mental health technician

clinician

behavior technician

behavioral health professional

therapist

KidsPeace

It took some time before deciding to write this, but knowledge is power. After working there for about four years let’s set the record straight. This place is a few major safety mistakes away from serious trouble. Let’s tell the basics 

1. Organizational management: These guys are the number pushers. You have a unit in the hospital or a house in residential that is not filled these are the people pushing to fill it. September- November  and Jan - May they somewhat screen the acuity of clients. Summer and winter breaks from schools and forget it. It is a free for all in bringing in what ever referrals they get.  They don’t care if your short staffed or are burning out the current staff by asking them to work doubles almost everyday. To them it’s about are we meeting the budget we have set a year in advance.  These folks are so out of touch with the front line they don’t understand why safety is an issue. 

2. Middle management: let’s get this straight this section of workers is a circus. Less than half deserve the position and work their butts of to the point they question their sanity. The other 80% are clueless. It was amazing to see one submit three resignations for different lower positions and get promoted each time. You have middle management walking around directing and having no idea how to direct. The good ones develop plans and implement to aid the front line workers the issue is that there is no consistency among them to ensure the implementation of the plans. The good ones are so busy that can’t keep up the others sit in their makeshift office from old client rooms or half broken down office space and play on their phones checking the cameras every so often. 

3. Front line workers: These are the true warriors. First and foremost when you take away the credentials to hire someone in an intense position you take away the quality that may be walking in. It would be safe to say that for ever ten workers that walk through the door maybe two stay past six months. These folks get paid the least amount and have the most to lose. Everyday they have no idea what they are walking into. In one of the most dangerous positions to exist this place has implemented safety measure that make no sense. Let’s take pads give an 8 hour training and hope that five people so busy with daily tasks that they cacoordinate when a client tries to attack one of them. The mixed messages from management make it even worse. What if you had to make a decision about what is safe from your perspective, but management didn’t back you up? If a client makes an accusation because to had to implement safety measures your out of work while it’s investigated. It’s a catch 22 on what do you do! 

4. Therapy in this facility is a joke. Constant unethical practices on enmeshment from therapists to clients. Groups hope you like movies kids and maybe we can spot some questions to make it seem like we know what we’re doing. The residential section is better with treatment that is clear. 

5. If safety is the priority of staff then why are staff leaving or more staff getting injured each month. They have a three pronged system for aiding in crisis situations yet all of them are questioned and ridiculed for each individual use. 

As this wraps up and new prospects look to this company let’s go with one thing. There is no better experience to understand just how hard the field of mental health is than one year at this organization. It’s great experience and once you have it you will be thank full, but this is not a career place and it’s one of the most stressful environments to exist.

Kidspeace New England is a residential treatment facility and special needs school that works with young people who have wide-ranging behavioral and physical disabilities. There is a large ASD program that works with children with Autism over a broad scale.

A typical day for me is to arrive at 2pm, check employee schedules, any communication from previous shifts, check with case management to verify any appointments for clients, ascertain whether we will have behavioral issues with a client, etc.  I then plan the shift accordingly taking into account any deviations in routines that may interfere. Once clients arrive from school my team and I navigate them through group and individual schedules in an effort to teach them basic living, and social skills.  Doing chores, attending group meetings, and just plain getting along with peers takes up the biggest part of my job.  Also I am a team mentor and the assistant to the Treatment Team Supervisor. It is my job to model for my team the way to be an effective direct care technician.  It is not unusual for me to attend several meetings a week. Staff meetings on Wednesday to begin my week, followed by Case Reviews on Thursday, and Individual Treatment Team meetings for clients are typically early in the morning on any given day of the week. 

I have learned a great deal about myself there. You initially start this job wanted to make a difference for the kids. You end up learning that you did not have nearly enough patience, sympathy, or empathy for your fellow man.  I have learned to stay calm in tense situations, to meet deadlines in a timely manner. I have learned to follow and more importantly, how to lead in a way that causes people to want to follow you.  I would say that my management style is Autocratic. I would much rather have the whole team be involved in the decision making process, but I also realize that giving orders and having them followed at times is very important.  I have done both.

