Bannock Youth Foundation

Direct Care Staff

February 2021 - July 2022 • Pocatello, ID

What I liked

I really enjoyed working at Bannock House. The work was sometimes difficult, extremely stressful, and emotionally burdening, but I learned lots of different skills. I developed my interpersonal skills, time management skills to stay on top of a busy schedule, de-escalate skills in stressful situations, and skills in decision-making that directly influenced the youth. I gained invaluable experience working with youth who were in the child welfare system, diagnosed with mental illnesses, in substance abuse treatment, and/or had family going through crisis. I gained experience in learning how to build appropriate rapport and set and maintain boundaries with the youth. I enjoyed learning how to cook and bake different dishes during meal and snack times. One of my favorite memories at Bannock House was going camping with the youth at Scout Mountain; we tie dyed pillow cases, went on a hike, and played games around the fire place.

What I wish was different

Looking back, I realize how necessary it was that the rules of the house be upheld by all direct care staff, not just some staff. It was a struggle to have all staff on the same page, following all the rules of the house. Because not all the staff were in agreement of the rules, some staff were more lenient than others, making the residents prefer the more lenient staff and resenting the staff that were following the rules. Therefore, there was a sense of division between staff. Residents eventually became ambivalent to the rules of the house, which included being respectful to direct care staff, even when staff were respectful, kind, and caring to residents.

Advice

If you want to work at Bannock House as a direct care staff, be prepared to have certain youth disrespect you because they cannot relate to you. The biggest thing you have to remind yourself is this: do not take personally anything they do or say to you. These kids have been severely traumatized, abused and/or neglected, and struggle with mental health issues because of their upbringing. These kids need abundant amounts of love. They need positive role models, both men and women (especially men) who are willing to walk with them in their suffering.

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