was required for in person training to be stopped for a time which was regrettable for those having just come on board, we were not in any way prepared, however we all worked together to try to help keep things moving forward to the best of our ability. We are a TEAM. Personally speaking, and most within this Agency would agree, I did not take this position in Human Services and stick through my every bad day solely for the income. Human Services positions in general do not pay well for a multitude of reasons but the work is worth it if one can make it work. What sets this Agency apart, in my opinion, is that there are very few in upper management that have been here for less than 15 years. In fact, most have served this Agency for 20 to 30 years and more! Those of us with tenure remain steadfast because we believe in what we do. We believe in the programs and supports we provide to both the Mental Health and the Developmental Health Communities and we believe in the leadership that is keeping us afloat and buoyant in these turbulent waters. We stick, even through tough days because we care for our communities, every person we serve, and our co-workers and we believe in our MISSION. 

This company has no management, and the management that does exist is chaotic. This company had 3 area directors, 3 clinical directors, 2 CSP managers, and numerous Case Management people quit during my one year with the company.

The work environment is toxic and they do not value employee input or ideas. There are a few core employees that have created their own unique utopia, and nearly impossible for the remaining employees.

There is absolutely no training to be found in any position. You are supposed to know how to do everything on day one, and if you do not they expect you to create your own training schedule. A schedule that you need to put together to train you on things that you don't even know what you need to be trained on.

They do not value loyal employees. They treat the employees that have been their for years poorly, while they invest in hiring people from outside the state. Those people, of course, do not stay either because after a few months they realize the disaster that is NHS.

Due to their constant lack of employees, the workload on the remaining employees is insane. Clinicians typically have anywhere from 45-60 clients and case managers up to 50. 

The paperwork is crazy, and the turn around time is expected within 24 hours for most items. If you are not able to keep up with this pace you are reprimanded. I have personally witnessed long-term employees burst into tears at the intense and overwhelming paperwork requirements.

Clients are frequently over looked and problems fall through the cracks as it is nearly impossible to keep up with the pace. Office personal frequently do not know what is going on and this causes havoc for clients and employees due to lack of communication.

Please, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for employment!

Hardest part of the job: office bureaucracy, toxic environment, and paperwork demands.

Best part of the job: working with the clients.


A typical work day depends on who you are working with! There is a lot if freedom to change up what you do in a day, again, depending on who you are with. I have learned how to work with people who live differently than a typical person and I have learned how to communicate in ways that are both verbal and nonverbal, I have learned (minimal) healthcare realated things that have made me want to persue working in healthcare! Unfortunately I have found from my time working with Northern that expressing things that you feel are wrong or things you are worried about won’t be investigated or taken seriously, I have also found that if placed with a family Northern will not have your back if that family decides to turn on you. They also will not try to resolve or find solutions for these problems they are quicker to remove you from your position and move you somewhere else with new people. Furthermore, I have found that you have very little say in what your schedule looks like, there is a lot of “behind the scenes” talk rather than direct communication with the employee whose schedule they are planning on changing. I have also in my time here been placed with people and not trained on how to work with them, essentially “thrown to the wolves” for a lack of more professional vocabulary. Aside from that depending on who you are working with it can be very enjoyable, there are hard days like there are for any job, but the clients you get to know and work with can feel like friends and make this job a lot more enjoyable.

My day starts with checking my planner, for needed deadlines and to interact with my staff to make sure their needs are met as well as the individuals.  I learned throughout my years of service that I must treat others like I want to be treated, that foremost I must build that level of respect with my piers and my staff to have a productive day and who benefit from that is the individuals we support day to day.  The hardest part of the job is coverage, it is apart of the job to cover when you cannot find coverage, but when you are working more then you are home it can become a little frustrating and take away from the needs of my family, but it is apart of the job and upper management is doing everything they can to assist me in this area.  I love working for the company management treats me with the up most respect.  I have been in the field for a very long time and at this point I am looking for growth within the company or another company.  I need to challenge all my education and experiences over the year in another sector, so that others can benefit from what I have to offer and learned over the years.  The most enjoyable part of the job is what keeps me working in the field for so long, and that is the individuals we support.  I get great pleasure to make sure that my staff is carrying out the needs of the individuals and that they are living in good conditions.  The individuals we support are unable to take care of themselves and it is imperative that we make sure that they live a normal and prosperity is apart of their everyday lives.

