Woodstock and District Developmental Services

The management is absolutely terrible. Management should have to come into the homes one a month and view and assist to see what can be improved. 
Each year just gets worse and worse. Employees who try and speak up are branded as complainers. There are not enough staff to the people we support. Agency does not accommodate if you have kids, they say they do but I’ve constantly had to pay late fee with my sitters because the agency couldn’t find someone to relieve me when my shift was over. 
Employees working direct support are burnt out and angry. There’s no opportunities for advancement they don’t post out everything they just ask employees if they’d like to step into higher positions and don’t give others the opportunity. This is a predominately white agency there’s no diversity or people of colour in management. Those who have positions such as “case manager” which assists the Supervisor it’s not actually a manager position they got the position out of convenience. They don’t like to see people of colour advance. 

Has promising employees who want change. Good employees who care strongly about the people they are there to support. 
The people being supported are wonderful individuals who will change your life. 
Overall, it's theme is disorganized chaos. 
Currently experiencing a staffing crisis, which means more times than not you end up being 'plugged into a spot' vs a position you can work into a career
Scheduling is inconsistent and on a 2 week rotation. 
Majority of positions are part time. Only hiring casual relief to start. 
No 'paid vacation' 4% is added to your pay. 
No sick days until you are full time 
Forget about having vacation time approved, especially during the summer months.

an overall productive work place, with respect for all employees and additional learning opportunities to advance your skills and knowledge.

Supporting individuals with disabilities is your number one priority while working here. 
Making sure their needs are met and properly reporting and documenting all important information in your daily activities.

New ideas are always welcome here. 

The most enjoyable part of the job was seeing the smiles on the faces of those you support.

The hardest part of the job was working the hours required. There was only set schedules for full-time employees and the part-time employees in most cases had to work varied hours and take call-in shifts.

Great staff, great clients. Management is horrible.  Clients are viewed as income who's rights only matter when they have strong family members who will fight for their loved ones.  Those who speak out get moved to other locations, hours reduces and seen as trouble makers.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The people supported are awesome

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
No support from most supervisors, management don’t care about anything

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Most coworkers are amazing, some aren’t, just like any other workplace 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
1 - 2 staff care for up to 6 people. Staff make sure everyone is fed, has medications and try to enrich their lives with outings

Being a Support Worker is about walking alongside a person with a learning or physical disability as they build self-confidence and create a fulfilling life for themselves. It covers all areas of life – from taking care of themselves to managing money and using public transport. It’s life changing for the people we support and for staff ! I’ve seen people with disabilities move into their own homes in the community, others have blossomed and gained confidence to make their own life choices.

Poor Management - very disrespectful and have bad attitudes at times leaving a very unprofessional vibe.

Tends to push collective agreement boundaries - if you advocate for yourself it may not look good for your schedule or how you will be further treated in the future

Long hours with little accommodation for staff - asking for time off is like pulling teeth.

Years ago I would have recommended going to this agency, past 5 years not at all. I hate to say this but they preach about caring for the people supported is top priority but it’s not it’s all about what looks good in paper. They don’t care about the well being of their staff either. Things that would normally get you into trouble don’t and if you advocate or speak ur mind you have a target on your back.

The people supported and coworkers are generally great to work with. The higher ups are too far removed from the people and staff. None will step foot in any of the homes that supports are provided in and make decisions about people's lives without the person or staffs input. This causes disappointment, unsafe environments, staff burnout and overall unhappiness.

Great line of work for the most part.Don't always work with the same staff which sometimes makes for a more challenging shift. Sometimes supported persons can get aggressive which can be stressful and exhausting.

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