preschool teacher

youth worker

senior case manager

case worker

teacher

Urban Strategies

This company is good for a few weeks until you get to really know the executive and leadership team and how things work. This company does not care about the programs they operate, but the money and the reputation. You can’t have good reputation if you don’t start with your own employees treating them with “dignity and respect” as they reinforce on every training they provide. This company is a representation of “do what I say, not as I do!” If these people don’t like you personally, you will not move up or will get fired. They use GOD and the core values of “authentic relationships,””servant leadership,” and “intentional compassion,” to manipulate and blindside community partners. I do not recommend people to work here, unless you’re ready to vow and praise to the leadership wants, not what’s better for the program you work for! 

I worked at Urban Strategies Inc. for over a year. While the pay was higher than many local employers, the overall experience was extremely poor. I worked in a windowless janitor’s closet the entire time. Leadership, from local directors to the regional manager, was either disrespectful, incompetent, or entirely performative. Morale was low, and no one I worked with had confidence in upper management. I consistently had the best performance numbers, completed the majority of reports, and took on extra responsibilities as others dropped the ball. When I asked for a raise, I was told I’d need to write an essay explaining why I deserved it. I never received a formal performance review. Trainings were inconsistent, and the employee handbook was weaponized against staff while protecting management. Proceed with caution.

A typical day at work includes greeting the parents with a warm welcome upon arrival,following up with the needs of the parents ,and children, following up with referrals made for services to help assist the students, inviting the parents to workshops to help enhance their skills, following up with medical ,and dental forms, and planning events and trips for the students .

I learned how to deal with a variety of cultures in my program.

Management facilitates a workshop on professionalism for the employees at the company.

I have 26 co-workers at my site.

The hardest part of the job is making sure enrollment is completed every year.

The most enjoyable part of the job is working with the parents and the students.

To work at Urban Strategies is amazing and always interesting. Every day, work is filled with a lot of kids to look after and teach at the same time. My time as a youth counselor taught me that with kids you must be patient with them. Not everybody will get it the first time around. The workplace is blessed with great management, but the same cannot be said with the coworkers. Some people who work only come to work and don't do anything. The hardest part of the job to me is working together with my coworkers because of their lack of communication skills. The most enjoyable part of the job is the time spent with the children as I get to know them and they get to know me.

Current director of Tampa Refugio is passionate about the job and serving the children, which is very important. 
However, management in general is not organized the "communication culture" amongst the organization is poor. I believe if communication is improved and favoritism throughout the chain of employees is demolished, the work environment would skyrocket. 
To the daily life of an in-person employee at a shelter, I must note that if you value people, compassion, and serving young immigrants and families, you will find an abundance of meaning working in this company.   

What is the best part of working at the company?
The job was somewhat remote (light travel)

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most stressful part about working at this company was dealing with my supervisor

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Toxic, disrespectful, petty, you feel like you are walking on eggshells, unprofessional, it drains your soul to log in for this company.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
It was to log in and receive random calls throughout the day from your supervisor to ensure you are sitting infront of the computer

This company is facing numerous issues of conflict of interest. Management frequently hires individuals who have previously worked with them at another company. Human Resources is absent during interviews, giving local managers free rein. Also, most employees don’t meet the minimum requirements for the positions, such as being bilingual and able to drive the company’s vehicles. Additionally, management often disregards employee input despite instances where their judgment is flawed or not based on solid principles.

I confess that although working at the Urban Strategies headquarters meant a boost for my career professionally, in the personal area it was a horrible challenge!! The treatment that the supervisors offer to the workers is horrible. They prevent you from sitting for 8 hours while they even cross their feet, they walk around permanently with their phone while you as a Youth Care Worker are forbidden to have it on you. Favoritism is what determines the individual treatment between supervisors and management staff.

Started off good because they use buzz words like “community” and “servant leadership” but this is not at all a open-door let’s work together to build each other up kind of environment. Managers are unqualified (pay is low so no wonder!) and work load is terrible because turn around is so fast. This is FOR PROFIT organization so don’t get it twisted. That’s why no one wants to “collaborate”. 

Micromanage work environment with no flexibility. You will not receive support from the program director and have to go by anything she says. Recently the company has decided that staff will work holidays, if you want to take it off you must use your vacation time. If you don’t comply with everything that program director says, you will have a hard time because always has to have the final say and HR is no support. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Preschool teacher 24 salaries reported	$17.30 per hour
Youth worker 38 salaries reported	$21.22 per hour
Senior case manager 4 salaries reported	$33.72 per hour
Case worker 10 salaries reported	$33.25 per hour
Teacher 5 salaries reported	$54,346 per year

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