Pros
Great earned time. Every day can be different. A good sense of meaning when helping others. At the right program it can be a great team environment with clients who appreciate your efforts. If you are good it is very easy to move up with worker ls taking promotions within a year if they strive for it. Great experience for anyone seeking to work in human services and work with a variety of people.
Cons
The beaurocracy can be soul crushing for direct care workers especially as higher ups make financial priorities or pressure from DMH over client needs. I have worked at several programs and the quality varies greatly. Nonprofits generate low pay and with high burnout rates. Program Managers are especially underpaid and tend to apply elsewhere or seek promotions within a year. Most mid level positions require a week of unpaid on-call every two months. Mobile clinicians can overwhelmed with clients.