case manager

eligibility specialist

protective services officer

adult protection specialist

office specialist

Northwest Senior & Disability Services

Northwest Senior and Disability Services, in my two years of experience, is less of a company and more of a coalition of workers operating on mutual agreements. There are clerical and administrative workers who deal with the paperwork, yes, but ultimately every individual Care Provider is in control of... pretty much everything they do. Some people may not like being so independent and without a centralized command structure but it allows workers-- allowed me-- to tailor my schedule as I needed it.

It goes like this: initially you get put on a list for potential consumers (Note: NOT patients, Orientation drills it into our heads that these people are NOT to be called patients) to pick from. This is the hardest part, really, since there is little you can do other than wait for that phone call. After two months(?) of work, however, you are able to look through lists of potential consumers you'd like to work for. From there, it really depends on whoever you're with. Some people are horrible to work for, yes, but ultimately you can give said consumer your two-weeks notice at any time and go looking for another. Eventually, you're bound to find someone you can put up with.

However, I think it's important to say that this is a very raw caregiving experience. There is no corporate or managerial atmosphere to dilute things-- just you and your consumer(s). Administration may not necessarily approve but you *will* develop a close bond with your consumer if you're not pushed away from them. It becomes like taking care of a family member, really, and how you choose to respond to this bond forming will determine the course of your employment.

For my previous consumer, God rest his soul, I started to affectionately refer to him as "Boss". Not because he was boss-y but because the man had earned my respect. We did all sorts of things together and I often found myself staying an hour or more late of my own volition just because I enjoyed his company. There were numerous times where he called me, sometimes late at night or on my days off, in need of my help and I showed up with all due haste. I had every right to say no without suffering any sort of punishment-- after all, the contract states you work X hours and the administrators like a consistent schedule-- but I did it because I respected the man. If you find the right consumer, you will feel the same, too.

My only real complaint is that the Union can be pushy at Orientation; you may be passively pressured to join in and pay your dues. On the bright side, in the two years I've been in that union, they've been content with my lack of attending meetings.

Part of me regrets leaving NWSDS. I might go back to them in the future.

Whatever position you take, the training is top notch. They take their time to train you so you understand the job. 
Their quality assurance specialists are there to help you understand the job. However, there are some who, instead of helping you, make you feel like you don’t know anything. 
Management is ridiculous. They have so many managers, sometimes you don’t even know who is who or what they even do. And, if you work in their main office, you’ll have multiple managers (who aren’t even your direct managers) telling what to do and how to do it, which makes everything much more stressful. 
They’re always having staffing shortages. Which means you’re always overworked and stressed out. And, you’d think that would mean they’d try to hire people quickly but they don’t. Their hiring process is super long and tedious, which ends up doing more harm than good to the rest of the overworked team. 
Depending on the position, you have the ability to have a flexible schedule. However, even with the pandemic proving that most jobs/positions can be done 100% remotely, the agency refuses to let any of their employees work from home 100% of the time. 
There’s SOME room for advancement, depending on your skills and background. But, it comes down to whether or not they like you. You can be great at your job and make little to no mistakes, but if someone in upper management decided they don’t like you, then you’re not going to advance. 

I have never worked somewhere that is less trauma-informed. They wouldn't know trauma-informed or person-centered if it smacked them in the face. The leadership is non-existent and they play favorites. They keep people from promotions by changing the rules as they want and only promote people that suck up, but don't have any leadership skills. I tried to ask for an accommodation and it was the worst experience I have ever had. Iron since they "support" people with disabilities. I have also seen things from a consumer standpoint and they are horrible and part of the reason my Mom is now dead. 
The benefits and pay are good, but it's not worth destroying yourself for a place that will treat you like a number. The leadership doesn't do anything, especially the area managers. I have never seen such disorganization and insanity. I don't know how the state hasn't shut them down, but it's the state which is even worse. 

Good place to work. Management appreciates the hard working individuals but the slackers are not left unnoticed. Nature of the work may cause stress to those who cant manage their time and balance life/work.  Upper management strives to put consumers first and will give personal attention to any issues or concerns from the public. Frequent legislation changes and budget constraints may add to the challenges but are outside of management control. The agency offers great new employee training and “onboarding” and middle management takes in consideration personal matters and workload challenges to help achieve expected performance. 

For the record - the reviewers who identify as caregivers are not the employees of NWSDS.

My experience working here was negative. Most seasoned workers don't get their job done every month, there is a lack of motivation and self worth. If you are "lucky" to be chosen by Malinda Agencies administrator then you'll have a job for life ( you can't do no wrong) 
Stay to yourself and don't make friends as many are back stabbers. Stay focused on learning your job and make no comments because they will be used against you.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Taking care of elderly people who appreciate what care givers do 
Steady paycheck. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Keeping up with new requirements for certification. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Good, working as a team or alone is supported by everyone.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Good, busy with clients needs. I love working on my own with the clients for better care for them.

Stressful job and stressful working conditions.  If you're an introvert who lacks opinions and stays to yourself then you will survive this workplace.  A predominately all female staff who pride themselves on being mean.  Everyone there hates their jobs and are only there because the pay and benefits are above average for the area.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The patients are wonderful to work for. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
There is much overtime if you have any ethics in you. You will never be paid a dime for any work needed after your 8 hours. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Stressful and completely unfair. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
The work was great, the company is a burden to work for.

As a home care worker,
I was able to take care of a person with aging illnesses and exercise patients, The Northwest Senior Services was diligent in their role of outlining the job expectations offering feather education to all care givers, and offered access to a union which offered the benefits. A great experience.

I enjoyed working for this company the pay was great with good insurance and PTO. Though while working with my client her health rapidly decreased and she passed away. When she passed away I lost a lovely client and a job all in one so while grieving I had to find a new job which was hard.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Case manager 30 salaries reported	$5,687 per month
Eligibility specialist 21 salaries reported	$5,339 per month
Protective services officer 12 salaries reported	$6,118 per month
Adult protection specialist 2 salaries reported	$5,236 per month
Office specialist 7 salaries reported	$4,154 per month

Working at Northwest Senior & Disability Services: Company Overview and Reviews

Northwest Senior & Disability Services

Northwest Senior & Disability Services Ratings

Popular jobs at Northwest Senior & Disability Services

Salary Satisfaction

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected