Sevita suffers from systemic issues that negatively affect both staff and the individuals they are entrusted to support. Management consistently demonstrates a lack of care for employees, leaving staff unsupported in their work with no meaningful training or guidance. Turnover is high, yet little effort is made to improve conditions or retain quality workers.
The quality of care for clients is also deeply concerning. Critical needs are often overlooked doctor’s appointments are frequently missed (my own eyes witnessing a client go 2 months without a critical med because there was no one willing to take him to his doctors appointment to get the refill for the med), and operating budgets are severely underfunded. For example, daily food allowances can be less than $6 per person for three meals and snacks, and there are no budgets for recreational activities or enrichment. Which in turn leaves the clients supported bored, and upset leading to aggressive behaviors towards staff and other clients. Sometimes with physical assault against one or both. My own experience of finding out a coworker was beaten nearly to death over a snack not being in the house. Even worse, the client in question was not evicted from the program for their actions. Leading to a dangerous work environment for everyone involved.
Accountability is also lacking. In some cases, staff have remained employed even after serious incidents, including client deaths resulting from neglect, such as sleeping on shift. Paperwork is often incomplete or inaccurate, with little to no office support for frontline staff to keep records up to date.
Rather than addressing staffing shortages through competitive pay and improved conditions, the company recruits workers from abroad (Kenya, Liberia, Ethopia, Niger), often placing them in crowded housing arrangements (3-5 to a room) and charging them rent. This approach avoids raising wages to attract and retain local employees. This causes issues as many of these individuals they bring over not having a necessary grasp of the English language. Inducing further unwarranted stress on everyone as they just fill the space of an employed worker, but neglect the critical parts of the job (paperwork, consumer care and understanding.)
Upper management is frequently the subject of investigations into abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These issues are not handled transparently. Staff under investigation are often simply moved to other locations, while the company attempts to cover up wrongdoing, including negligent deaths. This culture of avoidance fosters an unsafe environment for both clients and employees.
Finally, the lack of support and unrealistic demands often pressure lower-level managers into asking staff to cut corners or take on tasks outside their scope of responsibility. Employees are expected to comply regardless of appropriateness, with hours cut or pressure applied if they refuse.
