Need some serious advice.
I was out of the work force raising 4 kids for 16 years. My husband is an engineer and worked offshore or over
seas so we decided it would be best and more economical for me to stay home. During this time I completed a bachelor's and master's degree and am in the process of studying to take the National Counseling Exam so I can become a licensed therapist. I am a substitute teacher right now, but I would really like to find a job closer to my chosen field and a little better pay. Since I chose family over career my choices are slim because of not having any experience.
Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of maybe at least getting a foot in the door?
Thanks
Wed., 9-28 -- Dear Deborah, Good Morning from OK City. I have M.Ed and have worked for 17 years as a social worker, 6 years at OK Dept. Mental Health and 11 years at a privately-owned home health agency (to 2-2015) all as a case manager. I see Lots of state social worker positions and there are bunches of home health agencies AND private counseling agencies. (1) Take that NC Exam asap when you feel ready. I hope it comes with 'alphabet soup' after your name when you pass it. Alot of counseling jobs like to see LPC or LCSW after person's name. (2) Whereever you work ask if there is someone who can mentor you to get LPC as it is a great investment for counseling jobs present & future. Your masters degree will open alot more doors for higher paying jobs. I started as case manager at $35K for private home health agency. That kind of social work job is a great experience-starter to get experience as it involves 'counseling' clients regarding their personal problems while you are assisting them to acquire needed inhome services like bath & hskpng help, delvd meals, underwear, walkers & wheelchairs, etc. (3) Apply at many home health agencies as case manager. Some of them only provide personal help , but not case management. (4) Apply at every counseling agency around Houston. Your Masters and NC Exam passage should get you alot of interviews and they will have counselors with LPCs, etc. who can help you get that extra 'alphabet soup'. I wish I had LPC as I love counseling, but no letters after my name. There are lots of places for you to get 'foot-in-door' experience if you don't get a counseling agency at first. You'll get hired very soon! -- Bob
Hello Debrah,
Congrats on your degree. First off, being a teacher looks great on the resume as many schools provide therapists. To help get your foot in the door, I would start out volunteering for a victim assistance or advocate organization that is flexible as well with putting volunteers training. I would also try looking into internships at clinics that your interested in working for. When I first started to get my foot in the door, I had to work in a urban area that was low privileged and I'm still there now with my current correctional counselor position. Let me know if you have any other questions. Best of luck.
Morgan
Hi Debrah, I suggested you to go into social work I have a Master's of Science in Counseling can't find a job because of no experience. Which it is crazy because how can do you get experience if can't get an opportunity to practice. Best wishes.
Hi Debrah: Congrats on all your hard work! Is there a career resources center from your schools that you could get in contact with? A lot of schools have special relationships with employers, which means they're more likely to hire graduates from that school, even if they don't have any experience. Could be worth looking into!
You're Very Welcome, Deb. $275 for one test? Yeah, you better pass! ha!ha!ha! You're a good person. Good luck? No. Good Success!