HN299: Associates Capstone for Human Services Unit 9: Professional Development Wendy DuCassé, MSW, LCSW

Unit Outcomes Create professional goals in accordance with ethical and legal principles Apply knowledge of culture, gender, diversity, and global perspectives in the delivery of human services

Course Outcomes HN299-3: Use the professional, ethical, and legal values, standards to inform the Human Services profession HN299-5: Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of culture, gender, diversity, and global perspectives in the delivery of Human Services

Professional Development What is it? - Professional Development refers to skills and knowledge attained for both personal development and career advancement. Why? -because your boss says do it :) -CEU (continuing education unit) requirements for licensure -important to stay on track with ever changing knowledge and trends in the workplace -other ideas?

Types of Professional Development There are a myriad of types. Professional Development does not occur through a cookie cutter approach. Every professional decides (sometimes with input) what s/he needs through: -formal training -classes -informal opportunities -internships -volunteerism -mentorship

Formal Training This is often degree-seeking education. These individuals are on a track/course of study -Certificates of specialization -Associate’s (YOU!!) -Bachelor’s -Master’s …and on up!

Classes Designed to focus on one particular area of interest: -certifications (CPR, crisis intervention, etc.) -very narrow focus -completed to meet job requirements or increase knowledge on a topic of one’s choosing -quick and concentrated -time commitment varies

Informal Opportunities Job shadowing allows an individual to see “a day in the life of…” -Advantages? -Disadvantages?

Internship This type of development allows an individual to gain work experience in an area of interest. -Advantages? -Disadvantages?

Volunteerism This type of opportunity allows an individual to provide assistance within an agency, based on area(s) of need. -Advantages? -Disadvantages?

Mentoring An on-the-job mentor assists new employees by: -orientating to agency -providing professional advice -assisting with learning best practices -modeling professional behavior (hopefully!)

Moving Forward: Addressing the Challenges of Reaching Career Goals What obstacles might you face while working towards your career goals? How will you prevent or reduce the impact of those obstacles when they surface?

Reminders This is our last live seminar :( There will be no seminar for Unit 10. ALL work (late DB posts, seminar option 2, projects, etc.) is due by Saturday, February 19th… NO EXCEPTIONS!

Finally… Congratulations!!! You’ve made it. Be proud of your journey and your accomplishment! You ARE the leaders you’ve been waiting for!!