CHFD 498 A1

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Apr 3, 2024

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1 Career Opportunities Research and Report NAME American Public University CHFD 498: Senior Seminar in Child and Family Development Dr. Bethanne Shriner February 18 th , 2024

2 Child Life Specialist This career is mostly in the medical field, at pediatric hospitals. This job requires strong communication skills and working efficiently under pressure. As a Child Life Specialist (CLS) your main focus is on the child being treated and their family. A CLS is to help children cope and understand why they are in the hospital and what to expect. On top of helping the child, they also have to explain what is going on to their family. Depending on the scenario, they will provide resources and coping mechanisms while their child is being treated and possibly at-home care. Most of the time, CLSs don’t have time to prepare for a family and the scenarios that come with them (Green, 2018). They have to listen to the family and work under pressure to provide answers and resources. While this field is competitive, there are times when you do not work with children and their families. A CLS can be doing administrative duties, cleaning toys, planning special events, mentoring, staff meetings, and certification maintenance (Green, 2018). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2016 CLS employment was 53,500 and is projected to grow 7% by 2026 (Green, 2018). To become a CLS, one needs to have a background in child development. Joining this job is becoming more appealing because not everyone has the opportunity to attend a four-year college. An associate degree, certification, and experience can help one enter this field (Green, 2018). I anticipate that this field will keep expanding, particularly for people who wish to work with children in medical facilities. Early Childhood Intervention Early Intervention Specialists assist children with developmental delays and disabilities between the ages of 0 and 3 in learning fundamental skills that they might otherwise struggle to acquire (Grimmet, 2023). Early Intervention Specialists work in a particular geographic area, providing services in the homes of their clients. They can also be

3 employed by a variety of organizations, including state social services offices, public or private schools, hospitals, daycare centers, preschools, and therapy offices (Grimmet, 2023). This work is typically completed through play in the family's home, one-on-one. Early Intervention Specialists must communicate and build relationships with families. They offer suggestions for extra services such as audiology, physical therapy, assistive technology, and respite care (Grimmet, 2023). To become an Early Intervention Specialist, one must have a four-year degree in education, early childhood development, social work, psychology, sociology, and family sciences (Grimmet, 2023). This job field has a broad spectrum of specialties. They can work as a speech therapist, nutritionist, behavioral intervention specialists, and physical therapist. In the United States, there are over 3,741 early intervention specialists (Grimmet, 2023). While this is a small number and a lot of education is required, having the option to work in many fields leads to the job field to continue expanding. Adult Protective Services This line of work assists individuals eighteen years of age and above who, because of a physical or mental disability, are incapable of defending themselves against financial exploitation, abuse, neglect, or other harm, or who have no one else who can and will provide them with appropriate assistance (Office of Children and Family Services [OCFS], n.d.). Adult Protective Services (APS) is a mandatory service provided by local social services. Being an APS specialist requires one to investigate reports made, provide counseling for the victimized adults and their families, develop service plans, respond to 24-hour phone lines, and communicate with sworn officers and representatives of law enforcement agencies (Office of Children and Family Services [OCFS], n.d.). To become an APS specialist one must have a bachelor's degree or higher in social work or a related field and at least two years of social work experience working with the elderly and/or disabled.

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4 The organization has a hotline that is accessible 365 days, 24/7, and can be accessed virtually or in person. APS falls under the social worker category. From 2022 to 2032, the total employment of social workers is expected to grow by 7%, faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023d). The organization's awareness of contemporary society and spreading the fact that adults may experience mistreatment contribute to the continued growth of this job opportunity. Court Appointed Special Service Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are volunteers who advocate for children in a courtroom setting due to abuse or neglect. They investigate, research, and interview children and the scenario they are in. They give the child an explanation of what is happening, along with any court cases or other events taking place in their lives (Voices for CASA Children, n.d.). They attend all hearings and meetings that pertain to the case. They also take notes and write reports for the court, keep many things confidential, and be professional. The community volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have completed at least 30 hours of pre-service training, and be willing to stay with the CASA program until the case is resolved (Voices for CASA Children, n.d.). There is no current educational background needed to become a CASA. According to the Voices for CASA Children, there are only 1,000 CASAs in the United States (n.d.). This career field has the potential to continue growing due to children needing an advocate, the process to become a volunteer is hands-on, and any community member can volunteer. Head Start Administrator/Teacher Head Start Administrators and Teachers assist low-income families in preparing their young children, aged 0-5, for elementary school and offer other services for the entire family like nutrition classes and prenatal care for expecting mothers. The job duties are much like a

