Objective Identify career opportunities in the Family and Community Services fields.

Careers In Family and Community Services Alcohol & Drug Counselor Geriatric Aide Social Worker Counseling Paraprofessional Rehabilitation Counselor Family Therapist Careers In Family and Community Services Caseworker Aide Lobbyist Who will you hire? What will you do for a living? Extention Agent Coordinator of Volunteer Services Social Welfare Administrator Skills for Living pg 206-207

Employment Opportunities May work for health care or social service agency May work for schools, businesses or the government Some specialize in specific age groups (geriatrics, youth, etc)

Entrepreneurial Opportunities Many counselors have their own private practice Some lobbyists are self employed

Entry- Level Jobs With a high school diploma Caseworker’s aide Geriatric aide Volunteer agencies Requires OJT- On the Job Training Often requires training workshops

Mid- Level Jobs With an associate’s degree in Human Services Technology for instance Coordinator of volunteer services Counseling paraprofessional Lobbyist

Professional – Level Jobs With a Bachelor’s degree Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher Extension agent Rehabilitation counselor Social worker With an Advance Degree (master’s etc.) Alcohol and drug abuse counselor Family therapist Social welfare administrator Degrees may be in: Social work Youth Services Family Studies Family & Consumer Sciences

Personal Qualities Needed Ability to understand human nature True concern for people and their problems Able to communicate with and relate to clients Able to respect privacy of client records Skill in guiding people and resources Desire to be life-long learners Objective Flexible

Future Trends Expected to increase Some jobs in the area of research Impact of technology of the family Effects of technology on person’s development Services for older adults and family members with disabilities are in demand Services for immigrants in demand Bilingual skills are an advantage Demand strong for employment counselors Unfortunately the pay does not always match the level of responsibility

Career Plan Take Family & Consumer Sciences courses in high school Shadow a professional Volunteer work

Careers In Family and Community Services Coordinator of Volunteer Services Family Therapist Extention Agent Social Worker Caseworker Aide Careers In Family and Community Services Lobbyist Check Them Out on Bridges Geriatric Aide Social Welfare Administrator Counseling Paraprofessional