CDS Monarch Announces Wage Increase for Direct Support Professionals
Webster, N.Y. – In recognition of the dedication of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and the impact they have in the lives of the individuals it serves, CDS Monarch, an affiliate of CDS Life Transitions, today announced that it is increasing its starting wage structure for employees in these critical positions.
The changes mean that, effective June 1, all CDS Monarch DSPs, including those who provide residential and habilitation support, will receive a minimum increase of $2.50/hour to their wage. New employees will start at $17.50/hour upon hire.
Additionally, DSPs will receive a differential of $1.00/hour for those working in residential settings during evenings, overnights, and all weekend shifts, with an extra $1.00/hour when working in select residential homes. These differentials increase the starting DSP wage to $19.50/hour when working in these settings. Longevity increases are also available.
“CDS Monarch is proud to offer this new increased hourly starting rate for DSPs. Our staff work tirelessly to improve the lives of those we serve and they deserve the best we can offer,” says Andrew Sewnauth, Executive Director of CDS Monarch and Chief Executive Officer of CDS Life Transitions.
This latest increase to the starting rate, accompanied by the organization’s current benefit structure and other benefits, places CDS Monarch’s compensation package among the best in the Finger Lakes Region.
“The increased wages, along with our outstanding benefit offerings, provide the foundation for a career path in direct care,” says Brian Stephenson, Vice President of Human Resources of CDS Life Transitions.
In a statement regarding the announcement, the SEIU Local200United Negotiating Committee said: “Increasing the starting wage was critical in our negotiations. We wanted to ensure that new staff could be hired a decent wage, but we also wanted to ensure that current staff especially those that have dedicated years to CDS also received an increase that reflects their hard work and dedication,” CDS Monarch is actively recruiting high energy, compassionate, team players to join its vibrant organization as DSPs and in other vital roles. To learn more about CDS Monarch’s open DSP positions and to apply, click here.
###