5 preschool teacher or early childhood educator. One will need to be able to meet with parents, develop or support curriculums that meet each child's needs, manage classroom operations with or without assistance, report any developmental concerns, and, most importantly, handle emergencies that arise (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023b). Apart from the duties of assisting the student in class, there may be additional requirements such as obtaining programs, information, and resources for all kinds of families. These could include gathering details about low- or free-cost healthcare, assisting a family in applying for Food Stamps, providing free prenatal care, and conducting home visits to make sure the family is doing well. To become a Head Start Administrator or Teacher one must have an associate's degree but most jobs require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in child development along with experience working with children. Most Head Start programs hire those with no experience or degree as a teacher's assistant to help gain experience and then move up to a lead teacher position. Depending on the state one resides, one might have to get a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in addition to having a degree (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023b). Head Start workers need to be highly skilled communicators and creative thinkers who build relationships with parents and have an understanding of families from a range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Preschool teachers are expected to fill 56,300 positions annually on average over the next ten years, a 3% increase, which is roughly as fast as the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023b). I see this career field expanding because low-income families do use this program and education is a necessity all families want and need. Forensic Interviewer Forensic Interviewers work with children who have been abused or neglected and conduct professional and unbiased interviews. The objective is to obtain from the child as

6 much specific information as possible regarding the incident or events; by doing so, the legal professionals hope to avoid having to interview the child more than once (N.C. Division of Social Services and the Family and Children’s Resource Program, 2002). To gather evidence that will hold up in court, forensic interviews are carefully controlled: the interviewer's statements and body language must be neutral, alternative explanations for a child's statements are thoroughly explored, and the results of the interview are documented in such a way that they can be refuted. Most forensic interviewers will speak with the child alone in a safe and controlled environment while other forensic interviewers watch and take notes, depending on the circumstances of the case (N.C. Division of Social Services and the Family and Children’s Resource Program, 2002). Skills required in this field are knowing DA’s Task Force Protocol, testifying and defending interviews in court, scheduling interviews with/for law enforcement, having strong verbal and written communication skills, interacting with children of all ages and developmental levels, and react and adapt to changing situations appropriately (N.C. Division of Social Services and the Family and Children’s Resource Program, 2002). This field of work can be seen as a social worker. The main difference is that it is recommended you have a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a related field (N.C. Division of Social Services and the Family and Children’s Resource Program, 2002). You will also be required to complete Forensic Interviewer training and complete a written exam. This line of work can be in law enforcement, the legal system, or a particular branch of government that focuses on crimes against children. I see this job field growing since individuals can work with children and the legal system. While there is no percentage for Forensic Interviewers alone, it does work within social work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is predicted to grow by 7%, faster than the average for all occupations (2023d).

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7 Children’s Protective Services Child Protective Services (CPS) is in charge of evaluating, looking into, and taking action in cases of child maltreatment and neglect, including sexual abuse (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023d). The CPS worker is committed to finding safety for the child within the home first if the situation makes the home unsafe then the worker will have to remove the child from the home and abusing adult. CPS can either work with the family or if the adults are being abusive will work with the child only and law enforcement. CPS will investigate reports of abuse or neglect involving a child in many settings like schools, homes, and foster care. Employees will be required to do home visits, communicate with law enforcement, respond quickly to situations, educate families, and document information. This job has more pressure than others in social work due to working with children from 0-18 years old. The child might at times rely solely on the CPS worker to help and provide safety. To be a CPS worker a bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Education, Behavioral Science, Child Development, Criminal Justice, or a related field is required along with experience. If you want to move up to a senior position some employment agencies require a Master of Science in social work. Effective communication, empathy, organization, and problem-solving are critical abilities for a CPS worker. They will be needed to assist in strengthening parenting skills, prevent child abuse, and identify alternative homes for children who are unable to live with their biological families (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023c). There are currently 355,300 CPS employees employed, and by 2032, that number is expected to rise to 374,300 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023d). Pregnancy Centers Pregnancy Centers are neighborhood nonprofits that offer sympathetic assistance to men and women who must make difficult decisions regarding pregnancy. They provide pregnancy decision coaching, testing, information on options for getting pregnant, and post-

