Out of Work....Again!

[slowburninsteve]

I was within 2 days of completing my probation period at the Mental Health Counseling agency I had started working for when I was called into the office this past Thursday. I was told they were exercising their "employment at-will" rights and I had a choice of either resigning or being terminated.

They had never lived up to their promises of making the money they enticed me with, and many of their employees pad the hours they work which is reimbursed through Medicaid. It is not a very honest place to work, which unfortunately I found out after I started there.

Several friends have told me that "the place has a very bad reputation for how they treat their employees, but had hoped it would turn out better for me". While working there I discovered they do not reimburse for mileage, or meals for your clients.

The clients are all teens, poor, with varying degrees of mental/behavior/court problems. I had 3 cases and they all loved me. The parents and guardians all said that I had accomplished more in getting the kids turned around than had ever been done before. They all all up in arms over my being terminated.

The bottom line is, if you know of any potential employers near Roanoke, VA who could use a good employee with over 25 years as a Social Worker/Counselor who has skills in interviewing, case management, community resource procurement, assessment, and counseling skills please let me know.

Considering the economy I have a feeling that I will be having a long dry spell. I don't have a whole lot of money put away, but I think I can afford to hold onto my guns for a little while at least.

I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers. God bless you guys.

Steve

 

[gunlovingirl]

Steve, I'm really sorry to hear this. It sounds to me like you were too honest and hardworking, and the employer saw you as a threat. You will be in my prayers.

 

[BarbC]

Have you tried your local Office on Aging? We have social workers come through our place all the time.

 

[JV1]

Hang in there Steve. Sounds like you were too good for them. My Father-in-law worked for a company that made lamp shades. These guys would hire workers for a three month trial. They would fire or layoff the employee after two and a half months. This way they wouldn't have to pay them full benefits or worry about having them join the union. Practices like that should be stopped. In this case the company closed because they couldn't compete with imports.

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Good luck with your search Steve. Thoughts and prayers sent your way. Something will come up soon, as high quality people are always in demand somewhere. Just need to find the right outfit.


WG840

 

[stonehorses]

LOAA Roanoke, VA

Steve,
Here is the LOAA website LOCAL OFFICE ON AGING for Roanoke and the surrounding areas. Maybe they will know of some openings. Or since it sounds as though you may have some free time, volunteer with them. You never know, it may produce a lead or two. Best of luck to you.

 

[slowburninsteve]

Have you tried your local Office on Aging? We have social workers come through our place all the time.

Hi Barb. I worked for the local Area Agency on Aging about 21 years ago, and was the Director of Volunteer Services for 5 years for them. They don't currently have any job openings, and have really cut back due to the economy. I appreciate the lead.
Steve

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I was within 2 days of completing my probation period at the Mental Health Counseling agency I had started working for when I was called into the office this past Thursday. I was told they were exercising their "employment at-will" rights and I had a choice of either resigning or being terminated.

They had never lived up to their promises of making the money they enticed me with, and many of their employees pad the hours they work which is reimbursed through Medicaid. It is not a very honest place to work, which unfortunately I found out after I started there.
Several friends have told me that "the place has a very bad reputation for how they treat their employees, but had hoped it would turn out better for me". While working there I discovered they do not reimburse for mileage, or meals for your clients.

The clients are all teens, poor, with varying degrees of mental/behavior/court problems. I had 3 cases and they all loved me. The parents and guardians all said that I had accomplished more in getting the kids turned around than had ever been done before. They all all up in arms over my being terminated.

The bottom line is, if you know of any potential employers near Roanoke, VA who could use a good employee with over 25 years as a Social Worker/Counselor who has skills in interviewing, case management, community resource procurement, assessment, and counseling skills please let me know.

Considering the economy I have a feeling that I will be having a long dry spell. I don't have a whole lot of money put away, but I think I can afford to hold onto my guns for a little while at least.

I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers. God bless you guys.

Steve

Do you know what a Qui Tam law suit is?

Google it and learn something. Don't get mad-Get even.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Sorry to hear.

Many of those type of agencies are funded by federal, city, and state government as well as private business. Some of them don't care how they spend the money.

Maybe it's time for a surprise inspection by one of those agencies or L&I?

 

[slowburninsteve]

Do you know what a Qui Tam law suit is?

Google it and learn something. Don't get mad-Get even.

I know now! You never know what might happen.......

 

[JOERM]

Do you know what a Qui Tam law suit is?

