Pros
-The Youth Advocate role varies by program, which offers opportunities to gain different types of experience. I especially enjoyed working with the Youth Resiliency Center (the YRC). -The YRC's Program Manager is a strong example of effective leadership. She creates space for growth, accountability, and open communication, and is supportive even through challenges or disagreements. -Synergy runs a wide range of impactful programs, including SOS, TLP, MGH, SH, and the YRC. Working on the Youth Campus allows you to gain knowledge of multiple approaches and meet dedicated staff across programs. -The org emphasizes Trauma-Informed Care as the standard of service, which helps maintain consistency and quality of care for youth. -Morning Shift at SH are well supported by office staff being present during the week. - The Street Outreach team is particularly strong- staff a knowledgeable about local resources and dedicated to connecting youth with the support they need.
Cons
-The workplace culture is toxic, with management and staff often engaging in cliques, gossip, and exclusionary behavior. If you disagree or "make waves", you risk being iced out. -Management participates in and encourages workplaces drama rather than addressing it, They often take sides, gossip with employees about other employees, and show bias in conflicts instead of providing fair mediation. -Issues are rarely communicated directly. Instead, management tends to go behind employees' backs, creating distrust. In some cases, staff have been set up to fail or pushed out rather than supported. -Termination can feel arbitrary. While some firings are justified, others have been the result of management twisting situations to fit their own narrative. -The evening shift is poorly managed. Experienced staff have been forced to quit, and the staff remaining show little professionalism, leaving their responsibilities for other shifts to complete while they are having an affair and seemingly playing "House". -Case Management staff (for the house and SOS) also contribute to the dysfunction, with leaders fueling drama and oversharing personal relationships at work. -HR is not a reliable source for employees. Multiple former staff are pursuing legal action due to unfair treatment, mishandled terminations and hostile work conditions. Documentation is ESSENTIAL for self-protection.