From Keyboard to Chalkboard: Stemming the Teacher Shortage
By Debbie Wilson
If you are one of those people who love to bring out the best in others, a rewarding career in Mental and Social Health could be exactly what you're looking for. It is a career that allows you to improve people's lives by helping them function day-to-day, deal with relationships, and solve personal and family problems.
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Mental and Social Health Job Duties
As a Mental and Social Health worker, you would help to assess and treat individuals with mental illness, substance abuse problems (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs), as well as provide services such as individual and group therapy, outreach, crisis intervention, social rehabilitation, and training in skills of everyday living. You may also help plan for supportive services to ease patients' return to the community.
Where Are Mental and Social Health Jobs?
Mental and Social Health jobs can be found virtually everywhere you look. Typically, you would find Mental and Social Health jobs in hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, individual and family service agencies, personal homes, and Federal, State, and Local governments. A bachelor's degree in social work is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job in Mental or Social Health Services. There are many accredited colleges and universities to choose from that offer Mental and Social Health Service programs and degrees. You may also want to consider obtaining a volunteer Mental or Social Health job or internship as a social work aide prior to completing your studies. It is a great way to gain some valuable experience and test your interest in this field.
A rapidly growing healthcare system, matched with an increasing demand to get patients back to functioning and living a "normal" lifestyle as quick as possible, makes a career in Mental and Social Health Services a promising opportunity. And the best part is the way you'll feel when you help bring out the best in so many other people each day.
About the Author
Debbie Wilson owns and operates a lakeside resort, managing all aspects of operations, including marketing and promotion. Her previous experience includes management and profitability consulting for a national healthcare company. In this capacity, she oversaw a five-state operation, utilizing her extensive knowledge of healthcare billing, A/R management, and human resources. Debbie holds a B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Physical Education.
