direct support professional

administrative clerk

direct support worker

director of social services

program manager

Karis Disability Services

A whole lot of family members all assigned under the same manager really not sure how or why this is allowed..  All of these family members are on great terms with the manager and get exceptional treatment compared to other employees who are not close with the manager personally.  The manager will scold you the way A parent would scold a small child that said something ridiculous, we are all grown adults here and to keep things professional by telling your employee what they could have done better in a positive way is not the hardest thing to do. It is a very toxic work environment with the manager favouring a select few.

The pay could be a lot better since you have to deal with clients on a wide spectrum of disorders a lot of them being behavioral issues.  You get to hear clients curse you out and treat you terribly daily as well as your manager and the select few that they like.  The select few that the manager likes somehow are able to get better schedules, vacation days will be more of a priority than your vacation days, and this attitude that they think they're better than you in every way.  

Team meetings are the most unproductive waste of time thing that can happen, and once again the select few that are on the good side of the manager come out guns blazing calling out people they don't like about something they could have done better.  Insanely crazy how this "family" can make the work environment feel so toxic with their arrogant attitude.  The one individual who schedules staff also happens to have a daughter that works under the same manager which is a definite conflict of interest.  I honestly wouldn't care about any of these cons if the pay was decent at least $25/hr but instead to start out with you don't even make 20 per hour.

The best bet this company has is they get the union which will be able to back us up and help negotiate better pay.  You can tell the manager and their select few oppose the union and are convincing people not to vote for it.

My average day can be summed up into 4 words: care, welfare, security, and support. Those are the pillars of Christian Horizons approach to the persons we support with developmental disabilities. I have learned through my experience here and in the past that to really care for one is to look deeper into the heart of the matter; and of the person, too. To care enough to listen, though it may be tough (literally). To reach out to those otherwise left alone. To take time to see where a person is coming from, and how to get them along to where they need/wish to be. Welfare and Security go hand-in-hand, to put the integrity and safety of others first, especially those most vulnerable. And in all ways possible, support the people who put their trust in you to live happy and well balance lives full of love. 
The Management and Staff team are excellent, and have been together on average for 3 years. They have gotten to know the people they support, so I have learned from the best how to best serve and love these people.
The hardest part of the job is the emotional attachment, with having the tendency to bring the compassion, and sometimes. heartbreak home with you. That takes firm resolve, and faith in the goodness of others placed in their path.
The most enjoyable part of the job is seeing moments of victory in the lives of people supported. For example: making a bond with one of the clients, sharing a laugh for the first time.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The residents are for sure the best part, it is heartbreaking that 75% of their staff dont believe that being nice to them will encourage positive behavior and overall happiness 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Managers who walk in and take over in the middle of an incident.  I'm guessing it is not in their job requirements to complete safe management..or to maybe comprehend the course.  The staff bully each other and it is disgusting.   37 years of working and no where is perfect but this place is disgusting the way the staff are to each other and forget about doing behind closed doors ..  it's done on the floor, poor clients who sadly have to listen to the negatively and hatred spoken each day.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Bullying...I thought I was back in high school, but no at least in high school they had guidance counselors for support.   The manager I had actually fead into this behavior. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Trying to just be in clients rooms eith them so I didnt have to sit in living room with the 3 other staff who would complain every single day about same stuff about mamgmentand then complain daily about clients behavior...horrible environment..put me into actual depression

To the point
1.  If your contract, your roles and expectations are not reflected in your salary.  There has been no real raise in 9 years.  While DSP work very hard frontline and care about what they do, they are constantly getting burnt out due to shortages and unrealistic work demands being piled sky high, which equates to less one on one with the people we support.  It also means that it's very difficult to get your vacation time and since they consider you essential needs if they can't cover you, then you don't get your vacation.  
2. Work culture used to be fun.  Now the majority of DSP are angry, bitter, feel unheard and powerless to create positive change.
3.  Our benefits have taken a MAJOR hit unless your in a contract of over 35hr.
4.  Management is NOT forthcoming and withhold information that can often put people at risk.
5.  While some managers strive to do the best they can, not all are easy to work with and some are flat out bullys.
6.  Very stressful and the job politics are the worst.

7.  Positive:  the people you will meet and support will make you grow and become a better human being.
8. As much as your teaching them, their teaching you.
9. You will learn some great life skills that transfer over to everyday life.
10. Fast paced work environment that is always changing.

