I work full-time at a youth residential home and our newest kid (been here about 2 months) is extremely violent and destructive. We are trained in restraining kids but this kid is over 6 ft tall and we are not equipped to handle this level of (daily) violence, we regularly have to call the police. Many staff have suffered concussions and a couple have been put on crutches as well as medical leave. Bottom line, the situation is out of control and one by one all the staff are quitting. As a result this adds the additional problem that the remaining staff are overburdened with work as we can be mandated to work 16 hour shifts.
I have repeatedly asked my boss for an employee handbook so I know my rights, but they keep telling me they “can’t find it”. I also asked for a contact person/info for our union but was ignored.
I don’t know what the limitations are to mandations/overtime, what legal recourse I would have if I were to be injured, if we have any protective measures or power to have this violent kid removed from our program. I am passionate about this job but the current situation is unsustainable.
I don’t feel safe or supported, and the constant chaos and anxiety makes my workplace toxic and harms the physical and mental health of the staff and kids. I feel helpless and frustrated!
What courses of action can I take to be heard and make a change?