Posts Tagged ‘education’

How To Get A Job As A Counselor

Counselors are well-educated, skilled, confident individuals, who have a strong desire to help others.  Counselors work individually or as part of a team.  They are discreet and non-judgmental, always considering the comfort and welfare of the people with whom they work.

There are many types of Counseling specialties to consider.

Some Counselors work in schools.  These work with teachers, parents,  psychologists, psychiatrists, medical personnel, social workers, and administrators to deal with the educational, social, behavioral and personal issues of students.  Counselors deal with problem solutions as well as problem prevention.  Counselors, at all educational levels, work  with  family life,  and abuse, issues.

Counselors In Elementary Schools work with individuals and groups.  They observe children, and interact with all members of the staff to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of both  individuals and classes alike.  They aim to ensure that students are equipped with strategies that will make their early school years successful and meaningful.

Secondary School And Vocational School Counselors do mostly educational and vocational training with groups and individuals.  They advise them regarding course and career selection, choice of College, admission requirements, scholarships, and financial aid.  They may also be involved with alcohol and drug prevention programs.  Secondary School, and Vocational Counselors work at all levels to promote opportunities for personal, career, and social development.  They may also work with individuals to help resolve personal issues.

Vocational or Career Counselors work outside the school setting to give advice and help with career choices.  They often use aptitude and achievement tests, as well as past histories to evaluate client potential.  They assist with job searches, job applications and interviews.  They also provide assistance, support, and encouragement to individuals suffering from job stress or job loss.

Rehabilitation Counselors work with individuals with mental and physical handicaps, helping them deal with personal, social, and vocational issues.  Capitalizing on the clients strengths and abilities, they work with physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, families, therapists, and educational facilities to develop programs and skills for daily living, for integration into the community, and for employment opportunities.  Rehabilitation Councelors offer support, advice, and encouragement,  working to remove societal barriers through education and advocacy.

Mental Health Counselors work with families, groups, and individuals with mental and emotional problems.  They deal with issues such as depression, substance abuse, stress, grief, addiction, and suicide.  They may also offer career and educational advice.  Some Mental Health Counselors work in the community, in schools, and with the elderly addressing  general mental health issues as well as concerns particular to these groups.

Substance Abuse And Behavioral disorder Counselors concentrate on disorders related to alcohol, drug abuse,  gambling, and eating.  They teach coping strategies and behaviors which will aid with recovery.  These counselors may work with individuals or with small groups.  Some also counsel family members and work in communities with programs to prevent addiction and educate the public.  Special skills are needed to recognize and treat addictive behaviors.

Other Counselors work with individuals and couples to assist them in improving their relationships and dealing with daily life in a mature and productive manner.  Counselors must be able to recognize  the symptoms, and possible causes of many diverse problems and be able to assist individuals and groups in finding appropriate and workable solutions for these problems.

Counselors work in schools, hospitals, seniors’ homes, community centers, and treatment centers.   Some also have private practices.

Education

The education required by Counselors varies from state to state so make sure to research both state and specialty requirements for the area in which you wish to practice.  A Bachelors Degree is essential.  Some states require some post-graduate courses be taken as a condition of employment.  Virtually all areas require a Master’s Degree for those wishing to be licensed.

Training for Counselors is available in most Colleges and Universities.  As there are so many areas of specialization, it is important to understand fully the scope of courses offered in relation to your area of interest.  In addition to specific training in dealing with the many areas in which Counselors are employed, courses are also included that cover counseling techniques, assessments, evaluation, research, and professional ethics.

To obtain a Master’s Degree, applicants must complete approximately sixty hours of graduate study plus a period of supervised clinical experience in counseling.  Those with Master’s Degrees may be required, periodically, to take part in graduate study courses, and workshops in order to maintain their license and certification.

Licensing

The need for licensing varies considerable from state to state, often depending on the area in which you wish to specialize.   Make sure you investigate and understand what is required in your particular state.  For general information and help finding specific information related to your interests go to the following site:

http://www.counseling.org/

Certification

To become certified, one needs to have graduated from an accredited program, and pass the certification exam.  Other requirements vary from state to state.  Whether certification is needed or not depends on the state and often varies by specialty.  Although Certification may be optional, it is desirable, as it is a concrete testament to the level of your knowledge and skill.

National Certification can be obtained,  from the National Board for Certified Counselors.  The Board offers both general Certification and Certification in specialties.  This Certification is voluntary.  In some states, if one has National Certification, State Certification may not be necessary.

Employment

There is a growing demand for qualified Counswelors  with the positions available exceeding the number of graduates.  Demands vary among the specialties, the highest demand being for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselors.  Earnings are  in all areas are excellent, and, for those with skill and experience, advancement is possible to supervisory, educational, or administrative positions.

Counseling is a demanding career, both physically and mentally.  The demands of the job often are stressful but the rewards are great.