Pros
The pros to this job are the children. They are what should be the focus of this program as they have endured so much hurt already.
Cons
What you see and read on the website is in no way what goes on behind the doors of this place. When I first started here in 2017 it was a pretty amazing place on the surface. The Residential Director was present, checked in on staff always, would work on shifts to make things more stable, and would constantly remind staff of what the children needed to heal and what they did not need (harshness, physical force, punitive interventions). When there were holds she expected them to be done therapeutically and in a way that made kids feel safe and protected, not fearful. The Executive Director, Dave, was a bit intimidating and not super friendly, but he was smart and clearly knew what these very damaged kids needed. Fast forward to the retirement of both and the incoming new leaders. Not good. They aren't here for the kids, they don't care about the staff, and they are NEVER present. Horrible stuff goes on here now that shouldn't and they just cover it up. They are petty, play favorites, and coukd care less what happens as long as it doesn't come down on them. Many of us are leaving and we wish we could take the kids with us.