direct support professional

licensed practical nurse

program director

residential manager

program coordinator

Sunrise Community

I joined this company last year during a transitional period on the administration level.  They were very up front with me when I asked questions during the interview about what to expect when I began working, which I appreciated and felt that it gave me an honest perspective that the work would be hard at first because of the state of things that I was coming in to - but, once establishing a process things would greatly improve (and they did).  After talking to administration about certain areas and ways to improve, I was given the encouragement and support to forge ahead. I am not naïve about the fact that not everyday is going to be rainbows and sunshine, there are days that are frustrating and cumbersome. However, you have to appreciate the goals of ensuring the consumers lives are inclusive and fulfilled by the work that we all do.  We work with developmentally and intellectually disabled persons which can be challenging at times, but the benefits far outweigh the obstacles.  Do I believe that everyone can do this type of work - no, but those who have the heart and compassion that positively affects outcomes will receive so much more in return than just a paycheck. My appreciation for every member of the staff is shared with every communication that I share because it is important to me that each and every individual knows and understands that their work is noticed and it does make a difference!  So - if you are looking for a company that allows you to impact the everyday lives of individuals - this is it! I plan on retiring with this company because I believe in its mission and purpose.

	Responsible for the In Home Support Program, Drop in Support Program, and Supported Residential Program, providing support and assistance to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities to live valued lives in the community. 
	Responsible for developing and growing the current Community Supports Program. 
	Conducting program presentations and attending work job fairs, resource fairs and other events to promote community support programs and acquire valuable resources and information at schools, county governments, hospitals, and other facilities as the opportunity becomes available.
	Meeting, assessing, and reviewing potential new individuals.
	Develop PCPS and assessments for individuals receiving services thru the community support programs.
	Attending all PCP meetings for individuals in the program.
	Conduct monthly visits to individual’s homes, and maintain regular and consistent contact with families, and outside agencies as required.
	Address issues and concerns from families and other individual’s representatives in a timely, professional and caring manner.
	Responsible for accurate monthly billing for all services rendered.
	Also responsible for In-Home Support and Drop In Support staff’s hiring, training, evaluations, scheduling, as well as handling issues that arise in the course of their daily work.
	Provide coverage for staff as needed; accompany individuals to medical and other appointments as needed.
	Responsible for the supervision of the Assistant Manager of Community Supports.


I have worked for Sunrise Community Homes, Inc. for 1 year and 4 months. I enjoy the flexibility of hours and days off. I get every other weekend off, just as with any nursing job. Excellent company to work for. This is considered as a part-time job, with opportunities to work extra to make full-time pay. Sick hours, vacation hours, investments, health insurance. There are 5 houses we serve, 4 in Thomasville and 1 in Cairo . We're in 1 house for the entire shift, whether it's 4hr, 8hr, or 12 hours. No traveling around  from house to house as with other similar companies. 

We have staff in each home that are called Direct Service Staff. They are like CNAs, but don't have the education as a CNA does. They cook, feed individuals, keep the house clean,  dress individuals, bathe-do pericare for  individuals. Nurses help DSS when needed.  Each home has a van for transportation of individuals to doctor's appointments as well as outings with individuals. Individuals are MR with several medical problems, as well. Some of them go to day programs and are there for 6-7 hours a day. Some stay in the home all day. 

It's really an easy job; with all the amenities mentioned  above.  The hardest part of the job is when the individuals are napping after lunch for about 2-3 hours. There are plenty of things to busy yourself so you won't get bored. 

Overall, a great place to work!

Sunrise Community Inc. Is a very exciting place to work, the company specialize in providing the best care possible for people with developmental disabilities. I particular love the way the company ensure to the best of its abilities to provide a nurturing home environment to the individuals. I have learned a lot from working with the company these past few years, the company provides excellent training and educate the employees on important knowledge, they need to be successful within their job. there is a outstanding amount of team work, love and care within the company. The hardest part of the job, and this is my personal opinion, Is being a 24/7 manager. I am currently a manager working in this organization, and although I love my job deeply, however I need to opportunity to be able to move away from my current position and seek something new and less stressful. I am currently a university student and sometimes it gets hard being a 24/7 manager and juggling school all at the same time. the most enjoyable part of the job is providing care to people with developmental disabilities. I believe that that is both enjoyable and rewarding :-)

Its fun to go to work sometimes depending on who you are working with. When you arrive you assist the clients with getting them dressed , assist them with breakfast, then assist them with personal hygiene so staff can transport the consumers to Day Program. I came into to this job with no experience, so I really learned a lot far as not treating anyone different that has a disability. They are no different than us. The consumers are amazing you will get attached to them they really have amazing personalities, Is not a bad job its just the management that really sucks! They have no communication skills, one doesn't like  the other, to much conflict of interest, and its more Chiefs than Indians everybody wants to the Boss but no one wants to work the floor. you cant get that out of the staff members (D.S.S.) we get along so well with each other and we our team work is incredible but the management doesn't give us credit for anything. Its like what do they care?  The job is so easy except when you don't have enough staff to work with due to a high turn over rate at this particular job because management doesn't know how to treat people with respect. Overall I really enjoy the consumers that's the only reason why I am there.

