Pros
I *PREVIOUSLY* LOVED THIS JOB. So disappointing to see where it's heading. - Wonderful kids. - Some fun coworkers. - Consistent pay, hours, and benefits -- NOT worth the stress in my opinion. - Mission is great--just not followed very well anymore. - There are a few great people in leadership. - HR gal is wonderful.
Cons
- All employees spread *brutally* thin. - While not CONSTANT, in general, the lack of staff support causes some client escalation to be *dangerous* for the staff and other clients who are there (be prepared to possibly get at least one concussion at this job)! - General expectation of good staff to carry the weight of weak staff who don't do their job. - No coverage when therapists and unit managers are on PTO/sick. - When therapists are sick they often have to do Zooms from home to make sure their legal number of sessions per week is met, because other people are too busy to cover sessions. - For years, no staff breaks (besides bathroom breaks) unless you work a 12 HOUR shift--this is possibly getting fixed with new schedules. - Inconsistent messaging/enforcement about unit day-to-day. - Lack of true response when units/staff are advocated for. - No mental health awareness or support for staff. - No good system for staff water (for a while staff had to use client drinking. fountains or bathroom sinks for hydration). - Guilt complex / staff end up pulling extra weight so that the kids are cared for, but then burn out much quicker than they should. - Not enough ability to access resources for the kids outside of art supplies (which clients get bored of quickly). - Lack of accountability measures for staff who are doing a poor job. - Not enough pay difference between shift leads and staff. - Training is severely reduced in quality because the classes have been shortened. - Some staff who are hired are of extremely poor quality. - Company blames most problems on COVID; while relevant, that is NOT what is ultimately causing people to leave. - Employee pay differentials that are questionable. - Low morale overall. - The kids spend a *lot* of time playing games on electronics during class, watching movies--which is encouraged, due to a transitional school environment. - A lot of the weekends and days off school mean the kids are just watching TV to keep them entertained.