My coworkers are like a second family to me. You spend so much of you life with these people that you actually become close friends with them and end up spending time with them off duty. Teams are very important in this line of work. You have to know your team has your back and you grow to trust each other implicitly. 

The hardest part of my job is the hours. 2-11pm four days a week, sometimes more.  One of those days is a weekend day, depending on what side of the week you work. Socializing or having any kind of productive family life is difficult, unless you have a very understanding family. Often you have to plan ahead for all of those "big events" that your children go through while growing up.

The most enjoyable part of my job again are the friends that I've made.  Once you have worked at Kidspeace you are family, even if you find another job.  I am still in contact with many of my former coworkers. There is also the yearly bass fishing derby, Christmas party, and Valentine's Dinner, and Kids Day in August. It is a great thing to be able to bring the outside world into a residential situation. Those kids deserve to experience holidays and school dances just like anyone else!

This review is in reference to the Residential Program, not the Hospital as I have not worked there: 

I started at KP in the Recreation Department, and immediately fell in love with the job: helping kids in treatment learn coping skills, taking kids on hikes, teaching about the outdoors, taking kids into the community, playing games... 

Eventually I moved up to a teaching position in the on-site school, and enjoyed that a lot as well. It was a great place to get classroom experience, classroom management experience, and have fun activities (nature walks and lessons, fun activities, teaching life skills). 

The reality is that the primary function of any direct care worker at KP is that you are working with kids who have had significant trauma, experience difficult behavioral issues, intellectual disabilities, etc. 

Can it be difficult? Sure, but I've also held back-breaking labor jobs with uninspired and angry people, which was honestly more difficult!

KidsPeace prepares you for working with this population with an in-depth, two-week training session that introduces you to the basics of psychological development, de-escalation skills, and a number of other topics... Honestly, the training itself can make you a better person if you pay attention and seek to learn. (I've used my KP training in my own life..)

There are a number of positions, and each has different needs: 
- Direct Care Staff on the units (MHT): working with the kids where they reside (think of dorms with rooms, laundry, group meetings, etc., self-contained housing with kids who have similar conditions)

- Recreation Technician: setting up time to go to each unit and teach or host activities that help kids develop positive coping skills; take kids on trips (when non-COVID), swimming, music, play basketball, etc. (I loved hosting poetry lessons, art workshops, and when possible, taking kids to the on-site high-ropes course with the climbing wall!)

Teacher and Teacher Aide: While they are at KidsPeace, the kids continue to go to school, everyday (except holidays). Think of it like a typical school: classrooms, lessons, etc. There is a support team that assists with behavioral disruptions, and there are opportunities for kids in crisis to take positive time-outs. 

Can you advance there? Yes, as long as you're actively trying to! Continue your education, participate in company sponsored activities, get to know your co-workers... Don't expect (ever) to advance in a company if all you do is "show up", clock in, and leave. Any company that has advancement opportunities is looking for people who participate. 

Job security is high there, there is a need for good people, and when the day's are good, it'll fill your heart with a real satisfaction... Watching some of the kids learn and grow... 