8 decision support (such as parenting classes) for free (Care Net, n.d.). Some centers offer free consultations with a licensed medical professional, ultrasound service, and testing for sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Pregnancy counselors work in pregnancy centers and are in charge of providing counseling and guidance to individuals who are pregnant or suspect they may be. They are available online or in-person to provide information or resources that meet the client's current needs, refer clients to other professionals when necessary, and support and comfort clients as they go through their process by listening and answering questions (Care Net, n.d.). The majority of staff members at pregnancy centers are volunteers, but there are also paid counselors on duty who answer hotlines and assist young women who are afraid of finding out they are pregnant in handling their circumstances and making decisions (Glassdoor, n.d.). Certain organizations offer certification in becoming a pregnancy counselor like the American Association of Christian Counselors. If one wants to move up the later, genetic counseling is a great option. Genetic counselors work with individuals and families to review test results and assist in making decisions based on the results. They also assess clients' risk for various inherited conditions, such as birth defects (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023a). A master’s degree, license, and certification are required to enter this job field. Important skills a counselor will need are communication skills, compassion, and organizational skills. Genetic counselor employment is expected to grow by 16% between 2022 and 2032, which is substantially faster than the average growth rate for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023a). Adoption Agencies Although the workers in this field are social workers, adoption is their area of expertise. They are called adoption specialists or adoption social workers. These specialists oversee assisting families—whether they wish to adopt or are interested in placing their child

9 for adoption—in navigating the adoption process (Considering Adoption, n.d.). The duties assigned to an adoption specialist include counseling, background checks, home assessments, and assistance during the placement process. Specialists not only have to be professional but also compassionate and an emotional support person. These experts go above and beyond to ensure that families and children are stable and compatible (Considering Adoption, n.d.). After a child is placed, a specialist may continue to ensure the child is safe and adjusting well depending on the scenario. Many who work in this field can be employed with government organizations or adoption agencies. It takes a bachelor's degree, certification, and license to work as an adoption specialist (ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team, n.d.). Depending on the state one resides they might need 2 plus years of experience as well and/or a master's degree. Specialists need to be great communicators, have organizational skills, work long and unpredictable hours, and have knowledge of all types of families and backgrounds. In the state of California, there are currently 19,428 adoption specialist jobs and 37,270 social workers in general in the United States (ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team, n.d.). That is more than half of social workers specializing as Adoption Specialist. Foster Care Foster Care Social Workers are like those above, they provide support and are responsible for families and children. The one difference is that they specialize in foster care system families. Foster care social workers are responsible for making sure that children receive enough food, monitoring the children's progress, providing support to foster parents in need, placing children in suitable foster homes, and sometimes even bringing together families that have been split up by the foster care system (Learn.org, n.d.). They also need to be highly skilled communicators with a background in conflict resolution. Prospective employers should be aware that in certain situations, a court appearance may be required to

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10 decide on custody agreements and other legal issues. A foster care social worker's responsibilities don't end with the kids in the system; they also need to help and support the kids who might "age out" of the system (Learn.org, n.d.). To become a Foster Care Social Worker one needs a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field for an entry-level position. If one wants a clinical position one would need a master’s degree and a licensure (Learn.org, n.d.). Being a Foster Care social worker requires dedication, patience, and above all understanding. Not all encounters will be the same, some might be a quick solution while others are more complicated. It is anticipated that employment in this field will rise by 13% between 2020 and 2030 (Learn.org, n.d.). Women’s Shelters The Women's Shelter provides women fleeing domestic abuse with a temporary haven. These shelters give and offer services, education, basic needs (clothing, food, toiletries), access to laundry and showers, and continuous case management and housing resources (The Salvation Army, n.d.). Women's shelters can hire a variety of people, including advocates, caseworkers, counselors, and other necessary professionals. These organizations hire domestic violence counselors, who are tasked with meeting with newcomers and assessing the severity of their situations as well as what services would be most beneficial for everyone (Morling, 2023). In addition to helping victims set plans, and goals, and regain their sense of stability, self-worth, and drive toward self-sufficiency, they may be required to conduct group meetings, provide private sessions, and occasionally give presentations to other community members educating them about domestic violence (Morling, 2023). Domestic Violence Counselors must first have a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Women’s Studies, Human Development, or Social Work. After receiving a bachelor's degree, a person may look into getting a master's degree in counseling and

11 investigating opportunities to work as a domestic violence counselor (Morling, 2023). The next step after earning a master's degree is state certification, though state requirements may differ. Counselors' licenses must be renewed, and continuing education and certifications can help them stay current and count toward the hours of professional development required for renewal. Between 2021 and 2031, mental health counselor employment is expected to grow by 22%, which is significantly faster than the 5% average job growth for all occupations (Morling, 2023). Children’s Camps There are numerous varieties of children's camps like day, summer, and overnight children’s camps. All camps have different activities for the children to participate in. Depending on the camp style one works at, there will be certain times and age restrictions that a camp counselor must enforce and follow for the safety of the children. Children's camps are supervised programs for kids that provide them with a safe environment to develop social skills, memorable experiences, and other important skills through several activities (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023c). Upon arrival, camp counselors are typically assigned to children and work directly with them. Camp counselors provide guidance and instruction to kids and teenagers in diverse outdoor pursuits like swimming, hiking, horseback riding, or studying the natural world. In addition, counselors supervise socialization and daily living. Some counselors may even specialize in archery, boating, music, drama, or gymnastics (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023c). Typically, candidates seeking to work as camp counselors must possess a high school diploma. While it is not required to obtain a college degree most future or current camp counselors get Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), Aquatic Facility Operator(AFO), and Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023c). These camps frequently offer training to their camp counselors,

