Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about HIL here!
General FAQs
How did HIL get it is start?
In 1984, our founder and former CEO, Jim Balestrieri, purchased a company out of bankruptcy. Part of that company was Homes for Independent Living, which, at the time, was operating eight group homes. Jim had already spent much of his life working with people with disabilities, it was his passion and now it was his business too. Over the past four decades, Homes for Independent living has grown to over one hundred programs and the company that Jim purchased, which is now known as MyPath, operates eight different subsidiary companies – all of which serve the needs of disabled adults and children in two different states. Click here to hear from our founder.
What is your Mission at Homes for Independent Living?
Our Mission is to provide individualized support to persons with disabilities so they may attain fulfilling lives in the community. Homes for Independent Living is a diverse, 100% employee-owned company guided by basic values which we call our Beliefs and Behaviors: Passion, Accountability, Teamwork, Openness, and Continuous Learning & Innovation. We work together to provide individualized and effective solutions that empower people with specialized needs to live their best lives.
What type of services do you offer?
We have an array of independent living settings that include Adult Family Homes (AFH), Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRF) and Supportive Home Care (SHC). Our services include Supportive Home Care, Behavioral Support Services, Crisis Respite and Residential Homes supporting medically or physically complex individuals.
What sets you apart from other companies?
Homes for Independent Living is the longest-standing company in Wisconsin providing residential services for people with disabilities. We know what it takes to provide the right support for the people who need it. We offer individualized service plans focusing on the person’s abilities and supporting them to reach their desired outcomes for their lives. We emphasize person-centered planning, focusing on the individual's abilities and supporting them in reaching their life goals.
Where are your homes located?
Our programs are in Green Bay, Wausau, Manitowoc, Appleton, Sheboygan, West Bend, Fort Atkinson, Waukesha, Milwaukee and Racine; however, we do not just support people from these cities. HIL provides support in these areas for people from all over the state of Wisconsin.
What training do your employees have?
Homes for Independent Living provides a comprehensive training system for its employees to promote that they are in the best position to provide the best care. Some of the trainings provided include Standard Precautions, Medication Administration, Fire Safety, First Aid & Choking, Vehicle Safety, Mandt, Crisis Prevention Intervention, RN Delegation, Client Group Specific including Challenging Behaviors, Dietary, Resident Rights, HIPPAA, Hazardous Communications, Preventing Abuse, Reporting Requirements, Safe Client Movement, and Cultural Competency.
Where can we be found on social media?
Homes for Independent Living is on Facebook & Instagram! Keep up to date on all things HIL!
Visit us: https://www.facebook.com/HILnorth/ or https://www.instagram.com/hil_north/
FAQs for a Person seeking services or Parents/Guardians/Funders
Who is eligible for services?
Adults (ages 18 and over) are eligible for services in our programs.
What resources are available to pay for services?
HIL accepts various forms of funding for individuals. Please contact us for more detailed information.
What is your referral process?
Referrals are made by contacting our Admissions Manager. They will discuss the individual’s support needs and preferences and may request additional background information. An assessment will be scheduled to assist us in further evaluating our ability to meet the individual’s needs. We also like to offer tours of programs to individuals, family members, guardians, case management teams and any other significant persons involved in the placement planning. HIL subscribes to a team approach, both in initial assessment of needs, and placement determination.
What happens if there is a change to the type of support or services I need?
Homes for Independent Living provides individualized services for the people we support. Should there be a change needed in your support services, Homes for Independent Living will collaborate with you and the rest of your support team to determine what services and placement is right for you.
Why should I choose Homes for Independent Living?
Homes for Independent Living has a reputation for providing person centered support services and utilizing a cross functional approach to supporting our individuals. Communication and collaboration with our individuals, their guardians, parents, other people significant in their lives and their care management teams is our top priority.
How can I learn more about Homes for Independent Living?
To get more detailed information about HIL, please see our Contact Us Page.
FAQs for Owners and Potential Employees
Why should I choose to work at Homes for Independent Living?
Homes for Independent Living stands out from other companies because our employees own our company, literally. HIL is 100% employee-owned and provides an Employee Stock Ownership Plan for all our eligible employees. HIL balances this employee ownership with our five core Beliefs and Behaviors: Passion, Accountability, Teamwork, Openness and Continuous Learning & Innovation to guide us through all our employee interactions. HIL also provides dedicated initiatives around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and we welcome a diverse workforce. We provide extensive opportunities for training, skills development and advancement to all our employees. We offer competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package that reaches far beyond just medical insurance. We are widespread throughout the state with many distinct types of programs and positions to choose from, and we believe the right position is here waiting for you.
What characteristics will make me a good match for Homes for Independent Living?
The people we support depend on their direct care staff, every day, to assist them in being the best people they can be. The top qualities our individuals need are Owners that are patient, dependable, and compassionate. Most of all, we look for Owners with purpose. We are looking for those who have a purpose for something special, someone who is driven to make each day a little better than the day before, those who want to do an excellent job and wants to make a difference. Click here to hear our founders thoughts on who we want working at our company.
What benefits do you offer at Homes for Independent Living?
HIL offers its owners over 25 different benefits that you can take advantage of! Some of them include:
2nd and Weekend Shift Differentials – get paid an additional $1.00/hour for second shift hours and $2.00/hour for weekend hours!
Payactiv – access your wages before payday!
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – provides a wide range of assistance with personal and family needs.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Medical & Prescription Insurance - No deductibles and transparency of costs.
Company Sponsored Wellness Program
Dental & Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
401k Retirement Plan & Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Education Assistance Programs – Student Loan Paydown or Tuition Reimbursement
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Additional Voluntary Insurance Benefits
What is the vacation policy like at Homes for Independent Living?
Paid Time Off (PTO) begins accruing upon hire to a benefit-eligibly status and is ready to use after 60 days of employment. We have a robust PTO accrual system; hours are calculated based on paid hours worked. Advance notice of at least two weeks is needed for employees whose absence will require finding coverage and is subject to your supervisor’s approval.
What experience or education do I need to work at Homes for Independent Living?
A high school diploma is required to work at HIL. No experience is necessary, as we provide a comprehensive training system for our employees that will prepare you for the position you have been selected for.
How will I be trained?
Training is provided through a combination of classroom and virtual training with members of our Training Department and in-home hands-on training with experienced employees. HIL pays for your time spent training as well as the registration fee required for any State Approved CBRF Registry trainings required.
What is the interview process like?
After applying, a member of the Recruitment department will reach out to you to start the interview process, within 24 hours. The interview process consists of a 10–15-minute phone screen to determine experience, shift availability, driver’s license status, etc. The next step is a 30-40 minute in-person or virtual interview. Then the process moves into the position offer stage if you are a fit for one of the available positions. These steps take place within a few days of each other and hiring decisions are made quickly. From start to finish, candidates can be in New Hire Orientation within a week.
What if I get started and I do not feel the position is right for me?
Talk to your manager! We want you to be happy and comfortable in your work environment. If you find your current position is not the right fit for you, we have many other program types, shifts and positions to looks at for you. We can work together to find the right fit for you and our clients.
Is there room to grow with HIL?
There are multiple opportunities to gain experience with Homes for Independent Living. Whether you are interested in working with an array of different clients, a management position, supporting the training and development of other Direct Care Professionals or supporting other day to day operations of your region, we have many types of positions and we will provide the training and development to prepare you for those roles.
How do I express interest in employment?
Take a look at our open positions on the HIL Careers page located here: Homes for Independent Living Careers. You can filter the Careers site by location, shift, positions type, and job category. When you have found the position that is right for you, click on the “Apply for this Job” to start your application!