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Arapahoe County

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Toxic environment - Program Specialist Arapahoe County Employee Review

1.0
18 Mar 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Steady pay check , decent vacation/sick time . Health coverage is offered but is very expensive to use . There are no other pros to this job

Cons

The pay is incredibly low and the workload is unrealistic . Most people quit the job within 6 months . The expectations for how many cases to process in 1 day is completely unrealistic and rarely happens. Many of the cases are a mess and people just keep passing them however they can just to move on. In addition the crazy workload during a normal work day we are now on month 10 of mandatory overtime with no end in site . This job has no work life balance and upper management could care less. The supervisors and administrations work their 40 hours , while the program specialists who actually do the work have to stay after work during the week and come in on the weekends to get the workload done . The county was recently recognized by the state for being number 2 in the nation for timeliness in processing cases. A party was thrown and awards were given to supervisors and administrators ; not the actual people who do the work. I like most people will be leaving after I get the experience I need . Save yourself the trouble and don't apply for the program specialist position . The job pays 17 an hour and is way too stressful for the salary .

Explore other reviews about Arapahoe County

5.0
30 Dec 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great culture, impactful work, innovative, supportive team environment.

Cons

No cons for me. It's a newer health department (opened in January 2023), so still implementing new processes. That could be exciting (which I thought it was) or frustrating depending on whether you thrive under those conditions or not.

2.0
23 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You somewhat make a difference or try to. I was one of the few minorities so it felt good to be some representation, and to advocate for my community.

Cons

9% mandatory 401k (so don’t let the salary offer fool you, once you deduct the 9%, taxes, medical you will be very disappointed) Literally NO DIVERSITY. You primarily work with minority families, & 80% of caseworkers are white women lol? SO many unnecessary cases were opened due to lack of cultural awareness. High caseloads, high turn over rates Unrealistic expectations. Case workers are expected to maintain caseloads, go to court, submit court reports, do family visits ( some families you have to see separately at multiples locations that can be anywhere in CO mind you), stay up to date on documentation, supervise family time. SO MUCH TRAMUA & the county will encourage self care/time off & it’s basically impossible to take time off?? Finding coverage for your caseload and the county is very understaffed makes it very difficult!! The amount of driving and mileage you put on your car isn’t worth the reimbursement! The county has a few cars that are rarely available. They advertise “hybrid” but balancing face to face visits, court, team meetings, family time, etc you rarely get to work from home. Due to administrative budget cuts combined with ongoing county issues most caseworkers get burnt out after a year. I could only last 6 months & it was one of the most stressful, traumatic jobs I’ve had in my career! If the system was better, & caseworkers were so overworked I would’ve stayed but I picked my mental health and sanity

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