IRC is a Top Workplace! Just Ask our Staff! Part Two

Community EngagementBlog, Employees

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes

In December of 2018, Inland Regional Center was named a Top Workplace by Inland News Group! The Top Workplace program recognizes employers who focus on employee satisfaction and empowerment.

We asked some of our staffers to tell us what they think makes IRC a top workplace. We’ve created a three-part blog series based on what they shared. This is the second installment!

Anthony Mascaro, Consumer Services Technician (CST) – I
Case Control

Anthony, describe your job/job duties.

My main duty is what we call document indexing. We scan Consumer documents and enter them into our archives by category. This archive is used by our Service Coordinators and Program Managers to track and search documents vital to a Consumer’s case.

Describe your department.

My coworkers are friendly, dedicated, hardworking, and thorough!

How long have you been at IRC?

12 years

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

Needed, impactful, meaningful.

What is your favorite part about your position?

The difference it makes to the people we serve.  Having documents sorted and filed in the archive makes sure that our Service Coordinators have what they need to request services and assist our Consumers.

What is your favorite thing about working at IRC?

We all have a common goal — helping our Consumers to be empowered, independent, and included. Sometimes when you have a disability, it can feel like society is holding you back. We give people the opportunity to move forward.

What do you think makes IRC a top workplace?

The camaraderie. I like to bring a positive attitude and my fun-loving nature to work. That fits in really well here! Within my time at IRC, I have developed many friendships and have tried to help create an energetic environment.

Also, one of the perks of working at IRC is that we have an on-site coffee shop we enjoy. I even have my own signature drink, The Hot Wheels Special!

Carolina Saucedo, Consumer Services Coordinator
West End School Age Unit

Carolina, describe your job/job duties.

My main responsibility is case management. That includes empowering families in advocating for their children’s rights and adequate Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.  I also develop Individual Program Plans with parents and assist families in obtaining services as needed.

Describe your department.

West End School Age (WESA) covers the areas of Ontario, Montclair, Upland, Chino, Chino Hills, and Rancho Cucamonga. WESA assists families and children between ages 3-16 in seeking appropriate community services and an appropriate IEP within their school systems.

How long have you been at IRC?

Five and a half years. I was also a student aid for four years from 2001-2005!

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

Just three? How about a few more! Rewarding, Flexible, Supportive, Friendly, Collaborative.

What is your favorite part about your position?

My favorite part is meeting with my families and empowering them to seek out assistance and advocate for themselves. It is very rewarding when I can guide a family to obtain services and assistance that they otherwise wouldn’t obtain for themselves. Knowing that after a long hard day on the job, I have assisted a family and changed their outcome is personally satisfying and rewarding.

What is your favorite thing about working at IRC?

There is never a dull moment at IRC. The camaraderie and the support received from my colleagues allows the fast-paced environment to become easily managed. Those who work at IRC enjoy their purpose and seek out a similar goal: to serve our disabled population.

What do you think makes IRC a top workplace?

Apart from having a rewarding job experience, the benefits offered by the agency are excellent. The agency encourages professionalism and supports an open-door policy which leads to an optimistic environment.

Katie Lee, Program Manager
Children’s Services

Katie, describe your job/job duties.

I supervise a team of 13 Consumer Service Coordinators in a School Age unit that serves Hemet, San Jacinto, and Moreno Valley.  I am available to discuss unusual or difficult issues/situations with my staff, review and approve requested services, and ensure that staff is meeting agency expectations.

Describe your department.

Children’s Services coordinates supports and services for people with developmental disabilities ages 3 to 25.  Children’s Services CSCs assist families and young adults with understanding the nature of their disability, navigating the school system, and exploring opportunities available after high school.  They meet with Consumers and their families to empower them to utilize both community and IRC services in order to reach their maximum potential.

How long have you been at IRC?

I will celebrate 20 years in June.

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

Fair. Innovative. Supportive.

What is your favorite part about your position?

Having the ability to support a great group of Service Coordinators in making a positive impact in the lives of our Consumers.

What is your favorite thing about working at IRC?

Being able to make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities! Helping to enhance their opportunities for independence, empowerment and community inclusion.

What do you think makes IRC a top workplace?

Definitely the people!  Everyone, from the Executive Director to the janitorial crew, is kind, supportive, and super fun to work with.

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Community Engagement

Inland Regional Center's Community Engagement Unit can be reached at [email protected]

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