direct support professional

group manager

program coordinator

developer

shift manager

Toward Independence, Inc.

I spent more time at work with the clients than I did at home with my own family. They say upper management is there to help you succeed  and support both staff and clients..unless it comes to working in the homes (especially after office hours). Supervisors forced overtime is not fair, I can understand if there’s a shift not covered they have to cover it or find someone, but I was under the impression that if the supervisor couldn’t find coverage or cover it themselves upper management would assist.. I see some of these dsps and supervisors working in these homes 7 days a week, long hours and even days at a time.  On occasion you’ll find upper management out of the office, but not very often and not very long. There’s definitely a staff shortage, and the pay for working with some of the clients should definitely be more. The company itself was very nice to work for, they do care about the clients and the staff, but burnout will be the definate outcome from working here as a dsp or a supervisor. This can be an extremely rewarding job, just  know your limits and set your boundaries, the pay could definitely be better but when you see what a difference you make in the clients lives it’s well worth it. 

I’ve read through a lot of the reviews, and what I am seeing has not been my experience. My PC is there for me anytime I need, with the exception of not being on call, but there is always another pc that will answer any questions or help where needed. The training is more than any other company I’ve worked for in this field, and it is also one of the highest paying I’ve encountered. If you are in this job for the money, look elsewhere, because your main thing should be wanting to make a disabled individual’s life easier, so they can live comfortably on their own, and the company gets their pay rates from the state.  I do agree that this job is not for everyone, to work in this field you must have a compassionate, loving heart, you must have an immense amount of patience, you must be an honest individual and you must know how to keep your emotions in check. They offer some great benefits, including sign on bonuses and referral bonuses. If you do end up working a double shift, they try to be sure that you have some relief in between with a break. The upper management that I’ve personally met have been extremely helpful and wouldn’t hesitate to help you with any question. The consumers are amazing. For this reviews saying that consumers should not be in homes, that’s simply not true, the homes are there to service those in this wonderful community of people. I highly recommend a job at toward Independence.

Working at Toward Independence provides an opportunity to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing them with supports and structure they need to thrive in the communities where they live.

Typical days include providing supervision for them to help them achieve their personal goals, spending time doing recreational activities in the community and transportation to wherever they need to go. 

Management stays involved and helpful to provide staff with the skills they need to help meet the company's obligation to honor Individual Service Plans (ISPs) made with the each individual. 

Management stays actively involved, but isn't too direct. Always there to lend a hand, but also hold DSPs and individuals being served accountable for their progress, performance and commitments. Co-workers come from various different walks of life .Skill and commitment levels vary, but most attempt to stay competent. 

Hardest part of the job is dealing with negative behaviors of individuals being served, while the most enjoyable part is working to make a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities in the local community and helping them stay safe and involved as much as possible.

Many individuals haven’t been on trips or vacations. Over this last year, and going into 2024 our individuals will have had opportunities to go on: two trips to TN, two different cruises, Disney world, staycation, and multiple concerts, and other experiences. We just recently got back from a trip, and our 91 year old said how much fun he had, and he wants to go again. TI is one of the few agency’s that offers Lyft rides for weather emergencies, or something like a flat tire to ensure staff can make it to shift. This is at no cost to the employee’s. I can’t believe how advanced they are with technology from clocking in/out, documentation, MARS, and having their own “intranet”. There’s a multitude of free trainings available to any employee for growth. The individuals are incredible, and seeing them do things across the homes, developing friendships, and taking control over their lives has been so rewarding. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
The best part is helping people become independent and live the best life possible . The company also provide additional training to you always have that guidance. I also learn alot from each individual on how to be more patient and together become a an amazing worker and a great team player .

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
When you don't have support or back up from your PC when I'm being attacked by my staff when they are clearing wrong when they know the rules but I'm told to remain professional. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very friendly warm welcoming and benefits and quirks. Outside of work. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I like the one on one , very smooth and being compassionate and to look up and she her smile is the best reward . And Also getting to know her specials needs and learning ways to make her life better everyday.

A typical day at work includes the following: prepare meals, assist w/ daily living activities ( baths, grooming, etc.), transport individuals to store, community outings, etc. deep clean home, pass medicines, money management, delegate responsibilities, oversee flow of home at times, document progress of individuals,etc.
I have learned nothing. Every skill that I use I've already posses. Management is not professional at all. I've learned in order to advance you must be apart of the click. Management will use you to get what they want then your nothing to them afterward. Also they do not give good references because they want their loyal employees to be trap in this dead in job. Co- workers are pleasant. The hardest part of this job is knowing employees have no rights to protect them. And knowing how hard I work day in and day out and I'm unappreciated. The most enjoyable part of this job is interacting with the clients. They bring so much life into the home with their different, humorous personalities.

Now I am going to be completely raw. When you first apply they send you all the “ OPEN AVAILABLE SHIFTS” you pick it do your training but some how either A someone wants the schedule or it's truthfully not even available so you maybe knocked off the schedule constantly because its seniority so if a staff wants the hours they will take you off and claim you have to drive all the way to xenia. Secondly they communication sucks!!! Its a horrible place to work they pull rules out they a**. Have several med errors all the time they will write you up for nothing . Management is all for them not the staff. I would not work here i left my job thinking i would have ft schedule and been flopped around for months now!! I feel like this place would be amazing if they simply just treated everyone the same do more team meeting make staff feel appreciated we do alot here we handle alot 

The individuals are great but management does not do their jobs, they never respond to anything unless it's for them, you get written up for their mistakes, they put their job duties on the DSP staff, they do not want a good relationship between the staff and guardian who is caring for their family members to communicate in anyway with each other that's terrible I would want to know how my family member is treated and be able to communicate with the people who are responsible for the health and safety of my family member , certain staff members who do not do anything are praised for a poor job performance, management does not want to hear any concerns staff have about individuals, you are good working here as long as you do not report concerns about individuals or staff, and do not schedule you on your available time, Over all TERRIBLE PLACE to work.

When they hire you they say overtime is optional. But then pressure you into it anyway. Schedules are fixed so if you have school or kids look elsewhere. Did not feel safe in the home and it's very isolating. In orientation they make is seem so great and that you are building amazing connections with amazing people. It's not always the case. These are just people like anyone else and can be mean, scary, unpredictable, and you will be by yourself dealing with it. Constantly understaffed. Expect you to put your life on hold for the clients. This job is not for everyone. You must have a giant heart, an endless supply of patience and a soul full of compassion. You must be able to put your ownproblems on hold and put clients first. Overall, managers were great If ultimately unhelpful. Job was stressful and isolating. I had to put my own mental health first and get out.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The clients they make you feel special and you the one making them comfortable but you end up being the one who life changes

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
It wasn't any unless you had family members that were a little to deal with which was rarely but I loved what I did 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It was ok I never had a problem until a new person with no experience in the field come in and change things not for the benefits of the clients but to their needs but it was the clients I was drawn to 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
It's not one it's always something new never a dull moment I had two different clients and each one was  unique and it was different each day but fun

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 21 salaries reported	$17.43 per hour
Group manager 16 salaries reported	$20.84 per hour
Program coordinator 2 salaries reported	$52,000 per year
Developer 3 salaries reported	$17.28 per hour
Shift manager 3 salaries reported	$21.92 per hour

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