Pros
In my time with Gracehaven I worked as a Youth Direct Care Specialist. Gracehaven is a great organization that is accomplishing essential work to fight against the sex trafficking of minors in Ohio. I found that the time I spent at Gracehaven to be very rewarding. Although the job can be challenging at times, it was well worth the hard work because I got the chance to see each resident take steps forward in their recovery from something that is so deeply traumatic. This role gave me the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of the residents. From the start I was greatly impressed by the level of training this organization provides. Each training was relevant to the role and in-depth. I felt well equipped and well supported to perform the job duties entrusted to me. My managers and supervisors were always available to discuss any concerns or ideas I had. They made themselves readily available to the needs of the staff as well as the residents. This created a very supportive environment to be a part of. It was very clear to me that each staff member had a deep care for the residents and their co-workers. It was a team effort to provide quality care to each resident. As a Youth Direct Care Specialist my responsibilities had a wide range. This included assisting the residents with daily activities, providing emotional support, and ensuring their safety and well being. It was a great joy to teach each resident various life skills, help them with their school work, and help them engage with various hobbies. I got to see the residents find safety and security in the therapeutic group home and have the chance to rediscover who they were. Overall this role taught me empathy, patiences, and God’s deep love for those who have been terribly hurt by the world. Overall, being a Youth Direct Care Specialist at Gracehaven was a challenging experience but well worth it! If you have a deep care for making a difference in the lives of others this is the place for you. The Direct Care team at Gracehaven is well educated and passionate about providing quality care to minors who have been sex trafficked, as well as being supportive towards one another. At Gracehaven you get the opportunity to change the lives of the residents for the better and set them up for success in their next phase of life. I would highly recommend working here if you have the heart for direct care work.
Cons
I do not have cons to note about my work experience. What I will say is, it is essential to balance your schedule and incorporate self care as well as processing work related stress in healthy ways.