Pros
If you like working with children and families who need help in order to develop into great people and families this is the job for you. There are lots of directions this place can take you in regards to social services.
Cons
You can get physically abused, your will work nights and weekends. You will be insulted by the youth and you will be treated like an invalid by the higher ups. You will be terminated/chastised for petty reasons and will watch people get promoted with poor work ethic simply because the are willing to work over time. But, the people working over time, don't actually work, as a matter of fact they have been caught sleeping in offices. Their is a very poor demeanor at the residential, it's a very difficult environment to work in. The clinical staff is quick to provide insight on the development of the milieu but they hide in their offices when youth are in crisis and need major clinical support. The place is a gossip machine, hear say is also enough to tarnish even the best reputation. If I were you, I would steer clear. The residential units are filthy, dated and sad. Yet, the building where the CEO sits has brand new cherry furniture. It's a joke. Your safety can be jeopardized in the residential facilities. A woman I worked with almost lost her eye, and the child was given no consequences. The reputation of the ranch continues to tarnish, they have been on the news for abuse allegations, many are swept under the rug also. They will take youth that are far too dangerous for a residential atmosphere just for the money. Some of the youth leaders are exceptional as well as clinical staff.