service attendant

relief worker

attendant

recruiting coordinator

Independent Living Waterloo Region

I had a really enjoyable experience working as the Administrative Clerk for Independent Living Waterloo Region this summer. The role itself was completely different from what I expected, but in the best way possible. This position allowed me to experience working in my field of interest and reignited my passion for filming, photography, and editing because of the creative freedom we were given. I learned valuable skills such as how to use Adobe Suite, Premiere Pro, project management, creating promotional/marketing content, organizational skills, and the experience of working in an administrative environment in general. On top of that, I met so many wonderful attendants and consumers through which I was able to gain so much perspective about a community that is often overlooked, the disability community. I had the privilege of sitting on events facilitated by Community Resource Program such as T6 Talks and the Coffee Club and connecting with consumers directly about their life and experiences, insights that I would have never known about otherwise because of how silenced the disability community by our government and institutions. I have grown so much not only professionally, but as a person overall. I am incredibly grateful for my time working for ILWR this summer and would not have traded this experience for anything else. 

Not a good place to work, always short staffed, high turn around rate for employees, management not the greatest, no communication, always try to get away with last minute schedule changes without notifying you. Terrible management in this company. The managers need to be trained. Staff turn over rate is very high. Inadequate training for the job you are expected to do. Typical day at work takes all day and evening. many hours in between calls. Management is young and inexperienced and cannot be trusted to care about employees even bullies to clients and staff. An employee is more likely to be fired than have management sort out issues. Employee retention is low and clients are not the main focus of this company. Hiring practices are inadequate as there is no requirement to work for this company meaning that clients are getting inadequate care. Clients always grateful,management not all. You will never be appreciated for going above and beyond. this company will keep inexperienced employees over certified and experienced employees because they do not want the rest of the team to feel inadequate. even though they advertise that the PSW will do medical procedures according to clients direction it will be used against you should you be involved in any issue.

There is no agency in our region that provides the same type of support as ILC. This is not typical PSW work. This agency supports adults with physical disabilities to live fully independent lives of their choosing. Working here takes a special type of person because, well, when people live independently it presents many unique opportunities and sometimes challenges. However, the personal rewards for doing this work are unmatchable. Working here you know that you are making a real difference in someone's life. The pay and benefits are better than any other agency providing similar services. Are there challenges? Yes. But many of those speak to the state of healthcare in our region and not necessarily ILC's ability to continue to follow their mandate of client directed care. I read a couple of negative reviews below. That's too bad, and they are entitled to their own opinions, however  it sounds like they have had a negative experience. I speak with many clients and staff from across this agency and most are very pleased to be associated with the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region.

- lack of professionalism
- lack of ethics, respect, and value for others
- the 'team' loves to use derogatory tone, language and actions (hanging up phones on you, and cancelling you from afar without ever meeting you in person)
- they utilize previous engagements, or what they think were the same person when they weren't, as fuel to hold conscious bias against you.
- they treat all outsiders with such a lack of value and respect
- their is no true human resources department and they hire on a whim
- they do not have any training
- they call from blocked numbers to create anonymity and to prevent you from knowing who they are (shadow leadership)
- they do not own their own mistakes and their apologies fall flat as their next action is to kick you while you're down

Working at ILWR was the best job I have ever had. The staff and management are lovely and give you so much freedom and trust to get your projects done, without micromanaging. They are so patient, supportive and have created a culture of inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. They are very welcoming, friendly and they genuinely care about the well being of their employees. It is more like a family than it is a workplace and I am so grateful to have experienced this, because I now know what I want to have in a work environment. I really appreciate this organization and would absolutely work for them again. They are doing a lot of things right and other organizations I think would benefit greatly by following the work culture of ILWR. 

I was an employee at ILC previously. I left because of poor management and due to the clients being upset about the poor care services they were receiving.  I found out that the management had changed so I applied again in hopes of working for a better company with improved services and better management. I did manage to get an interview but after the interview, I did not hear back at all, did I get the position or not? it was better that I had left in the first place. It is better to work for a company that is professional and appreciates good PSW's and ILC is not it. Very disappointed! two thumbs down!

A typical day at work at independent living Waterloo region is excited and more fun. During the day it’s more productive and fun way of working. I learned many things here like how to take care of other people I developed a kind and helpful nature which is more beneficial for me. I learnt how to work in a team and excellent staff working with me taught me a lot. Workplace culture is very good and the management is always there to help me the employees whenever we require any assistance.

assisted people with disabilities to accomplish activities of daily living, durind the process I learned that nothing is impossible as long as you are willing to try or learn.
We worked in a team environment, were we assisted each other to provide a better service to consumers.
The hardest part of the job was to work for long shifts and to work over time when needed.
The most enjoyable part of the job was the to feel that you have done the best for your clients by assisting them with respect and goodwill.

Very relaxed environment.
There is no Executive Director, organization being run by 3 employees.
Enjoyed working with my co-workers
Not getting financially compensated for your work and expected to do more than one job at a time.
Not getting assistance when needed
What the organization does for the community

I have made many great relationships within this company. All the way from management to consumers. I enjoy working for ILWRC and feel appreciated for the work I do by both staff and consumers. Management is also great with communication.

Being a personal care attendant is not always easy, mentally or physically.. but the company is great for letting its employees know they are behind them and willing to help in anyway they can.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Service attendant 21 salaries reported	$20.18 per hour
Relief worker 3 salaries reported	$18.75 per hour
Attendant 3 salaries reported	$19.33 per hour
Recruiting coordinator 1 salary reported	$19.75 per hour

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