Pros
The children and the families are the only reason that I go in each day. To be able to make the difference in the lives of children throughout Bergen county is rewarding. You get to interact with school leaders, court liasons, child study team case managers and have the opportunity to network. The benefits are definately a Pro for working here. Bergen's Promise is also always hiring so you get to meet some pretty awesome people while here and also providers from several different agencies. The support staff are the best support staff that I've worked with, they are helpful and help make the day run smoothly. There's a supervisor (AJ) who has a connection with almost all the CMs that should be used as a model to help the other supervisors get on board. She's personable, welcoming and supportive while making sure your work is done. When she started BP, she brought so much warmth into the officespace. The BHH staff have been a great asset to the staff as well. They are able to bring issues like wellness into the office. They make it fun and worthwhile. At least they get it and listen to help make things a little bit easier. HR staff and the CFO are the nicest people you'll ever work with. They truly care about the needs of the employees and give clear instruction of what is expected of you as a care manager.
Cons
Management cannot retain the quality staff that they hire. Since June 1, 2015, I watched over 15 great people leave due to the unrealistic workloads, the poor quality of the micromanaging supervisors, and the lack of promotions from within. The CMS dont understsnd the job that CMs do so its difficult for them to supervise you. There's no real reason for the middle manager, they print reports and ask you why a kid wasnt seen, hardly ever are they able to give you direction that's needed. The infamous quote is "ask your peers". Thats not supervision. Upper management cares more about progress note/report numbers rather than meeting the needs of the families. There is a clear distinction between management and the cms. Hardly ever do they take the time to say thank you unless it's through a foolish passive aggressive email that just kills office rapport even more.
