Careers in the Helping Professions

What is Personal Inventory? Personal inventory is a review of a person’s interests and skills. (The Personal Style Inventory is a personality test. The test consists of 32 multiple-choice questions, followed by a brief description of your personality type. Knowing your personality type can help you make decisions about occupations and working conditions).

What is a Resume? A resume is a written summary of a person’s work experience, education, and interests

What qualities do you need to work with people? Interest in people Understanding of people Good listening skills Empathy Trustworthiness Assertiveness Objectivity Ability to make independent decisions Ability to handle conflict Good negotiating skills

3 Categories of Jobs in the Helping Professions 1. Entry Level – a person needs little or no experience 2. Paraprofessional – need training 3. Professional – need a college degree

Why is having a high school diploma more important now than it ever used to be? More and more, entry-level jobs are becoming paraprofessional positions

Entry-Level Jobs Human-services worker (assistants to social workers) Homemaker-home health aide Nursing assistant Psychiatric aide Hot line worker

Jobs in Helping Professions that require some training Police officer Physical therapy assistant Occupational therapy assistant (help children with special needs)

What jobs in Helping Professions require Higher Education? Social worker Counselor Psychologist Psychiatrist Most of these professions have relatively low pay for the level of responsibility