direct support worker

direct support professional

care worker

team leader

farmer

KW Habilitation

This job has the potential to be rewarding but management ends up poisoning the workplace. The conflict between management and staff is constant and always petty.  The turnover is huge, I was working with new staff regularly and they were often hired for positions that existing staff applied for but did not get. Once you start working as a casual and take a lot of hours they don't want to promote you to a full-time role. Promotions or hours are also very personal and can depend on how much you are liked by your higher ups. Staff who had a falling out with a manager, in one case the staff member declined a date, and found herself without hours.  If you report any conflict to HR be prepared for an incoherent rant from the director about how staff are generally to blame for all issues/illnesses within the homes and therefore should not complain. Honestly, this is  just an unnecessarily dramatic workplace for someone who just wants to work and be treated with basic respect and consideration. It is really a pity because the clients are wonderful and many people apply with long term employment in mind. 

The salary isn't worth it.  Especially if you have a manager that is pretty much non-existent (most are). The benefits are also a laugh.

To move in the company you have to be close with the hiring manager...your experience means nothing. 

You can be vomiting on the floor of your bathroom, but if you call in sick you are still expected to find your own replacement. 

Want vacation?  You have to find replacement for that too. If you can't?  Too bad, so sad. Managers in residential side are of no assistance if you want/need time off. 

Trust me...if you're looking to start in this field, try Sunbeam...the pay is way better and so are most of the managers. They actually care about their employees.

KW Habilitation is a progressive organization that actually values all of its employees and its clients. Its compensations are better than most other similar organizations but it still difficult to live on a direct support worker salary. I am only a part time worker, but I still need to keep track of health and medications, client routines, household cleaning, cooking, and client behavioural support. The most difficult part of the job (for me) is cleaning up bowel multiple times a shift. But you get to form friendly relationships with your coworkers, the clients and management is very supportive. Full time staff have much more on their plate.

This is my first job in Canada. For an international student like me, it is something like a blessing to get such a decent wage. overall job atmosphere is great and comfort. The management is highly efficient but also cooperative.  They listen to you very well and also help us in any ways that is possible. the coworkers helped me lot in learning new things over there. I've also met people having job experience of more than 20 years which makes it clear that how good is to work there.

A typical day of the job can go as the plan of care intends, but due to behaviours it requires critical thinking to help clients cope when plans change. What you will learn/develop will be in client care-giving, documentation, delegation, and support. Staff are all supportive, and have a welcoming atmosphere. The hardest part of the job is working with behaviours that can prove to be very challenging, so patience and forward thinking are highly recommended. The enjoyment can come from the overall performance of the client, and their progress with their coping skills and their ability to strive.

I love working for KW Habilitation. Throughout my time there the management has been extremely receptive to new ideas and improvements in order to better serve the people we care for as an agency, as well as fast and efficient when implementing new ideas and strategies. The staff I work with are friendly, compassionate, and invested in creating the best possible environment for the people we care for as well as fellow staff members. Because the work environment is a residential home it feels quite welcoming and comfortable.

Wages and benefits are far from adequate for the workload. Managers  can go from one extreme (micromanaging) to the other (never around  or to be found when needed).  A few of the managers were known  to play favourites amongst staff (even prone to gossip themselves) making  it a very uncomfortable/toxic climate to work in. Going the extra mile with this agency never seemed to be acknowledged or even appreciated,  but (very) soon became just an expectation.  The one good thing here was the individuals we worked for.  I wouldn't recommend working here if you are looking for a mentally healthy work environment.

It starts at the top and management needs training on all matters of management. Really poorly trained and unprofessional, talking about other staff and infront  of residents should never happen. When a staff has a legitimate concern it’s not taken seriously and it affects the ones we support. Upper management needs to open there eyes as to what is really going on in these homes and surveys need to be conducted in such a manner they are truly anonymous so staff doesn’t have to fear retaliation. Little incentive to stay loyal and grow insid the company. to better

I've been in a new role at KW Habilitation for several months now and have found the job to be both exciting and rewarding.  

The managers and directors I have worked with have been very approachable and interested in the work I have been doing. 
Coworkers have been welcoming and inclusive.

I find myself coming to work with a smile on my face and losing track of time at the end of the day.  The one downside is that my job is a contract, but I have hopes that there will be an opportunity to extend the contract or make it a permanent position.

Working in developmental services is a unique beast. It's very dependent on the home and work team you are with what it will be like. At times it'll be stressful, you'll be understaffed, and dealing with crises. Other times it will be super chill and relaxed and you'll feel like you're slacking. KWHab pays better than most other agencies in the field in the area but like many, has a culture of traditionalism that favours seniority over talent and what works with what is innovative and may work better. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Direct support worker 14 salaries reported	$46,337 per year
Direct support professional 6 salaries reported	$54,103 per year
Care worker 15 salaries reported	$47,792 per year
Team leader 1 salary reported	$50,179 per year
Farmer 4 salaries reported	$19.55 per hour

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