Pros
Almost all co-workers at the Drop-in Center were great and committed to the cause.
Cons
Management was never present, and never helped when around- did not answer emails or could not be reached despite being salary. Ethical and moral negligence towards clients and co-workers (a person who was suicidal was told to come back the next day by our chief program officer who was our interim director at he time). Safety concerns that were downplayed or ignored (one including a firearm). No policy and procedure for incidents such as suicidal ideation, aggressive behavior or disrespect towards employees/clients for example. Rules and guidelines were stated but never enforced, and favoritism existed towards clients and certain staff by management. Overall a terrible experience, within less than a month of employment majority including myself left or were planning to leave. Staff was more than competent and willing to make a difference for TAY youth, but management hamstringed all efforts to be effective and efficient in best service delivery. Management created a toxic culture of being passive-aggressive and gas lighting. When management and higher ups would be scrutinized they would redirect the blame on staff, and gas light us to the point where we almost actually believed it. Management would not fully read the context of emails that were sent, if they were read at all- and when they were they were a template of a quick reply with the staff members name. Avoid this agency at all costs until the people who are at the top are done away with and replaced with actually competent and empathetic. Additionally they changed certain staff members hours to swing shift without informing them, with no option for a alternate shift. When interviewed I specifically asked to work during the day and did not want to be in a respite setting. I was told everything I wanted to hear so I would accept the position, and surely my scheduled switched to swing shift and respite was being brought over. My employment was based on lies to be staffed in preparation for the Drop In Center opening 9am-9pm.