CDS Monarch Leads the Finger Lakes Region with Increased Wages for Direct Support Professionals


 

Webster, N.Y. – June 21, 2021 – Recognizing the dedication of Direct Support Professionals
(DSPs), CDS Monarch, an affiliate of CDS Life Transitions, is announcing changes to its
starting wage structure.

Effective June 19th, all CDS Monarch DSPs will receive a $2.00/hour increase to their wage;
representing a 14% increase in base wage, recognizing the impact of DSPs in the lives of
individuals they serve. New employees will also make $15.00/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 $0.75/hour when
working in select residential homes. These differentials increase the average current DSP
wage to $17.95/hour when working in these settings, while new employees will make an
average of $16.75/hour. Furthermore, longevity bonuses are also available to employees
upon reaching five year milestones.

DSPs include various roles such as those providing residential and habilitation support,
vehicle drivers, production workers, and licensed practical nurses.

“CDS Monarch is proud to offer this new structure with differentials,” says Andrew
Sewnauth, Executive Director of CDS Monarch and Chief Operating Officer of CDS Life
Transitions. “With these increases, over 70% of DSPs will recognize a $3.00/hour welldeserved increase in their next paycheck.”

With this latest wage increase, CDS Monarch leads human service agencies in the Finger
Lakes region relative to direct compensation of its DSP workforce. CDS Monarch is actively
recruiting DSPs, seeking high energy, compassionate, team players to join its vibrant
organization. Nearly 40% of its workforce has been working at CDS Monarch for at least 5
years.

CDS Monarch offers DSPs a myriad of benefits including paid time off, training and
development, health insurance, retirement planning, tuition reimbursement, employee
assistance, wellness programs and advancement opportunities.

About CDS Monarch
CDS Monarch provides a wide variety of services for people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities so they may achieve their dreams and become successful
members of the community. For more information about CDS Monarch visit
www.cdsmonarch.org or call 585-507-0535.