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Devereux Pocono helps team members achieve professional development goals

“Successful careers are not planned. They develop when people are prepared for opportunities because they know their strengths, their method of work and their values.”
– Peter Drucker, management consultant, educator and author

At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, we support the growth and development of our talented and hard-working team members. We help employees build the skills they need to be successful in their roles – and the organization.

Devereux Pocono places significant importance on professional development. For example, 10 out of 15 assistant managers at the center were promoted from direct care roles. Executive Director Tina Skoda says “the opportunities are endless” for those who want to advance.

“I joined Devereux Pocono in 2003 as director of operations,” Skoda shared. “At that time, I oversaw seven group homes. I was given a great deal of trust and autonomy, as well as opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, which I found both challenging and rewarding. I thrived in developing and overseeing new programs, including the center’s first children’s program and a life sharing program for adults. Taking on these additional tasks, with support from my supervisors and colleagues, enabled me to be successful. I participated in Devereux’s national leadership development training program, and in 2013, I was promoted to assistant executive director, and then executive director in 2017.”

Developing skills, talents

Devereux Pocono is committed to helping staff enhance their knowledge and abilities, and further their careers. Here’s what just a few team members told us about their professional development journey.

“I was hired in 2015 as a driver in the transportation department, and was promoted to assistant manager of a residential home the following year. I completed supervisor development training, which led to my promotion to residential manager, followed by operations administrator and, eventually, to my current position as operations manager. Devereux is an organization that consistently takes initiative in prioritizing the development of its employees.”
– Operations Manager Christian Fils-Aime

“I was hired in 1991 as a residential manager for Devereux Pocono’s personal care home. Within a few years, due to program expansion, I was transferred into the role of community liaison, which included outreach and marketing. Working closely with our marketing consultant and the national marketing team, I developed my skills and became admissions coordinator. In 2013, I was promoted to admissions director. I am extremely proud to have had the career course I did, and feel it was largely attributed to supervisors who had faith in my abilities and were open to new experiences. Knowing I have had an impact on the growth and success of our organization is extremely rewarding.”
– Admissions Director John Gething

“I was hired in 1982 as a part-time nurse’s aide. About a year later, I became activities director. I was fortunate to have various support and mentoring, and was promoted to finance manager, director of administrative services and, eventually, director of finance. I was able to balance my career with raising my family. When you get older, you realize it’s not just about the paycheck, it’s about the generous benefits, as well as the support and understanding you receive from the people you work with, and feeling like you’ve made a difference.”
– Director of Finance Diane Howell

“I was hired as a director support professional in 2017. While assigned to a group home, I was able to work at the day program and gain additional experience. I found myself taking the lead on various tasks, which helped me acquire new skills and led me to be recognized by my supervisors and peers. In 2019, I was promoted to day program assistant manager. I continued to absorb as much information as possible, learning from both the operations and day program teams. I was valued for my input and collaborated on daily problem solving. My abilities were once again recognized by my supervisors, and I was promoted to day program supervisor in May 2021.”
– Day Program Supervisor Addis Nosworthy

Make a positive impact: Join our team!

Looking for a rewarding career in behavioral health with competitive benefits and opportunities for growth and advancement? Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is hiring committed and compassionate team members who want to make a difference in the lives of children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Visit jobs.devereux.org to explore our career opportunities today, and learn what makes us a behavioral healthcare employer of choice.

Latest News

		Devereux article on how to build your own multidisciplinary team featured in Autism Spectrum News Read this Autism Spectrum News article written by Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, as she outlines how parents can build a team of subspecialists. In the article – “Pulling it all together: How to create a multidisciplinary team for your child with autism” – Kelly also offers advice on how to “connect” team players to ensure your child receives the care and support they need to flourish.
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