Pros
I worked at Tanager for two years in multiple roles, beginning as a Youth Service Worker and later transitioning into a clinical position. This job requires genuine passion and commitment—especially to the kids we serve. The youth at Tanager have experienced significant trauma, and they need consistent, compassionate support. If someone is only in it for the paycheck, this isn't the right place for them—the impact on both themselves and the kids can be harmful. My time at Tanager helped me grow tremendously, both personally and professionally, and deepened my love for this kind of meaningful work.
- Working with the youth
- Skill building
- Team work
Cons
One of the more challenging aspects of working at Tanager is the high stress and high turnover, which can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Because of this, it's crucial to truly care about the work and to support one another as a team while on shift. The kids at Tanager have experienced significant trauma and often struggle with mental health challenges. As a result, they may express their emotions in difficult ways. A key part of the job is helping them work through those moments and build the coping skills they'll need after they leave the program.
- High chance of experiencing burn out