Chileda

Direct Support Professional

January 2021 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

Working as a DSP at Chileda is one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs there is. Every day is different and provides variety, change, and especially special moments that make you realize how important your job is. The kids at Chileda rely on you for so many things to get them through the day and you grow attached which it makes it easier to help them through tough moments as well as the fun ones. There really is not an easy way to describe the position, but each day is different from the next which allows you to leave work at work and home at home. The work environment is comfortable and all the staff are one big team. I would recommend this job to anyone who loves kids wants a place to express that and help others.

What I wish was different

Advice

This job has brought about so many emotions and ideas to light for me. After working with so many different students with different diagnosis I feel 100% more confident working with children and even adults with disabilities. Chileda provides the necessary opportunity for individuals to learn how to treat and help those with disabilities get through life and tough situations. I will take what I have learned with me through every aspect life, not just into my future career as a PA.

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Direct Support Professional

January 2017 - November 2018 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

Getting to hace experience in a school setting with untraditional students

What I wish was different

That there wouldn't have been so much employee drama and unfair treatment.

Advice

It's incredibly hard work and you may obtain many injuries. However, it is also very rewarding.

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Direct Support Professional

June 2020 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

Working with the kids is so rewarding, and the job is never boring because you never know what is going to happen. Every day, hour, and minute is different! Everyone that I work with is so kind and helpful, and I have developed actual friendships with my coworkers in the short amount of time I have been there. I feel like I am actually making a difference every time I go into work, which is really important to me!

What I wish was different

The job can be very stressful, and if you don't have a way to cope with some of the things you deal with at work it can becoming very overwhelmed. At at least one point throughout the summer, everyone I know at Chileda experienced some degree of burnout. That can be prevented though, and should not detract from all of the incredible opportunities this job offers.

Advice

Maintain a positive work-social balance, and make sure that you have a way to relieve stress. This job is physically and emotionally demanding, and having some sort of coping technique can make or break your success in the position. That being said, even when things get a little tough, stick it out! It is an incredible job and so worth everything it throws at you.

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Marketing Intern

January 2019 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

I was given a lot of flexibility to learn different areas and jobs around the office. This made everyday different, exciting, and challenging. Having been with the company for a year, I was given more responsibility and tasks that held greater value. This was extremely rewarding.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

Internships are a great way to truly know your strengths and weaknesses in a professional environment. I was able to get a better understanding of what kind of job to look for after graduation. This was a great place to work with a healthy work environment and outstanding culture.

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Direct Support Professional

October 2018 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

I love the children I work with. They are amazing!

What I wish was different

Advice

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Direct Support Professional

June 2019 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

I have only been working at Chileda for about two months now and I am enjoying it so much. Everyday when I am on my way to Chileda I get so excited to see the kids. Each of them are so special in their own way, and it is great to get different perspectives and experiences with them. The knowledgeable staff that work there are happy to answer any of your questions and make you feel welcome and comfortable. I have learned so much about this type of learning environment, the kids, but I have also learned a lot about myself. When my friends ask me about Chileda I tell them it is a challenging job but it is also the most rewarding. I feel very blessed to be able to work at Chileda!

What I wish was different

Advice

Ask a lot of questions and don't be afraid to just jump right in and try to build rapport with the kids!

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Direct Support Professional

May 2019 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

I love the connections that I have already made with my coworkers and with the students. Going into this position I was worried I didn't have as much as experience as I needed but the amount of training you're given before you're working on your own prepares you more than enough. Even when you're technically "on your own" everyone works as a team to ensure that staff and students are as safe as possible and growing during their time at Chileda.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have applied sooner. I genuinely don't think I would get the same experiences with the same support anywhere else.

Advice

Be ready for a challenge. No two days have been the same since I've started at Chileda.

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Direct care professional

January 2019 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

The support from the staff and managers was very helpful in getting started there. They made sure to let me know to come to them with any questions or concerns I had. It is a very fun, professional, and friendly work environment (and you never stop learning new things)!

What I wish was different

Advice

Communication is important. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses come into the job can go a long way, as well as being open to critiques and support from others so that you can improve the way you work with others.

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Assistant House Manager, Direct Support Professional

October 2018 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

Being able to see the positive impact you're making in the kid's lives and building positive relationships with them! Each day is unique and working at Chileda is never boring! All of my coworkers have also been amazing and supportive!

What I wish was different

Advice

These kids do have challenging behaviors but it's so rewarding seeing them learn and improve! Have fun, these kids are super funny and it's always a good day at work if you get to laugh and play with them!

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direct support professional

February 2018 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

I love how flexible they are and the kids and coworkers here are great; you really get to build some awesome relationships!

What I wish was different

I wish I would've heard about Chileda sooner than I did because when I leave to go teach back home I am sure going to miss it.

Advice

Make sure to be goofy and try to connect to the students, having good rapport is essential.

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Direct Support Professional

November 2016 • La Crosse, WI

What I liked

The relationships you build with the kids is so special, and watching the kids you've been working with learn and reach their goals is so rewarding. And every day is completely different from the last, working here you get new experiences every time you work.