This job offered insight into the lives of persons with special needs in a very intimate day to day manner. The joys of seeing change for the good in some of our clients, no matter how small, were great rewards. The joy of a smile when you remembered their favourite treat, or helped them to accomplish something otherwise impossible for them, (going out in public) was unique and special.
 
The dynamic of  the work was with a team and often this could be difficult in a situation where the 2 staff members found it difficult to accept each other. 
I found having some time before shift started, to organize and  decide on each workers responsibilities was a good way to get things done efficiently, and to ensure that our clients needs were always being met. 

Too often, however I found that the little things we tried to do with, and for, our clients were getting set aside and becoming 'of no importance' due to the increase in the amount of paperwork and extra work load placed on the staff by management. 
The hardest thing was to have to say 'no' to a special person, in order to have to fill in forms and do filing etc.

The best thing I could possibly do for you is convince you not to work for this company. I've worked for the organization for 6 years and while it looks good on paper the culture of support boils down to one concept: senior management is protected. Support staff take the blame. And persons supported take the downfall. 

I've seen countless times where the people who live at  these homes are harmed (2 cases where the person tragically died) because of management neglecting to put REAL safety measures in place despite the staff (the people who know the person) begging for action.  Every single time this happens there is a protocol in place that shifts the blame from management's inaction and puts it directly on the staff.

The pay and benefits are good all things considered and so staff get trapped in the system  (myself included) with a resume of useless job experience.

If you need a short term fix with super flexible hours then a relief position might be for you. Just be careful to keep everything at arms length and always always always cover yourself in matters of accountability.

A typical day would vary greatly depending on the group home where you work.  But, in general, you assist clients with getting ready for the day (to varying degrees), preparing meals, attending classes, and working jobs.

I learned a great deal at this job about people with developmental disabilities, management styles, and life in general.

The co-workers are generally pleasant, but sometimes stressful situations can make for some conflict.

The hardest part of the job is feeling like you're not making progress in helping the clients grow (which is a major part of our job); it is common to teach skills over and over without it making an impact.

The most enjoyable part of the job is spending time with the clients; without the many responsibilities on your plate it would be a fairly enjoyable experience spending significant amounts of time with the people we support.

I've worked for Christian Horizons in Ontario for several years. I've held various positions. While I believe in the mission and the company, the Toronto district management could use an overhaul. CEO and Executive staff are amazing. They are truly people to believe in and look up to as they lead the company. 
The culture of the organization is fine, however my specific employment position has become toxic and unfortunately there are not many openings for advancement at this time, so I have begun to look elsewhere. I love the my job, however the politics and my direct supervisor have made it very stressful and difficult to continue in. I have limited work life balance currently and can not wait to be transferred or move on. 
Don't let that deter you from working for this amazing organization though. Pay is fair, benefits are great and there are opportunities for growth and advancement if you are willing to put in the work! I have mostly valued and enjoyed my time there!

Love working with the people I support . My shift is working the evenings there 4 days per week. I cook , clean take individuals to appointments when needed and help to encourage them to do as much for themselves as they can do as this does help with their self esteem. Management is good and supportive to any issues big or small. All of my co-workers are very helpful if I have any issues or just need some advice. hardest part of my job is seeing the individuals not have the same home and family contact that we would  have and wish they could have more life experiences with family and friends. The most enjoyable part of my job is one on  one relationships with them and knowing they really do appreciate what you do for them even as something as simple as going to Tim Hortons for a coffee in most cases makes their day. Something most of us take for granted.

If you are looking for a job that you can stay in for a number of years CH is a very secure employer. They offer uniform training for all their employees which makes it easy to move to different locations across Ontario. If you are a full time employee there are good benefits, okay pay and some opportunity for trainings. 
If you are good at your job as a DSP you will likely not advance at all in your career. As they need and want you on the floor. Very few opportunities to move upwards in the company. Managers will use your skills and offer little reward in return. 
Horrible management at all levels. The best part will be the people you support and (if you’re lucky) the bonds you form with your team members. It’s the type of job where you flip flop on “wow I can’t believe I get paid to do this” to “I don’t get paid enough for this.”

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Direct support professional 367 salaries reported	$24.82 per hour
Administrative clerk 20 salaries reported	$19.50 per hour
Direct support worker 16 salaries reported	$24.58 per hour
Director of social services 14 salaries reported	$19.43 per hour
Program manager 4 salaries reported	$37.29 per hour

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