One of the most challenging aspects of the role was inconsistent expectations and role expansion without corresponding training or support. In some units, particularly those involving mothers and infants, staff were expected to assist with responsibilities such as infant-related care and lice treatment even when those duties were outside the original scope of the position. At times, this created discomfort for employees who did not feel fully prepared or adequately trained for those responsibilities.
Workload distribution also felt uneven between units. Some staff managed significantly more demanding environments, including higher occupancy and infant-related responsibilities, while compensation remained the same across units. Over time, this appeared to contribute to stress, burnout, and frequent call-offs among employees.
Another difficulty was the inconsistency in behavioral accountability and staff support. While the organization serves a population that requires compassion and trauma-informed care, there were situations where employees felt their concerns or perspectives were not always fully considered during behavioral incidents or investigations. This sometimes left staff feeling unsupported in challenging situations.
There also seemed to be a disconnect at times between administrative expectations and day-to-day floor operations. Staff were often balancing supervision, documentation, and crisis management simultaneously, particularly during understaffed shifts or high-stress situations, which could make expectations feel unrealistic.
Safety and crisis-response procedures could also be difficult in practice. Employees were occasionally expected to manage aggressive behaviors without always having immediate access to experienced intervention support, which added stress to already demanding situations.
Workplace culture varied depending on the team and unit. Some employees experienced issues with favoritism, gossip, or inconsistent management styles, which could impact morale and trust within the workplace.
That said, there were positive aspects to the job. The benefits package, including PTO and sick time, was appreciated. The work could also be genuinely meaningful, especially when building positive relationships with youth and seeing successful reunifications or personal growth.
Areas that could improve the employee experience include:
Clearer role expectations and more consistent training
Better workload balance between units
Stronger staff support and communication
Improved alignment between leadership and frontline staff
More consistent behavioral expectations and accountability processes
The work being done is important and can be very rewarding, but long-term sustainability for employees would likely improve with additional support and operational consistency.

When I worked at KidsPeace, it was not a nice place and there was never any "peace". The Mental Health Worker (MHW) position requires a Bachelors degree, however the pay is extremely low--I was underpaid. As a full-time employee, I was not entitled to paid time off. Holidays and days off were unpaid. We were allowed 3 personal days a year that were paid. If I needed a day off, I was required to provide a 2 week notice. Part-time workers were paid 3 dollars less an hour. As a MHW, you get paid for lunch, because you have to eat with the children and monitor them--there is no such thing as a 30 minute break or even a 15 minute break. At times I couldn't even take a bathroom break because we were so understaffed.

Very unsafe environment to work, as the children were frequently violent towards other children and staff. There was a lack of training, yet very high expectations. I was never thanked for my good work, however I was only reprimanded for things not under my control, such as a child acting out. After a crisis situation, supervisors would ask "How could you let this happen?!" rather than ask, "are you okay?", "do you need a break?" or "what can we do differently to help in a situation such as this?". We were always understaffed, teachers seemed to call off on a daily basis, leaving the MHWs to also teach the classroom with no formal training. Textbooks and learning materials were extremely outdated and the quality of teaching was horrendous. Within the work culture, it appeared that the children had a lack of respect for the female staff and only took redirection from the male staff. This was quite evident because they were frightened by male staff, who's redirection was in the form of "being assertive" aka yelling.

Many children feared for their safety everyday and I also feared for my safety as well. KidsPeace accepted children with behavioral issues, as well as children with mental health issues--such as depression, SI, schizophrenia, and then also accepted children on the spectrum. Mix all of those children together and the result is pure chaos. It was all about money for administration, yet a huge disservice to the children. Depressed and suicidal children winded up becoming more depressed and more suicidal because of being bullied so bad. Children on the spectrum were misunderstood and also bullied by the behavioral kids. It was a nightmare.

Lastly, I had a MHW Supervisor who had no real experience or insight as "they" never worked as a front line staff, so "they" struggled with providing appropriate supervision. "They" were biased and lacked cultural diversity. Fortunately, that individual no longer works for KidsPeace.

Do your self a favor and RUN if you are ever offered an opportunity to work for KidsPeace Advances in Temple (Reading), PA.

As a Direct Care Technician at KidsPeace Graham Lake Campus, I worked directly with children afflicted with ASD and behavioral disorders in Ellsworth, ME.

KidsPeace is a wonderfully supportive and corrective program for children with serious developmental disorders.  The positive impact of KidsPeace programming on struggling youth deserves the highest praise.

Almost universally, staff members at KidsPeace Graham Lake were extraordinarily capable, cared dearly for their profession, and maintained a positive, light-hearted, and highly supportive attitude.

There is ample opportunity for advancement at KidsPeace, but you have to put in your time before you move up.  It will take at least a year or two working at 12 dollars an hour before you will be considered for significant advancement.  Minor pay increases are awarded as you accumulate on-the-job experience, and you can increase your wage by completing specified courses. 

