03/06/2022
This message is to all the individuals who are looking for employment and may read the NEGATIVE reviews left on Indeed, Google or other review sites! I have remained quiet about them as I do not want to give negativity attention, but I want to let you know that while we are always a work in progress, we continue to strive to be the BEST SUPPORTED LIVING AGENCY IN SPOKANE!!!
Please remember one thing, try to remember that often when a negative review is left it is either by a disgruntled employee or one that had many opportunities to correct the actions that may have eventually cost them their employment with our agency. We have an extensive teaching and training program before we say this isn't working.
Here's what I can tell you we struggle with on a daily basis in this environment. Gossip, clicks, etc. occur and even though we try to shut it down, there's a reason that so many soap operas are created with a healthcare setting in mind! lol! In addition, you have to remember we have a wide variety of ages that work in this industry and while I wished that everyone gets along, there are days that things aren't always happy and sunny for everyone.
COVID has not done any favors for us in this industry or many others for that fact. What I can say about the employees that stood strong with us during COVID is that they have amazing resolve, incredible hearts, tenaciousness, and strong work ethic!
Yes, is this a family created business. It is. Are there people within our organization that are related, friends, etc.? Yes. Some of those relationships developed here in our agency, some occurred prior to working here, etc. I wanted to create an environment where people could feel safe in their employment with us and grow with us if they so chose.
I open to negative reviews that are truthful and reflect what is actually occurring within our agency. Here is what I can tell you that might be looked at as a negative for our agency: Currently we have mandatory overtime (due to the shortages in staff COVID has created), pay is not what I would like it to be for our staff, but with our staff's help and everyone pushing our Senators and State Representatives for a competitive wage (Our wages are set by rates by the state) that is currently being discussed as we speak (we are fighting for an $18-$20 raise for our Hab Specs!). Gossip occurs anywhere you work. It will always occur when you have people that envy, want or are jealous of what others have unless everyone does their part to shut it down. I can admit that I have been guilty of this myself and try hard every day to try and not be the cause of it. We are only human. I can tell you of the many reviews I have read that are negative, many have come back wanting their jobs back and we have given some of them a second chance. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It takes two!
The positive that I can truly state that I see, even as the owner/CEO are amazing friendships that are developed among our staff and management. We have extensive training and try hard, even in this climate to provide the best training possible. We encourage anyone that joins our agency (be it brand new to the industry or those that have been in the industry for five or more years) to take our 75 hour HCA course. While many of the old timers may not totally appreciate it, many if not most have stated that they learned more in this training than their training when they started. We do this for everyone as we want to give you all we can to assist you in becoming successful in this new career! I am proud of all my teams and while some are family members, many were not and became friends and family to me! I try incredibly hard to provide affordable insurance for our employees so that they can actually utilize their health care! I keep the co-pays low, the deductibles low so that they can afford to see their doctors! We offer chiropractic and massage as well as that is important in maintaining our employees health and well being! Many of our staff have encouraged their family members to come and work for us and I love that they feel confident in encouraging them to apply!
So, while I and all that work for me are not perfect, we are a team and we take the good and the bad as a team! If you feel you would like to give our agency a try, I highly encourage you to apply and see for yourself!
Thank you for your time!