Typical day at work overwhelming, everyone knows what they are supposed to do however everyone waits for someone else to do the job instead.  Staff is always looking for a chance to seat around watch tv, or get on the phone.  The phone yes that is very common to see, someone on the phone and a client needing to be change.  Managers they do what they can but it is hard to do a good job where there are lots of favoritisms and old staff that over power the managers.  Staff would even tell you there will do nothing to them especially those that have been working there for years.  Upper management biggest fear is to be sue.  The company is already going over one for sure law sue and they are trying avoid upsetting anyone to minimize the chances of being sue.  Laundry gets done but after an argument of who is supposed to do it.  Check and change gets does every two to two and half hours weather it was needed to be done earlier or not.  If you are wet or soled you need to wait for the right time.  Staff comes and goes but if you need a pay check they take almost everyone and as long as you do what needs to be done in a fairly manner you should be ok.

I am disappointed at my time at Sunrise. I had very high hopes and thought that the mission statement meant something. There is so much favoritism and some DOs do not follow polices but expect others to follow it. I have been degraded on many occasions and treated poorly. We are just thrown into our jobs and you either sink or swim. Time and time again it has been proven that we were just bodies filling postions. Very few cared about you. Being overworked and talk about seems to be the culture here. I was not treat with respect or dignity by my supervisors and I should have been. I came with a lot of experice and the people I supported were my priority as they should be. I often questioned who actually cared and who was just collecting a check. I was constantly micro-managed and treated as if I had no clue how to do my job. I was not vauled by any higher up. I was not given adequate training for my position and I was set up to fail from the moment I walked into that house. I did not want to leave but the culture is toxic. I never saw my family and was failing school due to the work load, expectations, demands and lack of staffing.

Even though my position as a House Manger at Sunrise Community of Knoxville was difficult at times, it was also extremely rewarding. I loved knowing that every day that I came into work I was making a difference in my client's life. My duties as a House Manger was not only manage over my employees, but to also be a daily caregiver to my developmentally disabled client. A typical day at work was, my management duties (paperwork, sending paperwork for billing monthly, reviewing documentation of my employees on a daily basis, etc.), making sure that all daily needs from personal hygiene to transportation for my client was met, and making sure that medications were being distributed properly to my client by all of my medication certified employees. The hardest part of my job was the behaviors of the clients. I did have violent clients, but was able to overcome those obstacles and assist my client in reducing those behaviors.

My overall experience has been neutral. I have not experienced anything horrible from management; I do my job and go home. Some homes/clients are fairly easy and others will be so stressful it will have you looking for another job,  I've heard of employees quiting after their first day. 
My biggest issue with the company is that the staff knows the likely hood of them getting fired isn't high so some of them are CONTINOUSLY late to relieve you off your shift. I find that to be frustrating and unprofessional-espcially since it's their HABIT to be late. One staff member was ALLLLLWAYS 10 min late. Another staff was 30-45 minutes late at times. Some of your staff members will be very lazy and that will be frustrating,  especially if your client is difficult.  
Management overall could be a little more friendly. It's obviously in some of their attitudes that they are overworked. The job is fine, but it certainly isn't a profession I'd recommend as a long-term job.

If you get a job here just remember to leave your soul at home so they don’t have a chance to drain it from you. Pay raises and bonuses are non existent, but plenty of BS “appreciation” certificates. Their version of bonuses is giving you something like a candle (if that) so please don’t expect anything else for the rest of the year. If you’re looking for promotions, also basically non existent. The upper management is made of people who will die there. They don’t check on their management and don’t care to. If you have people constantly leaving and even just walking out of a job, how do you not go see what’s going on with management? There’s so much gossip. They like to pretend they’re a family, which should let you know how toxic the environment is. People here also accept no accountability for the things they do and will do absolutely anything to put the blame on others (typical corporate). If you have a regular 9-5 position the work life balance is fine. The people with salaries not so much. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 14 salaries reported	$16.88 per hour
Licensed practical nurse 5 salaries reported	$31.49 per hour
Program director 2 salaries reported	$35,725 per year
Residential manager 9 salaries reported	$53,517 per year
Program coordinator 1 salary reported	$21.00 per hour

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