Additionally, there is nearly UNLIMITED opportunity to work overtime.  If you want to dedicate 60 hours a week to the job, they'll encourage it.  If you're comfortable working 40-45, you will not be coerced to work extra hours.

The most challenging aspect of working at KidsPeace is the work itself.  Many of these children have been exposed to significant trauma or have highly debilitating disorders.  Almost evey child requires nearly constant attention and redireciton.  Patience is a must.  Inability to control your temper (it will be tested, daily) will find you out of a job in VERY short order.  Many children occasionally attempt physical violence towards themselves or staff.  ALL staff must be ready and willing to engage children in physical restraints to protect the child from hurting him/herself or others.  Minor injuries are occasionally incurred by some staff members; it's a part of the job.


On the other hand, KidsPeace allows you to build meaningful connections with children desperate for stable relationships.  You will have a lasting impact on the development and future of the children you work closely with.  Watching a child move on from KidsPeace and back into their home or a foster placement and knowing you played a role in their recovery is an unforgettably rewarding experience.


So, if you want to make a difference in the lives of struggling youth and you're truly dedicated to making that difference, apply at KidsPeace.  Last I heard, the Graham Lake Campus avidly seeking new hires.

My time at KidsPeace was a complex and challenging chapter in my professional life. I began with a strong desire for personal and professional growth and initially felt optimistic about opportunities for advancement. However, over time, my experience led me to question whether I wanted to continue working in the human services field.

Early on, there appeared to be a strong loyalty toward certain members of management, creating an atmosphere that some may describe as overly hierarchical or exclusive. Social dynamics within the workplace were strongly defined by cliques, which sometimes hindered collaboration and open communication.

Leadership transitions brought significant changes. The arrival of new administration, including a new assistant director, coincided with a noticeable shift in workplace culture. Many employees reported experiencing inconsistent communication, unfulfilled promises, and a management style that, at times, felt intimidating. Feedback from staff often included concerns about a lack of psychological safety and a culture where speaking out could result in negative consequences.

There were also perceptions of unequal treatment, particularly related to gender dynamics. Some staff members felt that certain individuals were treated more favorably, contributing to a sense of inequity and dissatisfaction. Additionally, reports of unprofessional behavior among some long-standing employees led to a workplace environment that some described as discouraging or demoralizing.

Despite these challenges, there were positive aspects. Many employees, including myself, found working with the children to be deeply meaningful. The high behavioral needs of the population make the work demanding, but for those passionate about this field, it can also be rewarding. The ABA and clinical teams, in particular, stood out as supportive, professional, and mission-driven, offering a more consistently positive work experience.

Overall, while there are dedicated professionals within the organization and impactful work being done, significant issues within the leadership culture have had a negative impact on morale and employee retention. I would advise prospective employees to enter with clear boundaries and an understanding of the emotional demands of the role. Until broader organizational changes occur, I would be cautious in recommending employment at this location. 

Unfortunately, these days, people turn their nose up to kidspeace. The reviews, the history, the cons of working with children who are struggling. Why do you sign up for the job and then complain about it? "Management doesn't care about you, no one cares about the children..." if that was the case I highly doubt anyone would be showing up to work. There are so many Ins and outs that go into a national company, but every single worker here matters and makes a difference. If everyone, everyday went to work wanting a pat on the back everytime they did something right, or didnt do something wrong, there would be billions of people disappointed everyday. What people don't understand, as adults, some as trained professionals and others looking to get experience under their belt, is that these kids are not giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time. I've read reviews and comments of people who want to get rid of kidspeace.... of course, why not?! It's just children who need help in a place where it is offered. Children who will one day be the ones out in the world, working and carrying the country. Why are these children not as important as the one who doesn't need that extra hand to hold? Ok, so your child is perfect and "would never" need to go to a place like kidspeace. High five to you. Parents didn't ask for it, but atleast they want to do something about it and give their child the opportunity for a better life. It's called unconditional love. What the employees and staff of kidspeace are doing day in and day out matters. Maybe not to every parent who has the perfect child, but ask any parent who has a child attending if they matter. Kids are the future,  these kids are the future. Anyone with something negative to say is complaining because they weren't paid enough to care, they don't have children so don't see the point in helping them (because they're going to live forever and change the world themselves), or their just ignorant. More people need to stop and think of the BIG picture. Not the bits and pieces. Finish a puzzle and you have the beautiful picture, stary taking pieces away and it looks like chaos and wreckage.

