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In December of 2018, Inland Regional Center was named a Top Workplace by Inland News Group! This is the second year in a row we have been recognized for being a great place to work in the Inland Empire. The Top Workplace program recognizes employers who focus on employee satisfaction and empowerment.

Why is IRC a Top Workplace?

When interviewed by the San Bernardino Sun, our Executive Director Lavinia Johnson and Associate Executive Director Kevin Urtz highlighted our agency’s social and collaborative culture. They also highlighted how IRC employees have a passion for social work and for serving our Consumers.

I completely agree!

Then I got to thinking, I bet what makes IRC special really depends on who you ask. So, I did just that! I asked some of IRC’s most spirited and hardworking team members about their experiences here at the agency!

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing the stories of what makes IRC a top workplace for our awesome staffers, In their own words! This is the first installment!

David, describe your job/job duties.

My primary responsibility as a CST is to provide highly skilled and advanced administrative support to two school-age teams. I review, on a monthly basis, close to a 100 IPPs that go out to families that receive IRC services. I also perform many other highly involved tasks.

Describe your department.

My departments work with school-age children and their families to provide them support and guidance through the early years of their life.

How long have you been at IRC?

I’ve been back for two years now, but prior to leaving, I worked at IRC for 9 years. So, minus a brief sabbatical, you could say I have been here for close to 16 years!

What are 3 words you would use to describe the agency?

Necessary. Vital. Needed.

What is your favorite part about your position?

I am constantly learning! And I feel I play a part in something that is very beneficial to the community we serve.

What is your favorite thing about working at IRC?

The work-life balance is great. The community of people who work here is amazing. And I have established real friendships here.

What do you think makes IRC a top workplace?

The support of staff in helping each other and our community. Understanding we provide a service to a community of people that benefit greatly from the services we provide.

Elizabeth, describe your job/job duties.

My job duties include assisting and advocating for my Consumers on a daily basis. I do this by providing them with needed services and any other assistance toward improving their daily lives. We also assist in providing placement and being active members of their planning team. We do this to advocate in their best interests.

Describe your department.

I feel that our department is unique since we serve a wide age range of Consumers. A typical caseload for us might have a 5-year-old Consumer that attends school as well as an 85-year-old Consumer that is retired and is no longer attending a day program. The Consumers we work with in the ICF department are very medically fragile and will either live in ICFs and/or sub-acute facilities. Our funding comes from Medi-Cal and many of our Consumers have medical needs that we can assist in advocating for.

How long have you been at IRC?

I have been at IRC for 5.5 years.

What are 3 words you would use to describe the agency?

Positive, rewarding, and adaptable.

What is your favorite part about your position?

My favorite part of my job would be when you are able to advocate for Consumers that might otherwise not be able to communicate their wants or needs like other people are easily able to do. Through time, you get to know their communication style and can figure out what their wants and needs might be. I also really enjoy communicating with new families and explaining our services, because a lot of the time these families might not know what we can help with.  Since I am a Spanish speaker, I also enjoy reaching out to new Spanish-speaking families and helping them feel empowered in their loved one’s care, and not feel overwhelmed.

What is your favorite thing about working at IRC?

My favorite part about working at IRC is that it is so fast paced! You are always learning and seeing new things. There are so many people that you come into contact with on a daily basis. It is so nice to see all these parts come together in the best interest of our Consumers.

What do you think makes IRC a top workplace?

IRC is a top workplace because of its diversity, and executive management’s continued focus on keeping their employees happy. We are only as strong as the sum of all our parts, and they do a good job making every part of the agency feel important and valued.

 

Sharon, describe your job/job duties. 

It is very important to me to truly understand and advocate for affordable housing on behalf of persons with special needs in our communities. I work to develop Community Placement Plans (CPP) and Housing Request Plans. I prepare and post Request for Proposals (RFPs) for approved housing and programming and coordinate the selection process. I also prepare and process contracts and required documents, working alongside selected Non-Profit Housing Organizations (NPOs) in all aspects of developing housing, including constant communication with liaisons from the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS). One of the most unique parts of my job is identifying affordable rental and sale properties! I also communicate with service coordinators and service providers about housing opportunities and monitor public housing availabilities.

Describe your department.

RDTU is fun, dynamic, and full of wonderful people! I love my manager and coworkers who are very supportive and understanding.

How long have you been at IRC?

8 years

What are 3 words you would use to describe the agency?

It’s more like three terms! A second home, friendly and professional.

What is your favorite part about your job?

Accomplishing project completions that are very complex or challenging. I love problem-solving!

What is your favorite thing about working at IRC in general?

The people around me!

What do you think makes IRC a top workplace?

I have to say that the team really makes IRC a top workplace. That and a great benefits package!

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Tune in next week for the second installment on what makes IRC a Top Workplace!