Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Employee Reviews about "long hours"

Pros

Overall doing a much needed service is always rewarding. Taking a child out of an abusive home is not sad. We are the protectors for those who can not protect themselves. Some people should not be parents and while thats life at least I was able to intervene and hopefully open som eyes and make some changes. I have also been on the other side and worked with foster homes. Some of the nicest people are opening their homes and their hearts to these poor children and I love to see those kids overcoming the hurt and loss. Happy, smiling kids is a wonderful benefit of this job. . I have always had wonderful supervisors who have assisted me in my job and have guided my professional growth. When I feel burnout on my job I have the opportunity to transfer to another position and continue the figt against chld abuse! Employee Assistance Program!!!!!.

Cons

Working long hours and missing time with your family. The worst is the health benefits. Being a worker the decisions are out of your hand. Your supervisor, program director or the judge will usually have the final say. And when a chid goes home to parents who have not changed its a horrible feeling. You just pray they learned something.

Pros

Having opportunities to help people change their lives and being able to have a huge impact at a crucial time. Depending on the office, it can be a close-knit group of co-workers. Some awesome supervisors, but not all. Great vacation time and holidays. Paid mileage.

Cons

Complete lack of training on how to deal with the severe trauma these kids have faced often putting workers in dangerous positions. It's been years since upper management has been in the field and this can often times give them unrealistic expectations of what workers do/have time to do. Often no other option but to work really long hours (I once worked 27 hours straight). Not enough placements or services for the kids can be really frustrating.