This place offers a great experience and great co-workers for the most part. However, you can easily be mandated every week. Staff is so low, each unit never has enough staff to be safe during a crisis. Then when there is low staff (every day) they ask people to stay late and when no one wants to, they force people to stay for an entire second shift (16 hour days), this is mandation. management and staffing don’t care if you’re burnt out, if you’ve worked a 70 hour work week, if you have anxiety or depression. They say they care but when it comes down to you needing days off and then having to lose staff, that changes because they want you at work. They give you two stars a week and say that those are the days that you will be subject to mandation. However, when they are so low on staff they mandate everyone with a star and then start mandating people who don’t even have stars. They won’t do anything to help you if you’re on GAP. You’re supposed to be off GAP at six months and there are people there who are almost at a year that still haven’t been given the chance to get off GAP. The training they give to prepare you for this job is not nearly enough. They have you try the SCM holds on co-workers that are standing still and once you get into a unit with clients that are twice your size and swinging at you, it’s really not that simple and the training does not help. Grabbing a staff member that’s standing still vs grabbing a 19 year old who’s aggressive is not the same. Half the time getting a clean hold on a kid is difficult unless you’re lucky enough to be behind them. The nurses station where all medication, scissors, staplers and many other dangerous things are kept is not secure. Kids are jumping the desk constantly.  This place just honestly sucks the life out of you. They don’t make things safe enough, they don’t train enough, you sometimes get co-workers that stay on their phone or sit behind the desk all day which really increases anxiety. There can easily be 20 crisis in one day, you can easily get hurt, that have refular staff,people straight out of high school running psycho Ed groups instead of licensed professionals.

Positives: 
1.) It's an entry level job - they're literally talking anybody regardless of your interest or dedication to understanding mental health/psychology. As long as you're a warm body, you're in. 
2.) The pay isn't the best but it's not the worst either - starting rate may vary depending on your educational experience.
3.) Clients - sometimes they're pretty awesome - but of course, that can change from one day to the next but it's definitely a nice feeling to be able to redirect or calm someone down from a heightened emotional state.

Negatives:
1.) They're literally taking in anybody regardless of your interest or dedication to understanding mental health/psychology. That means the people you WORK WITH may not be paradigms of mental health and positive support = may not treat you or the clients with respect or take the time to truly know you/them. 
2.) Hours - you're going to be working 40-45+ hours each week - depending on your schedule and what you have to do. Depending on your hours, you may not have much of a social life (but it's a pandemic so that might not be a problem).

Ultimately, I came into this position with the desire to help; I'm sure others had the same desire but all the prior comments about staff or management not helping out are pretty accurate. My supervisor isn't really the greatest - he shows up for an hour or two and treats me as if he knows exactly how I've been performing (in his mind, poorly) but will act chummy with other staff. There are people at this job who have stayed WAY too long and, as a result, they're pretty desensitized to newcomers. It's definitely clique-ish, if you're an individual who comes into work with the intention to do your best but you don't vibe perfectly with the staff or make learning mistakes, they will talk behind your back. I'm not put off by this but I recognize KidsPeace just isn't the place for me, hopefully it'll be a better place for you.


Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Mental health technician 35 salaries reported	$19.16 per hour
Clinician 13 salaries reported	$59,538 per year
Behavior technician 9 salaries reported	$20.97 per hour
Behavioral health professional 9 salaries reported	$20.50 per hour
Therapist 18 salaries reported	$55,331 per year

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