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Grafton Integrated Health Network

Engaged Employer

Would not work here, ever. - Anonymous employee Grafton Integrated Health Network Employee Review

2.0
Sep 22, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Front-line staff are friendly while being asked to do what's a nearly impossible job, and the same handful of people are very passionate about their work. People here are asked their opinion, so at least there is a forum for discussion, even if my opinion of it was fairly disingenuous and possibly more a way to determine who's dumb enough to openly offer a dissenting voice to management about their policies, eventually leading to possible punishment or retaliation (as opining about policy is not a "formal complaint" and would not suffice for anti-retaliation standards in occupational law. I suppose I should remove this and place it below, but open discussion, whether my suspicions are accurate or not, is a net positive. They want to appear as a force for good, which is an improvement over apathy. They have won, and probably will continue to win, several awards and certificates for this.

Cons

The front-line staff are not paid an equitable wage compared to people that work at other facilities that take on less aggressive clientele, leading to high turnover at this level. It is hard to fathom when the CEO is making upwards of 500,000$ a year with bonuses, how they can't manage to field a more competitive salary for these workers. Because of this, they rely on other staff to do what the front-line staff should be doing, and cut things that actually help in the service of, what appears as public relations purchases (i.e., relatively inexpensive toys, clothes, etc.) that look great on a pamphlet but do little aside from comfort. Comfort is another overemphasized buzzword at this job. Their approach with comfort over structure is a wonderful ideal and entirely impractical with the increasingly aggressive clientele they're taking on. If they were more selective, they would take only clients that are likely to benefit from this approach and deny clients that are better suited for clear-cut structure with consequences for behavior (i.e., there are few, if any here). I am unsure of the selection process, but it appears to be more based on the CEO and board's approach to profiteering at a non-profit than actual clinical selection, based on actual criteria and likelihood for success in the environment. The "recidivism" rate here is unbelievably high and their "long-term studies" do not engage clients on whether they've been admitted to other similar facilities, a psychiatric hospital, or incarcerated, so there was no method of determining whether individuals were ever able to function independently. The extended staff are also overworked and expected to do tasks that are not commensurate with a 40 hour even 45 in some cases) work week, and are not adequately supported by management, who's job is to really act as a buffer between staff and the brutal capitalist attitude of the board and CEO of this so-called non-profit. There is a huge gap between the attitudes of the front-line staff and those in administrative or executive roles, similar to that of a feudal state. Except middle management is a thing, and expected to keep the serfs in order (another impossible job given their compensation and benefits structure). The benefits are some of the poorest in the region (you probably know who it is), so even when purchasing the best plan from this provider, the quality for value is low.

Explore other reviews about Grafton Integrated Health Network

5.0
Jun 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This is a rewarding job. My supervisor is supportive and there are opportunities for growth within the company. The individuals served and the team that I work with is what keeps me coming back. The collaboration and care for the individuals can be seen by the staff that work with the individuals.

Cons

Some days can be challenging due to the high level of individual needs for the individuals that are served but if staff remain positive, collaborate, and work as a team this can be turned into a positive.

1.0
Jun 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There were always opportunities for overtime & advancement. Helping individuals with disabilities can be very uplifting. There were usually opportunities to work at the school, as well as the group homes. You can make a true difference in someone's life.

Cons

The group homes were constantly understaffed. Unfortunately, in addition to their developmental disabilities, many of the clients at Grafton were aggressive and violent! A very disturbed young man placed his hands around my neck and attempted to strangle me. I was reassigned to another home. Unbeknownst to me, this location housed the most hostile and violent clients. I was routinely bitten, attacked, etc. My termination resulted from an episode where a client attacked me, my co-worker and the other clients. During the struggle, the aggressor was smacked a few times. The incident resulted in me having to go court. The Chesterfield District Attorney made every attempt to have me jailed. I know have a Misdemeanor Assault & Battery charge on my record (my only offense) and cannot work in healthcare or caregiving related fields. I have a background in education and sales, prior to working at Grafton. The Misdemeanor now flags my criminal background checks and has prevented me from receiving employment is fields that have nothing to do with Mental Health, Caregiving etc. This one incident has changed the trajectory of my ability to land a well paying job.

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