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Career Connection Program
Career
Field: Social Services |
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3/24/2004
(SOCSERp1)
Crisis
Clinician/Fee-for-Service Therapist
Employer: START Clinical Services
Description
of current position:
-Provide triage and crisis consultation through START Clinical Services
-Develop and implement personal support plans for developmentally
disabled clients in crisis
-Facilitate hospitalizations as well as planned and emergency respite
care
-Assist on crisis co-evaluations with Mental Health emergency response
teams
-Perform fee-for-service individual therapy
Description of
company:
START is a clinical services team that operates through the Sovner
Center, a clinic that provides therapy and psychiatric services. We
house two outpatient psychiatrists, a nurse practitioner, four
therapists, and a crisis response team of 3 trained clinicians.
How did you
find this position?
Was referred to this opening through Greater Lynn Mental Health &
Retardation, Association.
Graduating
year from ENC: 2002
Concentration:
Psychology: Clinical & Research/Minor in Sociology
In what field
of study did you receive additional schooling?
Masters of Science in Addiction Psychology
What was your
first job after graduation?
First job was with Vinfen Corporation, a MH/MR nonprofit that operated
out of Boston, MA. Provided direct care and support to adults with
mental health illness.
Developed and implement service plan interventions for substance abuse
and mental illness clients. Administered medication to clients in
compliance with DPH Medication Administration Program. Maintained and
updated documentation in client and program records.
What other
jobs have you held?
Campaign Coordinator for the State of Delaware - Senator Colin Bonini
Is there
anything you wish you had done differently during your years at ENC?
One of the most important things you can do as an undergraduate is to
find an internship once you determine the field that you want to be in.
In the job market, employers are looking for both experience and
education, so if you can combine your time with both aspects, you'll be
ahead of the game when you begin looking at jobs after graduation.
How would you
describe the current job market in your field?
The current job market with human services is vast, in that you can
always find direct care support positions. So for entry-level, you
shouldn't have difficulties finding something right away. But really to
move up in this area, you must "do your time" in direct support and
gain experience. Adding an advanced degree really opens up the
possibilities that exist.
What skills
and/or personality traits are particularly important in your field for
a competitive job search?
Being open-minded to different populations is an important trait to
possess. Having sound writing skills are a definite as you will spend
good portions of your day indulging in paperwork. Verbal skills are
also important, as even if you are at a low-level to begin with, you
are still part of an individual's treatment team, meaning that you will
probably have interaction with supervisors and clinical team members,
i.e., doctors and therapists. Listening is a huge part of human
services, so don't feel as though you always have to talk to help
someone reach a goal. Be available to those you provide services for.
Anything else
you would like to add?
Your resume is the first thing a potential employer is going to know
about you. Try to be slightly different (maybe use a thicker paper,
maybe off-white in color) so that your resume stands out from others.
Triple-check your spelling (trouble here may result in someone else
getting your job!). Awards and recognitions are important to include.
Never lie about your education or experience. A lot of employers check
these references and any discrepancies could result in the termination
of your job if you were hired. Be realistic about your first job. If
you work in human services, you're probably not going to be a program
director or somebody's supervisor right after graduation. Be patient.
For more information, please
call (617) 745-3892 or e-mail
us |
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