counselor

nurse

greeter

clinician

technician

Spectrum Health Systems

During my time as a counselor, I had 3 different program directors and became the only technical counselor on site. They also promised I could do a 4 day work week, that was a joke. They also preach self care but yet made me change my schedule because I had therapy in the mornings, thus making me run groups at night at a different facility. Staff are very sneaky and rude if you're not in their inner circle and the moment you decide to leave, they will find any reason to write you up. They're willing to turn a blind eye to other staff though, including clear violations of practice within different roles. No paid holidays, you have to use your PTO. You are bombarded with work that is not even yours to do, you're expected to run groups, complete panels, enroll individuals and have everything updated with no help. The curriculum is a joke, it's outdated and the inmates know it. They don't care about rehabilitation, they care about how many bodies they can shove into a group. I loved working with the individuals, but the management is what made me leave. I have also heard and been told by other former staff that they have had their files "papered" upon putting in their notice. There is zero training as well and other departments are useless, they treat everything like it's a burden. There is no moving up unless you want to go DOC. The pay is laughable as well, along with the "benefits". If you really care about making a difference, go somewhere else because this place will leave you burnt out, angry and all around just disappointed.

It is a good experience to work with a population that struggles with homelessness and drug or alcohol addiction. I learned about an entire different career field (namely acute, short-term, and long-term drug and alcohol treatment). Like any other career field, it also has its own jargon. 

The job requires you to meet a certain productivity standard that is really hard to obtain when working in recovery so because of this, this job requires very long hours, sometimes over 10 hours a day to meet the job requirements. On top of running groups, individual counseling, discharges, and intakes, they expect you to chase after clients who do not show to anything. While the supervisors, chitchat or scroll through Amazon. When asked about raises, we get shut down. This job is definitely not worth the burnout and frustration that it gave me. Also, they don’t support their staff. They don’t provide supervision or ways to help with compassion fatigue, and burn out. Instead, they pile more stuff on your plate because management don’t want to deal with it. However, the clients that are served at this company are very genuine and hard-working people trying to stay in recovery, and deserve better clinicians and management.

Unfortunately, company seems to value business and numbers over physical patient care. Job description was unclear from the start and was given training more than a year after starting. Very unclear lines of communication from direct staff and outside supervisors. The level of unprofessionalism is truly astounding. You will not be valued as an employee with very minimal room to grow.  The wages are unlivable for a Massachusetts resident. The most enjoyable part of the job was building meaningful relationships with patients and being able to see them learn and grow over time. I spent 2 years of my time with this company and did not receive an exit interview nor a goodbye from my coworkers if that can tell you anything about company culture. 

I have been with Spectrum for the past 6 years working as a nurse. Just like any other jobs there's good and bad apples. The good ones take over the bad ones -- wonderful team, treat each other with respect and really care for you and for the patients.  The upper management cares about you. They don't deny PTO or if you have to leave early, they will cover if needed.  They always have your back.  Patient population can be challenging at times, but you feel you are making a difference if you put your heart into this job.  Great trainings are offered, bonuses twice a year, mileage reimbursement and generous increases yearly.  Room to grow as nurse if you put yourself out there!  Work life balance is the best overall.  I highly suggest any new nurse to give it a try!

I worked at the inpatient unit in Weymouth, MA. I worked there when Project Turnabout was on the second floor and the first floor was half ATS and half CSS. It was pretty chaotic but it was a great place to learn and grow. I don’t know what it’s like now but I hear the whole building is all CSS now. That probably makes things more manageable and less chaotic. However, when I worked there it was a zoo! Clients were out of control and supervisors often dissapeared, leaving you with wolves.
 
The Westboro, MA  location was far more orderly and structured. Weymouth was this troubled program that the leadership didn’t know what to do with or how to fund it. 

I had a wonderful time while I worked there. My dept got along for the majority time that I was there. The HR "leader" could NEVER be in her office and work or be on a phone call alone. Their "Open door policy" was true but then anything you said would fall on deaf ears and nothing would be done about any issue. So as an employee beware what you tell some people in HR because it could come and bite you later. I am NOT saying dont take a job there. Depending on where you work and who you work for, you could have a great and rewarding experience. 
Good Luck. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Spectrum was good about paying for any Job Training/CEUS

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Everything and EVERYONE!!! You never had time for ANYTHING!!  Micromanage you on everything ex clothing you wear, hair styles, hair and many more. There was no set schedule FOR ANYTHING OR ANYONE!!!

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Hostile, due to everyone listening at all the lies and negative things when they first start which in turn keeps everyone at odds with each other 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Chaotic! Walking long distances and standing all day

provides valuable services and support, and my overall experience was positive. The staff genuinely cares about the clients and works hard to create an environment of recovery and healing. The programs are well-structured, and many of the resources offered are highly effective for individuals seeking help.

That said, one challenge I experienced was the frequent changes in management. Transitions seemed to happen often, which sometimes affected the consistency of communication and leadership. While most staff remained professional and focused, the adjustments in management could be disruptive at times, and it felt like processes and expectations were constantly shifting

In the beginning while training, managers are supportive and want to make sure you are set up for success. At first your caseload is manageable but as soon as a staff leaves or the number of incarcerated individuals increase, your case load becomes unmanageable. Depending on what program you are expected to run 3/4 groups a day for 2 and the remaining time you need to fit in lunch and documentation. Although they started giving 4 day work weeks, managers were first priority and denied requests for program needs. The raises were great but overall higher ups seem out of touch and expect a perfect outcome.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Counselor 14 salaries reported	$24.85 per hour
Nurse 4 salaries reported	$36.25 per hour
Greeter 8 salaries reported	$34.50 per hour
Clinician 2 salaries reported	$67,500 per year
Technician 5 salaries reported	$22.76 per hour

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