Contact:
Kira DeLanoy
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Springbrook
105 Campus Drive
Oneonta, New York 13820
Phone: 607-286-7171 Ext. 287
Email: delanoyk@springbrookny.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2021
Springbrook Raises Wage for Direct Support Professionals and Provides Financial Incentives for ALL Employees
Oneonta, NY: Springbrook, a leading provider of supports for people with developmental disabilities, announced wage increases for direct support professionals this month. Effective July 1, 2021, current Springbrook direct support professionals (DSPs) received $1/hour additional pay, increasing their wages from $14-$16.50/hour to $15-$20/hour, depending upon position, experience, and education. DSPs support people with a wide range of different needs and abilities. This support encompasses all aspects of a person’s life, with a variety of responsibilities that are dependent on the needs of each person being supported.
Springbrook has given consistent annual employee raises for over 10 years. This increase is the second wage increase of 2021—in January, Springbrook raised the starting wage for DSPs from $12.50 to $14/hour, in addition to a 3% cost of living increase for all employees. Additionally, they had zero layoffs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Direct care positions receiving the July 1 increase include: residence counselors, shared aides, day hab assistants, non-certified and certified teaching assistants, transition specialists, assistant residential/program managers, and day habilitation coordinators.
“We want our employees and future candidates to understand that this is a continued process,” said Seth Haight, the chief operations officer at Springbrook. “We are constantly trying to provide a dynamic work/life balance and are tireless advocates for a top rate of pay for our workforce.”
In addition to the wage increase, Springbrook gave a $1,500 bonus to all full-time employees who worked from April to June. This bonus will extend to September with the potential of another $1,500 payment for all full-time Springbrook employees (prorated for part-time and occasional workers).
“These incentive payments are a token of thanks to our wonderful employees who have weathered a difficult year and a half with courage and clarity—employees who ensure that every student and resident receives the best supports and services,” said Patricia Kennedy, chief executive officer. “I can never say ‘thank you’ enough to the staff at Springbrook for all the fantastic work they do. The work of a DSP is vital to the people who choose Springbrook for support and we are excited to be able to reflect our appreciation for their professionalism and dedication with increased wages.”
Kennedy also acknowledged some of the struggles employers in our country and local community are facing. “Finding staff members in this environment as an employer can be a real challenge. This is why Springbrook is proud to announce this wage increase, bonus program, and an addition to our employee referral program. Staff members can now earn an additional $250 for referring a new Springbrook staff member during the summer months.” This is an addition to Springbrook’s existing employee referral program, which allows existing employees to earn up to $1,000 for referring a quality candidate for any open position at the organization.
As one of the area’s largest employers and service providers, Springbrook consistently advocates for the individuals who choose Springbrook for supports and services and the entire workforce. Springbrook values its staff, pushing for wage increases, giving bonuses when applicable, and offering a referral program designed to reward employees who bring other great candidates to Springbrook. If you are interested in other benefits provided by Springbrook or would like to see a full list of open positions, please visit www.Springbrookny.org.
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Springbrook provides at-home care, residential and educational services, day services, and clinical, therapeutic, and behavioral supports to over 1,100 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across New York State. The organization is Otsego County’s third-largest employer, with more than 1,200 workers.