So, a friend of mine posted this on facebook about what I do. It's a bit of a poem / write up of my work, not specifically written for or about me, just my peers and coworkers in general. Not sure it's gonna be a good read on your end, just thought I'd post it for at least sharing one part of Everlast 
(bored, and it's 3am, why not)
What is a Child and Youth Worker?
Somewhere in adulthood there occurs an unfortunate stage in life known as Child and Youth Worker--a creature undefined by Psychologists, misunderstood by supervisors, worshipped by children, either admired or hated by parents and unheard by the rest of society.
A Child and Youth Worker is a rare combination of doctor, lawyer and a native Indian chief. They are competent child psychologists, strict disciplinarians, with a twinkle in their eye, minister to all faiths with questions of their own. Child and Youth Workers are idols, with their heads in the clouds and their feet in the mud from yesterday's rain. They are humourists in crisis, a doctor in an emergency, a leader and entertainer.
While working in a residential treatment residence, a Child and Youth Worker is expected to repair 10 years of damage to Tommy, make Jerry into a man, rehabilitate Lisa, allow Lucy to be an individual and help John adjust to the group. Child and Youth Workers are expected to lead youth in fun and adventure...even with their headaches. To teach indigenous activities...even when they cannot spell the word. To guide youth in social adjustments...when they have just found theirs; and to ensure everyone's safety...all while doing logs, drives, telephone calls and counselling another youth.
For all this, a Child and Youth Worker is paid enough to buy gas for their vehicle, food for their bellies, some Tylenol and to live on their nights off. You wonder how they can stand the pace and pressure. You wonder if they really know how much they are worth. And somehow, you realize you can never pay them enough, when they leave at the end of their 16-hour shift and say see you in the morning.
(bored, and it's 3am, why not)What is a Child and Youth Worker?
Somewhere in adulthood there occurs an unfortunate stage in life known as Child and Youth Worker--a creature undefined by Psychologists, misunderstood by supervisors, worshipped by children, either admired or hated by parents and unheard by the rest of society.
A Child and Youth Worker is a rare combination of doctor, lawyer and a native Indian chief. They are competent child psychologists, strict disciplinarians, with a twinkle in their eye, minister to all faiths with questions of their own. Child and Youth Workers are idols, with their heads in the clouds and their feet in the mud from yesterday's rain. They are humourists in crisis, a doctor in an emergency, a leader and entertainer.
While working in a residential treatment residence, a Child and Youth Worker is expected to repair 10 years of damage to Tommy, make Jerry into a man, rehabilitate Lisa, allow Lucy to be an individual and help John adjust to the group. Child and Youth Workers are expected to lead youth in fun and adventure...even with their headaches. To teach indigenous activities...even when they cannot spell the word. To guide youth in social adjustments...when they have just found theirs; and to ensure everyone's safety...all while doing logs, drives, telephone calls and counselling another youth.
For all this, a Child and Youth Worker is paid enough to buy gas for their vehicle, food for their bellies, some Tylenol and to live on their nights off. You wonder how they can stand the pace and pressure. You wonder if they really know how much they are worth. And somehow, you realize you can never pay them enough, when they leave at the end of their 16-hour shift and say see you in the morning.
