Pros
Experience with high needs young people, gain an understanding of the meaning of corporate oppression, the concierge team are like a family that help douse your stress and frustration
Cons
Absolutely no transparency or honesty from leadership teams. A typical day consists of cancelling all plans to support another project because they have no staff and being forced to do overtime for the same. Then when you get a chance to support a young person as you thought you were hired for, you are dealing with no hot water at christmas or bed bug bites. When you are through with this you attempt to support your young person but alas! you have to be stationary at another project that does not allow visitors. Then you are ALWAYS behind on your case notes. This is of course besides having to train and induct your colleagues, be mini rent officers and receive virtually no support or empowerment. Properties are dilapidated. Young people feel oppressed. Collusion over red flag issues such as property condemnation, lack of heating and hot water, rodent infestation in various properties, managerial gross negligence and much more. The leadership have no sense of direction and are disconnected from the frontline. Young people cannot complain against the system without the risk of not being heard, or being intimidated by management as per historical events. Long hours, out of hours. Can be forced to work in total darkness due to poor state of properties. No opportunities for promotion. No acknowledgement of good work. Toxic gossipy environment. Money squandering on prestigious events rather than a lick of paint. Salary deductions due to sickness or holiday of up to 100%. Staffing levels and turnover are so poor that you will be asked to be a part-time receptionist at head office. Whistleblowers are harassed, slandered and reprimanded Trustees are useless and rumour has it that they are imaginary people that never really existed. You become a repairs manager, a receptionist, an in-wait-for-contractor entry, but not a support officer You have to use your own car to drive people around, move young people out, deliver furniture, equipment, hoovers, the list is endless. CAYSH consistently fails inspections or receiving grades of 'needing improvement'. Most young people in supported housing end up being sectioned for the first time after they move in, and repeatedly thereafter. Racism is stark