Dangerous work environment - Behavioral Health Counselor KVC Health Systems Employee Review

2.0
Aug 24, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It can be fulfilling work helping kids. Management is usually really friendly and willing to listen. IF staffed properly shifts can be very fun and fly by. Get lots of PTO a year and always have overtime available to work. HR is insanely friendly and helpful and always willing to talk.

Cons

Never staffed properly which leads to very dangerous work environments. Sometimes 2 staff with up to 15 kids with psychiatric and behavioral concerns that are often violent. Breaks are practically never an option and they are lying if they tell you that they'll move you to mornings after working evenings for a few months. They'll hire new people for mornings instead of evenings and risk losing you rather than move you to days as promised. Pay is $14/hour with a degree with $15/hour on weekends which could be SO much better considering the work conditions (you can make $14/hour at Target starting now). Management is hit or miss. Some management will go out of their way to help you out and some will nod and listen then do absolutely nothing.

Explore other reviews about KVC Health Systems

5.0
May 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

KVC has been a rewarding place to work. I have a supportive supervisor, great coworkers, and genuinely enjoy the work I do. The team environment makes a big difference, especially in a setting that can be challenging at times.

Cons

This position definitely requires a strong, adaptable nurse due to the behavioral and psychiatric needs of the patients we care for, but it is meaningful work and has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

5.0
May 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Culture has transformed dramatically from toxic to accountable, clear, and kind over a decade Strong leadership development (Gallup, Dare to Lead frameworks) Weekly 1:1 supervision means employees know their supervisors well Real internal mobility entry level to director is achievable based on work ethic Mission-driven workforce, people genuinely care about the kids and families they serve High retention most people want to stay and grow within, even when their current role isn't ideal, they will move positions to stay Respectful, psychologically safe environment all opinions welcome Excellent medical/dental/vision benefits; decent 403b match Positive social environment with systems that naturally filter out toxic behavior over time Competitive pay within the nonprofit/mental health sector

Cons

Pay is significantly below for-profit market rates. nonprofit pay scale is a real tradeoff Director role is highly unstructured can feel chaotic, especially in 24/7 locations requiring after-hours work Toxic employees can linger too long the kindness and grace extended to everyone delays removal Some employees stay in roles that aren't a good long-term fit simply because they love the culture Heavy meeting load at director level can crowd out focused, strategic work

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All