Pros
Overtime availability Generous paid leave which can be “cashed in” several times per year Many shifts available, you can usually choose a schedule that suits your needs
Cons
Upper management, DDS, and clients’ families all put pressure on managers and staff of the group homes. Veteran staff are paid less than inexperienced new hires. Bonuses are paid at year end, but the amount is unpredictable. It’s great that we can cash in our earned leave, but it stinks that I have to cash it in because I don’t make enough money. You’re pretty much on your own in the houses, with minimal supervision, which is great if you’re a slacker. If you’re the one picking up someone else’s slack, you basically have to deal with it or tell your co-worker to work. If they don’t, you do everything. And now that they pay new hires more than veteran staff, there is bound to be conflict in the houses at times. There are no merit raises, so again, if you goof off, come in late, call out a lot, you’re all set. They’ll write you up, maybe, but there sure won’t be financial repercussions!