Mixed experiences! Room for optimism if CO listens more!
Pros
Progress foundation is a wonderful place to work, not because of the organization itself, but because of the clients. It is meaningful work that will impact you deeply. You will likely work with likeminded individuals that are amazing. I've worked in most of the programs and conditions do vary. Some programs are better run than others. The particular house I did eventually go full time at was a wonderful work environment with fantastic coworkers and a very knowledgeable program director. It was very difficult for me to leave because of the connection I had to the clients and co-workers. The social rehab model is radical and breaks down a lot of barriers in the way providers interact with the clients. The benefits are excellent and are what keep most long term employees.
Cons
Despite the amazing rewards in this job, this agency has MANY MANY issues that aren't being addressed. Likely because of overwhelm and understaffing at the top mixed with not keeping up with the times. Many of the staff have no training and education and this is problematic on several levels. The schedule is extremely hard on the staff being that it is rotating. The overnights are detrimental to the staffs physical and mental health and any voiced concerns seem to fall on deaf ears. Most staff develop sleep disorders or physical ailments. Ironically this mental health agency doesn't seem to consider the mental health of the staff and the schedule is such that the work:life ratio is severely compromised. HR is pretty difficult to deal with an not helpful. There needs to be a better policy around controlled medications being left in the programs after a client discharges for the safety of the staff. Many whom are in recovery. There is a lot of miscommunication and if you need clarification on a policy you are likely to get different answers depending on who you ask in senior management. This agency also does not really have any ergonomic requirements. It's not uncommon for staff to incur injuries and suffer from neck and back pain. The relationship between central office and actual front line staff is adversarial. They seem to be out of touch on monumental levels. Depending on the house, you will likely find an environment running on fear of medi-cal regulations and yearly audits. Admin are on call 24/7 for weeks at a time which speaks to the lack of balance. There are no real polices or practices regarding staff safety or workplace violence. Equiptment is not adequate. You may be waiting for a computer all shift yet get supervision for not finishing your notes. The phones regularly go out and staff offices are cramped and difficult to work in.
