Pros
What I like about the company is its sense of humility towards inert challenges in this profession. Whether that is Macro level changes at the Federal, State or the Mezzo level with Insurance, the company is transparent about these pressures and why norms sometimes have to change. Being one of the industry leaders in pay for mental health providers has attracted a lot of talented and diverse providers. Not having to pay monthly premiums for health insurance is a hidden benefit to every full time staff member. 401k matching, although small, is a nice perk for retirement while the majority of the benefit is paid in compensation to the therapist for their own choices on how to invest it. Being in an environment of least constriction for a provider (other than contracts, laws, norms of location, etc.) is seen as the best approach to allow both the client and the clinician to choose how services are delivered. The CEO is willing to meet with any employee, contractor or potential candidate so that authenticity, compassion and values can be assessed. Evaluate the truth for yourself today!
Cons
Leadership is trying to ride a bucking bronco of expectations and individual preferences to appease. Almost always someone is unhappy with decisions that incorporate the balancing act of being client-centered, staff-centered and organization resilient. As the CEO, what I particularly see as a con is entitlement from a few employees who tend to “play the victim” and are generally not accountable. Abuses by one or a few employees can lead to a policy being formed that lessens the freedom for all. This has led to the company developing very clear and extensive manuals and handbooks with anxiety of the loopholes that are being sought to exploit. Without context, this can look like an organization that just wants to make up rules and wants to control everyone unreasonably. Unfortunately, there are groups of people who leverage every opportunity to spin leadership messaging and frame team members into something they are not. You can see that in some of the Glassdoor allowed comments that contain absolute mis-truths. This exists in every organization I have worked in. Still, it needs to be addressed with professionalism, perseverance and resolve. I feel Stronger Oregon is tending, open to feedback and always pursuing improvement.