Google it and learn something. Don't get mad-Get even.
__________________

Just as soon as I'm done with this site I will do just that, my wife has a VERY bad work environment, sometimes so do I. Thanks Caj.

VTX

 

[Frizzman]

I am sorry to read that your employment hasn't turned out well for you. I worked in the same field for about a decade before I retired due to health issues. I worked for a city CSB as a clinician. There was some protection for employees because it was a city agency. There were the usual poltics and favoritism/patronage that one finds in any such organization. I tended to focus on delivering services to my clients and was constantly frustrated that there seemed to be more value placed on neat and timely paperwork than on clinical outcomes. I had worked for a private agency that made their income mainly from Medicare funded clients and there was a good amount of unethical practices to outright fraud going on with some cases. I left after filing a complaint with Medicare.

Unfortunately, with the bad economic conditions and budget cuts being made by most state and local governments, human service agencies are prime targets for cuts. I know a few senior people in the public sector that have been laid off or had to take early retirement. This is a tough field to find employment in with a bad economy. I am glad to be out of that profession because of that. Perhaps you might consider a return to school and getting into another profession?...I wish you good luck.

 

[slowburninsteve]

Many thanks!

Thanks to all. Frizz, I am looking for just about anything that will help pay the bills. The problem with going back to school is that I'm 55 years old, and can't really justify it unless it is paid schooling, like on the job. Yep, this company gets it's money through soaking Medicaid. The Director has been there a whopping 4 years! My immediate supervisor had been there 2 years! They go through employees like crap through a goose. I am putting out applications and resumes everywhere. I too have lots of medical problems, but my doctor won't support me filing for disability. I'm very fortunate in that a local church has a support group for unemployed folks that meets every week to discuss job possibilities, resume writing, networking, etc. I have a little money put away, and of course have my guns which I can liquidate if need be. At least for the time being I can get caught up on some household chores!
Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers!
Steve

 

[slowburninsteve]

Check the time of the previous post. I've been up since about 3:30 a.m. sending out resumes. I'm off to the Employment Commission in a couple of hours.

Steve

 

[truckemup97]

Steve, I was prayin' for ya before, and I'll be prayin' for ya again. You just never know what He has in store for you. Be strong, and keep pounding that pavement.

 

[Frizzman]

I understand your situation regarding going back to school. We are the same age. Finding any funding for people our age is pretty difficult. Counseling is a stressful business in the best of circumstances. Having to deal with a predatory work environment makes it much worse.

The biggest sector of that field seems to be in the area of developmental disabilities since funding for treatment for such folks tends to be the last to go. Youth group homes also seem to continue to hire but that is a really stressful area of work. I tried that once and I was mighty glad to get another job...I became a police officer. I would also look at the Dept. of Corrections and US Bureau of Prisons. They seem to be on the lookout for counselors most of the time but its another tough environment to work in...If you qualify for disability and can't get medical assitance I believe you may need to consult a lawyer who deals with disability...Good Luck, Frizz

 

[slowburninsteve]

Tonight I'm off to a support group at a local church for those of us who are unemployed. This group has been in operation for many years, and has a lot of good folks who volunteer to lend their experience, advice, and contacts. My son, who just got out of college for the summer, is going with me. He too is looking for a job for this summer. While in school he drives a bus for the kids on campus (like a city bus) to take them to town or around the campus. He will probably have a better chance at getting a job than I will!!! Keep the good karma flowing this way. I've been firing off resumes to everything I find posted that looks halfway appropriate.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
Steve

 

[slowburninsteve]

Went to the meeting last night and got some good leads. Today I got my unemployment insurance info in the mail. If I'm approved I will get about $403/week which will help keep the bills paid. It can last up to 26 weeks.
I been mailing/emailing resumes like mad. Just hope they don't get used as TP or worse........
Steve

 

[DCWilson]

Hang tough, Steve; things can and will improve.

I'll just say on the guns: if it ever gets to the point when you think you have to sell them, don't just rush off to the nearest auction house or gun store to see what you can get for them. I imagine several forum members would be willing to buy a gun from you with an attached recognition of your right to repurchase at the same price when circumstances permit.

 

[slowburninsteve]

As if things could not get worse.......

Now I have a Mersa infection in my nose and upper mouth soft tissues!! My mouth looks like an algae eater and I can barely talk. If someone calls me to set up an interview it will surely be interesting!

Steve