If you love variety and thinking on your feet and a fast-paced enviroment then this is the job for you. The STAFF AND CLIENTS ARE AMAZING, seriously some of the best people you will ever have the pleasure of knowing, the co-workers (most) go above and beyond and are really doing this type of work because they have such a big heart, the clients (on the avergae) blow you away by their perseverance of spirit and how much effort they put into various challenges, great support group atmosphere offered, I worked at the Berlin location as a CI, however there are some pretty significant down side to working this job a) A LOT OF WEAR AND TEAR on your personal vehicle and high mileage b) communication needs to be improved in mid-management (although I will say especially after reading the other reviews) that mid management at the Berlin location is pretty good (beside the communication piece) they are pretty understanding and willing to listen to your concerns c) the rate of pay for this job should be much, much higher some of the responsibilites these CI's undertake is quite daunting, especially considering some of their duties fall into the area of CNA type duties, also the fact they could potentially be assualted, etc by the rare few volatile clients. ONLY WORK HERE IF YOUR HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE, these are seriously some of the most amazing people you will ever meet but if you are in it just for a pay-check go somewhere else

Started as a Community Integrator which is a low paying position that requires you to use your personal vehicle essentially as a high end taxi service. Very little actually productive activities to do but your forced to stay out in the community with the individual for 7 hour days, INCLUDING SNOW DAYS!  Residential pays a little more at 14 an hour but the hours are unbearable. 7 to 3, 3 to 11 and overnight is MINIMUM WAGE 11pm to 7am. No consistency with that schedule either so not sustainable as a long term position unless you enjoy treating your body terribly. BULLIES in middle management was a very accurate review. The individuals, people being served, can be great but they clearly have behavioral/ mental problems that require trained staff. This job provides NO DECENT TRAINING. I was verbally and almost physically assaulted on multible occasions and was told things such as "it could of been worse". As a 20 something female I felt bullied out by the individuals due to most being males, all deprived of intimacy, who where developing crushes. Did not ever feel supported by my management team enough to stay.

Working for NHS could be compared to a toxic relationship. Constant gaslighting and a need for power and control from upper management. The agency is losing employees at a rapid rate and the agency further alienates employees by not truly understanding their employees needs and always needing power over them. They treat their employees with a sense of paranoia as if everyone is out to get them, when the vast majority just want what they need to complete their jobs. Community mental health is hard work and upper management makes it a million times harder. Terrible employees are protected (even after multiple complaints are made) and hard working employees are expected to continue to work more. Even when all employees quit, management will still blame all the problems on the former employees then take any true look at their own actions. They can't seem to understand that the work culture is completely burnout and weekly emails that are sent to improve moral do the opposite. Employees don't need a pep talk, they need real change in systems and tools to do their job.

I do not recommend anyone to work here, which is sad because it harms an already vulnerable population. 

Working at Northern requires an open mind and a team work mentality.  Providing or planning supports for individuals with disabilities requires all different opinions and skills and living in the lives of people can be taxing.  The people in the DD office in Cole brook are chill and respectful, rule followers who really care about their clients and their families.  These covid times have been hard and people who always worked in offices full time are working part time at home.  Management really wants to retain the staffing and see's value in longevity.  Being positive and open minded is essential as is being mindful of your own self care.  Things change quickly with regulations and policies and in order to be happy in this workplace,  you will need to be able to adapt.  If you can... you may stay for many years like i did. 

This is a large nonprofit, so when you are reading reviews pay attention to which office and which program is being reviewed. I work in Littleton New Hampshire at White Mountain mental health.Working with seriously mentally ill people can be challenging and exhausting, but also very gratifying. Having a strong and supportive team really makes a difference. You will receive weekly supervision and your supervisor and other staff members are always willing to help. Management is responsive and creative. Pay is on par with other mental health centers and management seems to try very hard to increase salaries as money is available. Most years I get a raise and some years both a raise and bonus. Lots of vacation time… Four weeks and 11 paid holidays. More senior employees get six weeks.

Wonderful, dedicated co-workers who all worked together as a team. My job was very detail oriented but I learned how to manage my time and implement process improvements.  NHS is a Community Mental Health Center where confidentiality and discretion is observed and understood.  I was in charge of all aspects of financial account billing and was in constant communication with Insurance companies, clients, Doctors and Clinical staff.  I was responsible for all accounts receivable and was a first point of contact for many of our clients. 
The hardest part of my job was the realization of how many people are suffering with mental illness but the most enjoyable part of my job was watching them recover from that illness while learning skills to cope.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Clinician 9 salaries reported	$66,444 per year
Care coordinator 8 salaries reported	$20.36 per hour
Residential advisor 5 salaries reported	$16.00 per hour
Support specialist 6 salaries reported	$15.67 per hour
Direct support professional 4 salaries reported	$16.31 per hour

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