Pros
Making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. Friendly staff and good communication among co-workers.
Cons
Not very flexible when it comes to pay. I did start out at a higher rate because of my college degree and experience ($1 additional/hour for each). However, I want to switch from second shift to first shift and this comes with a $1.75 pay cut, which would put me at less than I made in high school. Even though they are in desperate need of staff for this shift, they will not work with me. When it comes to schedules, prepare to never have a weekend unless you manage to take that one first shift schedule that is M-F. I work every day of every weekend and they aren't willing to break it up so I can have ONE day off on the weekend to spend with my husband who works out of town during the week (hence why I wanted to take the first shift position). I do love my job and love working here, but these things are too big to ignore for very long. There is A LOT of turnover among youth leaders and it is clear why. For all the very important, hard work they do and the hours put in, there is not enough appreciation. Clinicians and group leaders are praised when they so very little with the children in comparison, but they bill for their hours so they are the reason the ranch has money... go figure.