direct support professional

participant

residential supervisor

employment specialist

habilitation specialist

UCP Central PA

I have worked in Human Services for almost 20 years.  The experience I had at this place was so heartbreaking and horrific that I left Human Services and never looked back.  I was a supervisor for a program and adored all of my participants and most of my staff.  However, as the supervisor, I was placed in a situation where I had to write up a staff member for shift abandonment and refusal to do assigned work.  This individual retaliated on me the next day by making a false report and telling the administration that I said something to a program participant--a phrase which has never left my lips in my professional or personal life at any time.  They used this as the excuse to get rid of me, although it wasn't the real reason, because it was an easy and convenient way to be rid of me.  This is not the first time I have experienced this type of treatment in Pennsylvania, but this is the incident that ended up breaking my spirit.  While I was there I saw some of my staff members being bullied by other staff members, people calling out and leaving the program understaffed without repercussions, and people being derogatory towards each other and towards the participants.  They even did this in the presence of outside agencies.  Some of the staff there have a goal in mind of complaining about certain participants until they can get them discharged from the program.  That's not "Love Without Limits".  All of this was reported to upper management by me and nothing was done.  I now have a deep seated fear of having a child end up in a program like this.  The things I saw were truly heartbreaking.

I was on their automated phone list for several weeks and on their ADP notifications for several months, receiving notices that employees were taking time off and so forth.  It would have been nice if someone from upper management would have cared enough to shut off those things and spare me the constant pain of being reminded of what was taken from me.  They also have a "grievance" policy which is fake.  I filed a lengthy grievance within 24 hours of being terminated, but never received any response.  I would imagine that they didn't respond because they're likely inundated with these things after reading the other reviews on Indeed!  I had to wait over a month to get my personal belongings from the office, even though I was wrongfully terminated and did nothing wrong to anyone there.

While I was there I put in 5 "star awards" through their recognition program and 5 "speedbump and solution" suggestions through their feedback program, which were all based around improving morale in the workplace.  I am constantly looking for ways to reflect optimism back to people and make people's lives better.  These aren't the types of employees that they want or value though.  I was salaried at 37 hours a week and was putting in 55-60 hours every week.  I was not made to do that--rather, that's who I am as a person.  This was work I chose to put in to better the lives of my participants and my staff.  Again, those aren't the type of employees that they are looking for.  They say that they want "gold standard" employees, but I was overlooked and then completely rejected by them in spite of what I offered to the program, and in spite of the fact that I foolishly believed in their mission statement.  I hope that whoever is there now isn't going through the same treatment!

At UCP we work within teams that are focused on supporting the individuals and providing them a home that they know is theirs, ensuring that they are safe and working together to provide the  individual  full and happy  life. We plan activities in the home and out in our local community with each of the individuals, we support and make the activities and/or community participation geared to the interests and preferences of each person.
While  working at UCP, I have learnt, that it is important for our individuals to have connections in their local community where they make friends and are contributing members, e.g they are church members and are members of the choir.  
The management team is visible, we have opportunities to discuss issues that matter to us, the management team is always supportive and takes time to listen to all the employees. The quarterly meetings with the executive team are open to all employees and we (staff) are offered the opportunity  to ask questions or get an understanding of what is happening within our company.
One of the hardest part of my job is when our individuals are not well and they cannot express or communicate how they are feeling or understand what may be happening to them. 
One of the best parts of my job is seeing the smiles on our individuals when they are happy, celebrating life and living everyday to their fullest.

I worked for UCP part time for about 2 years. My experience with the organization was very much positive. Management was very accommodating in giving me a work schedule that matched my needs. Pay was always on time and was accurate (as long as paperwork was sent in). Staff and management were always available to help with any situations that come up. They answer their phone at anytime, and will speak with you in person also anytime if needed. 
For me this job was not just about the pay, but more about the experience of spending time with some very special "consumers". At times it can be difficult as in when helping people get through tough life situations to overcome limitations.Other times the job is actually fun, like taking someone to bowling, horseback riding, to parks, the mall, or other nice places.
If I were to express a gripe, it would be that this job can mean putting a good amount of miles and wear and tear on your own personal vehicle. For transporting consumers I felt a company vehicle availability would have been preferred, although there is mileage reimbursement available.
Overall I would very much recommend UCP as a good organization to work for if you think you are suited for this type of work.

