Oakdale Child and Family Services

The management needs a complete overhaul, the practices these individuals force upon their workers simply do not comply with our labour laws. Staff feel obligated to oblige because their employment is threatened - continuously. You get harassed when you call in sick, get asked to do overtime without notice, hours are cut just hours in advance, strong push against the union which results in a bullying type atmosphere with management working together to get you out if you don't comply with them. There's also continuous pressure with the children's services checking in and staff to "get the books right". I feel bad for the children and the positive staff here, it's just a negative, dark place to work let alone live for these kids.

One a normal day, my duties varies. Usually, I'm there to receive the clients off the buses, completion of homework.
Activities such as outings, programs, one on one time with clients.
Food prep-baking/cooking all meals during shift.
I have learned the most rewarding thing regarding working with clients with behavioral issues to autism, PTSD, and down syndrome is building a rapport with them. When you build that connection, and they acknowledge you by a simple smile or a hug, it makes off the effect worth it. 
Lastly, I found on of the hardest parts of the job, is when the client that you've build a great rapport with becomes sick. You feel very helpless.

I've been an Oakdale for quite a while. Just recently found another job that pays more and is closer to home. The clients are amazing to work with and the hours are long. Typical days are long and there's always something to do. I have been based out at the St. Vincent location, and have learnt so much from the staff and house supervisor; who by all means does more than anyone would expect. He is in fact the only one of management that understands the time and work we put into this job. As the rest of management seem like tyrants, barking orders and gossiping to their favourite staff. The behaviours are challenging, but it's what is expected from special need youths. I truly have enjoyed the time working for this complany. 

I also pray this company gets shut down! it was the most undesirable work atmosphere I have ever been apart of, sadly. Management is completely dishonest and work together like a pack of mean high school kids bullying and threatening the workers beneath them. This entire atmosphere is ONLY geared towards management keeping their cushy jobs and everyone else scrambling to get their work done and keep child services of their back......yes even if that means lying in the paper work aside from many other disgusting practices DIRECTLY pushed by the DIRECTOR! Notice how I haven't even began describing the treatment of the kids there.

They have not been posting jobs for awhile, I pray that their houses were shut down and the youth are somewhere safe. Working for Oakdale is an eye-opening,
disheartening experience. The youth are mostly cared for by temp agency staff who have little compassion for youth, never mind know anything about ASD. The management staff are tyrants, and forget being sick. They will put you in situations where the lack of staff is dangerous. 

I learned a lot about for-profit group homes from Oakdale. I have come to the conclusion that all group homes for vulnerable people should be mandated as not-for-profit. If you care about your professional reputation,
do not work for Oakdale.

I had a terrible experience working at Oakdale Child and Family Services. The management really doesn't care about you and make it very clear, as long as the job is getting done they don't want to hear it. The hours are all over the place, expect to not have evenings to yourself quite often. If you are sick or something happens, they will make you feel guilty and scold you on missing work. Don't get me wrong, the kids are adorable but the overall environment and management is horrible. They don't pay well either for the amount of work you are expected to do.

The job pays very low, with very rare pay raises, even when a raise comes it is low. For the example, working here ten years might get you a 25 cent raise. Not to be confused with a 25% increase, literally 0.25$. 

Good place to work to just say you have experience on your resume. Some supervisors are very nice, but they are exceptions to the norm. 

The clients are wonderful but the work conditions aren't great. It you try and speak up and advocate you get in trouble and risk losing your job. Lots of health and safety concerns and management talks negatively behind your back.
Very stressful and little pay. High turnover rate. 

I hated this experience. Constant drama with an underqualified director and managers at each house. Lots of drama! Calling around checking on everyone and people telling tales and just all sorts of nonsense that takes away from caring for the kids ! I worked in the East York location and couldn't even take a day off sick without being asked when I thought I'd be better or my symptoms ? just a mess.

I am working overnight shift as a residential counsellor for 4 young adult clients.  I prepare the clients meals and give their medications. Get them ready for their day program.  The management provides trainings that we are required to attend such as CPR, Epilepsy Training, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Fire Training and more.

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