FAQs for Everyone

Where does Dungarvin provide supports?

With over 3,000 trained and dedicated staff, Dungarvin supports more than 2,200 individuals across 14 states.

Please visit the locations section of our website to learn more about our service areas.

What advantages does Dungarvin offer over its competitors? What are its unique attributes?

Dungarvin offers a comprehensive range of services and supports that are determined by an individual’s personal strengths, preferences, interests, desires and goals. Dungarvin places a strong emphasis on the quality of those services and conducts its own internal quality review assessments in addition to stakeholder, employee and consumer satisfaction surveys.

Additionally, Dungarvin places a high priority on responsible financial management and plan development to ensure our organization is financially sound and able to provide long term stability and security for the persons we serve and for our employees.

What is a developmental disability?

A developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability of an individual five years of age or older that: is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; is manifested before the individual attains age 22; is likely to continue indefinitely; results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care; receptive and expressive language; learning; mobility; self-direction; capacity for independent living; and economic self-sufficiency; and reflects the individuals need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, supports, or other assistance that is of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. When this term when applied to infants and young children, it means individuals from birth to age five, inclusive, who have substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental disabilities if services are not provided.

What is the mission of Dungarvin

Our mission statement is "respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports." Dungarvin assists each person we serve to realize his or her own hopes, dreams, goals and aspirations.

Why is the organization named Dungarvin?

A policeman’s thoughtful act of kindness that occurred during the 1970’s in a town in Ireland inspired a “thumbing” traveler with the name that now is the masthead of the organization. Read the full story on how Dungarvin got its name: Dungarvin's Name

FAQs for Parents and Guardians

If I have concerns, whom do I tell?

Each person served has an assigned program supervisor or manager who oversees services and supports provided by Dungarvin. Address any concerns you may have with that person first. If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, contact this individual’s supervisor to continue problem resolution.

How are staff screened?

Before a new employee can begin working for Dungarvin, we will conduct a criminal background check, a driving record check, an abuse/neglect record check, a personal interview with the prospective employee and reference checks with former employers. Parents, guardians and individuals served are encouraged to assist in the staff selection process when possible.

How are my family member's funds handled and by whom?

If an individual needs assistance in money management, it will be addressed by his/her Interdisciplinary Team when designing the individual support plan.

What resources are available to pay for services?

Services can be funded through federal Medicaid waivers, Social Security, SSI, state/county funds and private pay arrangements. Contact your local Dungarvin office for information about payment systems in your home state.

Are meetings held when I can attend, after work hours or weekends?

Dungarvin strives to accommodate the schedules of parents/guardians when at all possible, while recognizing that other professional service providers (case managers, psychologists, nurses, therapists) have schedules to keep as well.

FAQs for Persons with Disabilities Seeking Services

How are staff screened?

Before a new employee can begin working for Dungarvin, we will conduct a criminal background check, a driving record check, an abuse/neglect record check, a personal interview with the prospective employee and reference checks with former employers. You and your family members are encouraged to assist in the staff selection process when possible.

How are my funds handled and by whom?

If you need assistance in money management, it will be addressed by your Interdisciplinary Team when designing your individual support plan.

How can I stay in contact with my friends and family?

There is nothing more important in our lives than our relationships with friends and family. Dungarvin will provide you assistance and resources to stay in touch with friends and family members, through telephone calls, visits, and letters, cards and/or e-mail correspondence.

What happens when there is a change in the types of services/supports that I need?

Dungarvin recognizes that individuals will continue to grow and develop throughout their lifetimes, and there will often be a change in the type of services and supports that are needed. Rather than having a pre-established menu of available services, Dungarvin designs your plan of services and supports in response to your unique life goals, dreams, wishes, wants and needs. As these change, your type and level of supports can also change. Dungarvin staff will work closely with you to offer services that are responsive to your choices.

How will Dungarvin ensure that I am happy with the services I receive?

Dungarvin welcomes your feedback about the services and supports we provide. Any concerns, complaints or problems can be brought to any Dungarvin staff at any time. Feedback about Dungarvin can also be shared with your guardian, family member(s), friends, advocate, case manager/case coordinator or other professional, who in turn can communicate this information to us. Satisfaction Surveys are regularly completed by individuals we support, in order to obtain additional feedback. Dungarvin staff will listen to your concerns, and respond.

FAQs for Staff and Potential Employees

How would I report concerns and possible violations of Dungarvin’s Policies and Procedures?

Dungarvin has established policies and procedures for communicating conflicts, incidents and grievances. Employees receive information regarding these policies and procedures during their new staff orientation. At any time, you may request information on, or copies of, these policies and procedures from your supervisor or your local Human Resources department.

How do I express an interest in employment at Dungarvin?

You can fax, e-mail or mail your resume for consideration at any of our offices. We also welcome you to apply in person at any of our locations. You may also complete our online Application for Employment.

Do you have an incentive program for staff? If so, what is it?

Many state offices provide referral programs for employees who refer new people to Dungarvin for employment. After a new employee satisfactorily meets the state office’s requirements for this program, the referring employee receives a cash bonus or gift for his/her referral.

What are the opportunities for relocation and/or advancement?

Dungarvin provides supports in multiple locations throughout 13 different states. We encourage individuals to contact the appropriate state office Human Resources representative to discover current vacancies or opportunities for advancement.

What kind of training do new employees receive?

All new employees at Dungarvin receive new staff orientation, which includes training in Dungarvin policies and procedures, OSHA health and safety, HIPAA, working with persons with developmental disabilities, behavior support, CPR and first aid. In addition, new employees also receive specific training about the needs of the individuals with whom they will be working. Other in-service training opportunities are available throughout the year.