Mutual Support Systems

MSS is a great company to work for. They have good intentions. MSS felt like a large family when I worked there. The staff were amazing and we all stuck together as a team. The supervisors were great, it did not feel like they hovered or watched your every move - they worked with you and on the same level as the staff. Management is good also, I only found management lacking when we needed their advice on after hours. I felt this was because they were not on the floor staff, but a good staff team made this workable. The most important part about this job is the kids. It is very rewarding to watch them learn and grow. These youth have significant behaviours and many diagnosis. They often do not have family or loved ones involved and come with a lot of trauma due to abuse, neglect, loss, mental health ect. I wouldn't say this is a starter job due to the amount of restraints(TCI) and behaviours(biting, kicking, hitting, swearing, throwing things, breaking windows, running away, self harm, police involvement and much more!). I feel like MSS pays fairly well for the field and compared to other similar organizations. However, in general I don't think we got paid enough for the work we did. I also was not a fan of the schedules - they could use some work. MSS has taught me SO much in my career. If you are motivated, strong and willing to go through very hard times but also good times ! this would be a job for you. Self care I very important at a job like MSS.

While every job comes with its challenges, the pros far out way the cons in this case. I have learned so much and have been given so many opportunities to grow, while still receiving the support and guidance I need to be the best childcare worker for our kids. 
The clients we work with all have their own sets of difficulties and obstacles to overcome, but it is a rewarding feeling to be able to help them each day. We have some challenges, however all staff are trained in TCI and can manage this usually with no issues. We are so lucky to be a part of raising these kids, experiencing holidays, birthdays, and special occasions together – we are truly a big family. I could not imagine a day without my kids, and the amazing staff team we have. Each day is a new adventure and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.
Self-care is SUPER important in a job like this, as well as realizing that this is not a career fit for everyone! Patience, empathy, and thick skin are a must however this can be developed over time

It was shocking to see who management hired as their employees. This type of job should not be the type of place a person should be working as a "start job." The kids who you work with are in serious need of professional help. I have witnessed staff abusing and taking advantage of their job title. Staff consistently sit on their phones in an office rather than working on skills for the kids. Those who are chosen to be house supervisors are not equipt for the job and have horrible de-escalation skills. Management should be hiring staff that are older and have more experience for the kids. It seemed to me that it was homes managed by kids, taking care of kids. Staff do not work as a team and consistently try to one up one another. 
Would not recommend this place for employment. If you ever need a day off, you won't get it and if you do staff are not happy about it. Hours are not consistent and all over the place,  it's a quick burn out.

Social services is a tough field to work in, dealing with youth that have experienced trauma and whom are also trying to manage mental health or behavioural issues. Mutual Support offers a 3 day orientation to start, monthly training, and a supportive management team that is easy to talk to. They are understanding of the stress and pressure of the position and offer help to the best of their ability. Sometimes understaffed, however, management is always looking to hire more employees to ensure current employees do not burn out. 
Lots of humour at the residence with co workers and the clients as well, which helps relieve some of the stress. Going on outings on a daily basis and helping youth reach their goals of being successful makes this a rewarding job. Would recommend to work here.

The children and other house staff are amazing to work with. Children can be difficult, however this is to be expected. No support from management, which can be difficult and stressful when attending to the needs of the children. Very understaffed and overworked. In the end, very rewarding job, especially when you are able to witness small or large accomplishments from the children. Must be very invested in your career, as it takes up a lot of your time and energy!

Staff are worked to the bone with the children and it shows.

My co-workers truly cared for the youth. And management is correct in having the team's be double staffed. However there is SO many crisis revolving trained physical intervention that it truly needs to be TRIPLE staffed.

Not a first job in the social work field.

Great coworkers. Great kids.

Not enough support from management.

Management is helpful and supportive, paid monthly training, quick advancement if you put the effort in. Always opportunity to pick up hours if you are available.

Clients can be difficult to work with at times but that is the field.

Overall a good place to work however regular self care is needed. 

More of a starter career due to wage.

It is a very high stress career that only those who have proper training and good coping mechanisms should work in otherwise, the burn out rate will be significant. 

Be prepared to get bitten, your car dented, attacked and assaulted on a daily basis. 

But don't let this scare you....it can be a rewarding job! The kids are wonderful however, management could be a little more supportive.

Constantly improving this social service, very versatile and flexible for students. Great management team and staff. Variety of residents to work with but they match you to the best suited household, no much say in where you prefer. Long drives out of town are mandatory requirement.

Staff were not always supportive with the approach in dealing with residents.  You do or say one thing, and another staff goes against you or fails to back you.  Was difficult dealing with hard to work with youth, and not having other staff support.  High turnover rate!

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