Pros
This agency has made a very impressive effort to truly integrate people with developmental disabilities in the community. It's a very gtratifying job as you really make a difference in the lives of severely disabled people. What makes it great is the teaching component - this is not babysitting - you are actually teaching life skills. I worked for eight straight years at CLO as a teaching counselor/direct care professional and although the starting pay was not high, was given plenty of opportunities for career advancement. I really enjoyed seeing small improvements almost on a daily basis in the skill set of the folks I was teaching. Like with any other job, if you stick around and be professional, good things will happen. If you develop a good relationship with a client (which is inevitable if you are a caring person) you can join their EFT program which has incredible benefits (financial and otherwise). I've had experiences with other such agencies and the difference in training, services, care, etc. is dramatic. Also, there are numerous benefits, incl. reduced gym membership, dental ins., really good paid time off system, etc. I think, what's really imprortant is to keep in mind that you are not working with machines or products - this is a job that requires you to help people...very fragile and yet wonderful people. I would recommend this job, but only to people who actually are serious about what they do in life and actually care for the less fortunate.
Cons
The starting pay rate for direct care professionals needs to increase