January 2019 by Malik J.
WARNING: This company, relative to the Temple, TX location, continues to pay their DSP workers $7.25 hr. Texas State min wage. Keep in mind that any company can raise their pay beyond the state min wage, but ResCare refuses to do this. They work the living s*** out of these DSP workers and then placated them with accolades and employee of the month recognition. These people (DSP's) don't make a livable wage and management fails to do anything positive toward advocating resolve to this problem. This issue is the primary cause of their high attrition rate and the secondary cause is treating the DSP WORKERS like second class citizens. They hire the least educated people whom they can fashion and mold whom they feel will give the least resistance to many acts of tyranny. During my short tenure there, I tried to organize the DSP staff, which many had concerns, wanted to strike, and voice their concerns but we're afraid of reprisal. My goal was to get in writing the concerns of the DSP staff relative to working conditions, treatment, and pay rate so that information could be organized and a petition brought to Management to get resolved. Unfortunately, only one was brave enough to publicize her concerns to which I responded: "Mikki thank you so very much for your concerns and resolutions. Your voice is heard, noticed, and noted. Please encourage others to do the same because the journey of change starts with one voice!" Malik Jenkins Program Coordinator She wrote: Malik, Hi. This is Mikki, the site supervisor at Scott House. You had asked that I email you with any concerns/resolutions that I thought of. Here are a few that I have. Rate of Pay Currently, incoming DSP's make $7.25/hr. While I understand that it is minimum wage and acceptable for many jobs just starting out, I do not believe that a DSP position is one of those jobs. There are quite a many things asked of a DSP. Outside of just being in the house to make sure that the consumers are safe, there are many that require quite a bit of hands on work. There are some that need full and complete hygiene needs (bathing, toileting, changing clothes, brushing teeth, shaving). We have many who are on behavior plans that are very hands on themselves who can become quite aggressive with staff and other consumers when they do not get their way. As DSP's, we have had bodily fluids spit on us, sprayed on us, smeared on us. Many times, we go home with bruises or open abrasions from the consumers. At $7.25/hr, that is a lot to ask of a person, especially when many only take this job because it is a job that is often hiring. I understand that the rate of pay won't elevate overnight, but I do believe that is a serious conversation that needs to be had. While I don't believe the pay alone with keep staff working in our homes, I do feel that a higher rate of pay will help. There could be cash prizes. The prize options really are endless. At a company I worked at before (also worked with the elderly and those with IDD) put themed baskets together and did drawings for those for their staff. One was beach themed, kitchen themed, movie themed, etc. I enjoyed winning the beach basket. Things of that nature can really make a difference with staff. For now, these are some things I am thinking about. Anytime I have spoken to staff, past and present, these are a couple of things they feel can change and can create change. If I think of anything else, I will be sure to let you know. Thank you for asking of my opinion. Have a great day. Mikki Bendt Scott House Site Supervisor SHE WAS GONE FROM THE SCOTT HOUSE POSITION SHORTLY AFTER THIS EMAIL SHE SENT. RESCARE IN WRITING IS A GREAT COMPANY BECAUSE THEIR ETHICS AND MORAL STANCE IN ARTICULATED QUITE WELL IN WRITING. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PEOPLE (management staff)THEY USE AS A DELIVERY AND MODELING SYSTEM FOR THESE ETHICAL AND MORAL VALUE SYSTEMS FAIL MISERABLY AT PUTTING THEM TO ACTION! NO, STAY THE F*** AWAY FROM RESCARE! I WOULD RECOMMEND "IN & OUT OR WHATABURGER" BEFORE THIS PLACE.
