research - Recensione dipendente - Dipendente anonimo presso Stratcom

The fact that I am work as much or as little as I want. I like the atmosphere and the people are all really nice thus far. I also believe you can go to different SSA’s as well if the current scheduling isn’t doing it for you. Definitely something to look out for. Working in Newark or even NY is a way to make up for lack of work.

The scheduling and you really have to hustle if you wanna make any type of money but if you can get a few days in, you should be good.

usually pays on time, will do auto deposit

First of all, Stratcomm is misclassifying VHRs as "independent contractors" to fill their own pockets! The VHR job is NOT a legitimate independent contractor job. VHRs have NO autonomy, NO control over their work assignments, NO benefits, and NO rights. They are paid $26 ONLY if a hearing goes through, but only $5 if the claimant doesn't show up (which happens a lot). Because of the "independent contractor" classification, VHRs are NOT eligible for unemployment insurance or workman's comp. And Stratcomm provides NO sick leave, PTO or health benefits. Then there is the copious, time consuming paperwork that VHRs must do WITHOUT PAY. For instance, each hearing involves forms and attachments that VHRs must complete and compile by the end of the day. Stratcomm requires VHRs to copy, scan, and email hearing tickets weekly. VHRs must fill out extremely detailed invoices, documenting information about every hearing. These must also be submitted to Stratcomm by their monthly deadline. Because they are "independent contractors," VHRs must also keep detailed business records in order to do their income taxes. VHRs must do ALL of this paperwork on UNPAID TIME. Considering all the time and work invested in this job, VHRs' final pay probably amounts to minimum wage AT BEST. VHRs have NO protections or guarantees. It's possible to show up for work only to sit around much of the day for what amounts to $5 per hour! Even worse, VHRs are not properly trained for the job. The job involves a lot of rules and requirements that must be strictly adhered to, but Stratcomm DOES NOT PROVIDE standardized training on these things! It's all done verbally by "trainers" who may have very little training or experience themselves. None of the training is in writing. And Stratcomm makes up new rules and requirements on the fly sending out several emails a week constantly changing rules/requirements or creating new ones. Even worse, a VHR can be removed and replaced in the middle of a hearing and/or have their schedule canceled last minute without explanation or compensation. A VHR is easily scapegoated and blamed for "mistakes" and completely at the mercy of unreasonable hearing staff and the micromanagement of Stratcomm. Another problem is the lack of scheduled breaks. Hearings may back up or go over time, leaving the VHR without breaks for long periods of time. To top it off, food or drinks are NOT allowed in the hearing room, so the VHR may be sitting for long periods without restroom breaks or even water. VHRs are NOT allowed to use the SS office facilities for breaks or restroom use. Still another issue is how VHRs are treated by SS staff. Some judges can be ill tempered, condescending, and rude; office staff frequently drop the ball on their own responsibilities and then pin the blame on the VHR. In the meantime, the VHRs are expected to act like robots, silently going about their duties, not speaking to anyone, and not addressing issues with anyone but Stratcomm (which is located in another state). If you want any kind of decent, humane treatment, pay, or job security, DO NOT work as a Stratcomm VHR. They treat VHRs like expendables.