I have worked for UCP going on 5 years now and I absolutely love my job and the company that I work for!  UCP is a very diverse company and is committed to the individuals they serve and the employees that work for them.  Here at UCP everybody works as a team to ensure we are giving the best care possible.  I work in one of the residential homes as a residential supervisor.  All jobs can be stressful and this job is no exception but when you have a great team and support from management it makes the stresses of the job easier knowing that you are not alone and someone is always there to turn to.  One of the best things about my job is going home everyday knowing that I made a positive difference in someone’s life.  There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t laugh and have fun at work.  Watching the individuals experience or learn something new is so heart warming and what could be more rewarding than that? UCP has gone above and beyond to provide me with the training that I need to excel at my job.  I would recommend UCP to anyone ready and willing to make a positive difference in the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

I truly believe UCP Central management absolutely thrive on turning its employees existence upside down. Your best is never good enough, or appreciated. The people who schedule attendants ,are very much aware of the difficult clients'and although you are the tenth attendant being assigned for that particular client......they fail to tell you the history behind failed work relationships between client and attendant. (Difficult,impossible people to work for.)Management runs you 50 miles from your home, to work a 3hour shift, only to find out thatUCP Central has employees who live right down the street from the client you are servicing!!!-I know this for a fact, because clients have stated so. Save your sanity,gas money and creditability, and work for a company who will appreciate u. I have never experienced such vile treatment from a company in all my life. I was treated like trash.I could go on and on.......this company still haunts me. Poor career choice. I learned the hard way.

I was fortunate to be able to spend the summer as an intern in UCP's Human Resources Department. During my time there I was able to shadow or experience several different aspects of the HR field: employee relations, employee record-keeping, employee recruitment, and new hire training. I learned that there are HR positions that are very people-oriented and others that are very process-oriented. The internship experience definitely increased my interest in considering a career in the HR field. I like the fact that there are so many different opportunities available and HR tracks to pursue. I also found the closeness and collegiality among UCP's HR Team to be something that I very much hope to find in whatever line of work I pursue down the road. I'd like to thank UCP CEO Judith McCowan and the entire HR team for the amazing opportunity and experience. I truly enjoyed my time working with you all and I look forward to returning to work with you over my school breaks.

I have worked for UCP for almost 19 years in several positions. Some of my responsibilities over the years include supporting families of children with disabilities, managing and providing direct support services within the home and community for adults with intellectual disabilities, and supporting the revenue cycle process with billing and collections, referrals and intakes, and capacity management. Every one of my positions have been rewarding in various ways. UCP's leadership cares about both the individuals we support and their employees. They frequently ask for employee feedback, striving to make improvements for sustaining a positive work culture, staff development, wellness, and satisfaction, and the sense of teamwork. Working in the human service field and for a nonprofit is not always easy, but knowing why we do what we do gives us a true sense of purpose and gratification.

Although UCP does have pretty good benefits, and paid time off, do not waste your time working here. You’re not even allowed to use your paid time off because the ratio’s are so awful that nobody can ever get off. The pay is absolutely awful - you can work at a grocery store being a cashier and make the same amount for way less stress. It’s a very stressful job, they have unrealistic expectations. The work load is horrendous. The upper management has really changed in the past two years and they are A JOKE. They only care about themselves and making themselves look good. They don’t care about the employees under them and they never interact with the individuals we serve, which makes me sick. Seriously, don’t waste your time. I’ve done similar jobs at other companies that have been so much better.

My responsibility is helping individuals with intellectual disability in a day program environment, but we aim to integrate them into the community as well. As a supervisor, I tend to support the individuals and work on lots and lots of paperwork. Management is amazing, they go above and beyond to assist me with my goals. The workplace culture is contingent on your co-workers. If they're good hard workers then the culture becomes elevated. The hardest part of the job is finding the perfect balance between office and on the floor responsibilities. Also, not getting compensated enough for the work we do. However, I'm working for a nonprofit and that is one of the sacrifices I have accepted in order to make a difference in the individuals' lives. Best part is hearing the individuals and staff laugh and have an amazing day.

My position as a direct support professional/care provider allows me to do meaningful work with clients with disabilities. I work with the client’s guardian(s) to set work hours on a schedule that works well for both the client and myself. Working with the client and the client’s guardian(s) has always been a positive experience for me. Transitional periods in the job such as new technology integration into work shifts and staff position replacements have sometimes been more difficult because communication with office staff was minimal and only through email.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 314 salaries reported	$18.64 per hour
Participant 13 salaries reported	$19.63 per hour
Residential supervisor 13 salaries reported	$23.50 per hour
Employment specialist 7 salaries reported	$22.29 per hour
Habilitation specialist 10 salaries reported	$18.15 per hour

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