mental health therapist

program director

administrative assistant

direct support professional

juvenile correctional officer

OKCYC

I loved my coworkers and direct boss but the upper management needs serious work. The job is not easy at all- working with under privileged youth is hard. But it can be so empowering and meaningful. Problem is upper management are in la la land about what’s happening in the houses. Sure their plans look great on paper but not in practice. They want to sit on their high horses and complain nothing is done right but yet when someone asks for help the staff get in trouble. If they want to seriously help their houses then the owner can drive the 10 minute drive from his mansion and come work a shift instead of sitting behind his phone watching surveillance cameras. If the job is soooo easy come do on site training and help the staff.  
How some of these places haven’t been shut down is beyond me. The uppers obviously only care about money and not the youth we are suppose to help. This company is really a shady lost cause. 
Apparently it’s more important to look good for the bosses then it is to actually the youth we are meant to support. 

I’ve been with the company for a little while now. I have had an amazing experience so far. Of course there are the common workplace issues that you may run into, however, if you show up on time, are reliable, have a good attitude, willingness to learn and improve,  do and complete your daily tasks, and follow directions - It can be a very rewarding company to work for with a lot of room for growth. College students looking for jobs - This is a great way to start a network and get to know people in the field. Especially if you are a criminal justice, psychology, social work, or human relations major (or anything related) Working with the youth can be stressful - However, at the end of the day you are given the opportunity to work with vulnerable youth and make a large impact on their lives, even if it doesn’t seem like it. The pay is also fairly good for a job in this field. A lot of the people who do not make it in this field are lacking these qualities: Resilience, willingness to work and learn, leadership and teamwork skills, and good time management. You get out what you put in! I’ve met some amazing people here and have learned so much.

Great place to work for. You can easily move up in the company if you put in the effort. It can be stressful working with at risk but it can be very fulfilling when you do see the youth making a difference. The people you work with at Elk Run all have your back and are a joy to work with. The pay is also the best you will find working in the mental health field. Management is always asking if the staff needs help with anything. There will be times where it can be stressful but you will find that at any job there will be things that are stressful, but the pros definitely out way the cons. It can be long hours but at Elk Run we work 12 hour shifts so we get multiple days off a week for self care so we don’t get burned out. I feel comfortable going to my boss with any issues and they get addressed right away. I think Elk Run is a great place to work.

OKCYC is a great place to work, despite some of the negative reviews from former employees. Things are changing for the better.

The management is supportive and open to new ideas on how to improve the workplace. They really listen, which makes a big difference. The youth we work with are great—they need strong role models, and OKCYC gives them the opportunity to grow and succeed.

The pay is competitive—better than most places in the area. If you show up, do your job, and follow the rules, you won’t have any problems. Unfortunately, some people just come for a paycheck and don’t put in the effort. That’s when issues happen, especially if staff don’t follow the rules or let things slide.

If you’re looking for a rewarding job where you can make a real impact and earn good money, this is the place for you.

Just giving a heads up because I wished I had one before even interviewing. 
You’ll have to pay $60 for your own background check to start. 
Benefits don’t kick in until 90 days- meanwhile in the interview its mentions you’ll get “kicked, slap, or have to use restraint techniques. Which isn’t ideal but it’d be comforting knowing if I’m hurt I’ll have insurance . 
PTO not allowed until 6 months, only a few sick/pto days a year. 
No cellphones in the building, your whole shift. Stressed the fact that they will terminate quickly if it’s even suspected that you have any device. And review the cameras everyday to check. All in all, if you’re used to working in a detention facility I guess it wouldn’t be too bad. Ask for the highest pay, regardless. 

The management, terrible pay, heartless workers, lack of employees, and lack of training make this place unbearable. I pulled many 18 hour shifts because they have no retention of employees. I can’t say much, but they are not running things how they should be. Your coworkers don’t always have the best intentions here. Also, you are not a mental health technician, you’re a ‘direct care staff’! You will have to be okay with being “punched, spit on, bodily fluids thrown at you, etc”, as they put it.
This is an intense job. It could maybe be a good way to gain experience if you can afford the low pay, but there are other similar opportunities that are a lot less depressing to be involved with. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
The kids, they may have bad behavior problems but they do have good hearts. They care, that you care. Things need better improvement but its not a bad place to work, I actually love it. ❤️ 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Not being able to spend time with my own kids. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It's actually not bad. People get along. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Getting the kids from the bus stop and making sure night routines get accomplished.

Don't get me wrong, this job is really fulfilling (to the right person), and the kids are both horrible and amazing. But the pay and work environment... It's rough. The pay would be fine if the staffing wasn't so rocky and horrible. The retention rate is extremely low, and so you get forced to pick up shifts constantly, and next thing you know you haven't had a single day off in 3 weeks. Or you just worked 12 hours, but the person who was supposed to replace you did a no-call no-show, and now you worked 16 hours that day. Also you might get a 30 minute lunch if you are lucky, but they will be counting the seconds in your time.

As a direct care staff, this job has granted me with knowledge about underserved youth, but also has uplifted my confidence in a role this substantial. Leadership is constantly building us and our program director up. Our leadership has also recently created a wellness team, designated for staff members to talk about work/life balance, handle stress, and simply just talk with one other about similar situations. OKCYC has made me and my other co workers excited about coming into work with these kids. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
The kids. They are the only reason to work there. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The micromanaging. The unclear expectations, the click vibe, oh and the fact that they turn a blind eye to racism. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
High school click vibe. Management never takes the time to get to know their employees. They favor the lazy and over work the good employees. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Everyday is one that is unsure.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Mental health therapist 4 salaries reported	$78,125 per year
Program director 9 salaries reported	$73,889 per year
Administrative assistant 4 salaries reported	$21.38 per hour
Direct support professional 6 salaries reported	$19.71 per hour
Juvenile correctional officer 7 salaries reported	$19.36 per hour

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