12 covering topics such as child development, leadership and supervision techniques, and camp policies. Important qualities a camp counselor must have are communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. While most camp counselors work only part-time or seasonal it is expected to expand at a faster rate than the average for all occupations, by 5%, between 2022 and 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023c). Closing Thoughts After looking into these career options, it was evident to me that even though each position has a distinct focus, there are many commonalities between them. Social workers and counselors come in a variety of forms, but they all have the same objective: to support children and families in their hour of need by identifying the best solutions for them individually. Even though the fundamental duties of each position are similar, there are some differences as well. For instance, there are differences in the educational, certification, and license requirements, the specializations in family support, and the range of responsibilities and career opportunities that each position provides. One important thing to remember is that, aside from childcare facilities and teacher assistant positions, there are numerous career options that entail interacting with children and their families. The most appealing career that stood out to me was the Head Start Teacher because they specifically work with low-income families. I did not know how much help a Head Start Administrator and Teacher provide to expecting mothers and their children. Growing up my mother enrolled us in Head Start and the staff was extremely helpful and caring when she was in need. To research this job field and know what was done behind the scenes and what Head Start is truly capable of is motivating. Most low-income families do not know they have this option leading to their children either falling behind in their education or mothers not getting basic prenatal care. I enjoyed learning that teachers have to stay current on government and community resources to pass along to families who might need them. I think this is a great

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13 way for knowledge and help to be passed and shared in the hopes that it reaches families who need it. To work in a field that wants to help those who cannot afford medical care or enroll their child in an outstanding school, but instead to provide help that meets their life style is something that has caught my attention. Though many of these careers have their own set of perks there was one that was the least appealing to me. Pregnancy Centers seemed biased and did not require a degree, background check, or certificate to participate. While doing my research, it was claimed that Pregnancy Centers are “fake clinics” run by anti-abortion activists who put pressure on mothers to not get an abortion and state misinformation about birth control and sexual health (Kendall, 2021). It also did not appeal to me because it solely focuses on mothers and their pregnancies. I feel like more knowledge and awareness should be focused on beyond pregnancy. I feel that this job field would be a great opportunity to gain experience and insight as a counselor but not as a career to stay at and grow.

14 References Care Net. (n.d.). What is a Pregnancy Center? Care Net Pregnancy Centers. Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://www.care-net.org/what-is-a-pregnancy-center Considering Adoption. (n.d.). What is an Adoption Specialist? Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://consideringadoption.com/what-is-an-adoption-specialist/#:~:text=Adoption %20specialists%20serve%20many%20purposes%20and%20fill,advocates%20for %20prospective%20birth%20parents%20and%20adoptive Glassdoor. (n.d.). How to Become a Counselor? Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Career/how-to-become-counselor_KO14,23.htm Green, K. (2018, April). Child Life Specialist . U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics-Career Outlook. https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/youre-a-what/child-life- specialist.htm Grimmet, K. (2023, June 5). What is an Early Intervention Specialist? Masters in Special Education Degree Program Guide-Wiley University Services. https://www.masters- in-special-education.com/faq/what-is-an-early-intervention-specialist/ Kendall. (2021, November 4). What are Crisis Pregnancy Centers? Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/what-are-crisis-pregnancy-centers Learn.org. (n.d.). Foster Care Social Worker: Salary and Career Facts . Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://learn.org/articles/Foster_Care_Social_Worker_Frequently_Asked_Career_Que stions.html Morling, L. (2023, July 12). How to become a domestic violence counselor (plus tips) . Indeed - Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become- domestic-violence-counselor

15 N.C. Division of Social Services and the Family and Children’s Resource Program. (2002). What is forensic interviewing? Jordan Institute for Families , 8 (1). https://practicenotes.org/vol8_no1/what_is.htm Office of Children and Family Services [OCFS]. (n.d.). About Adult Protective Services . Office of Children and Family Services. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/adult-svcs/aps/ The Salvation Army. (n.d.). Women’s Shelter - Seattle Social Services . The Salvation Army. Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://seattle.salvationarmy.org/seattle_services/womens-shelter/ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023a, September 6). Genetic Counselors . Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/genetic-counselors.htm U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023b, September 6). Preschool Teachers . Occupational Outlooks Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm#tab-1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023c, September 6). Recreation Workers . Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/recreation- workers.htm#tab-1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023d, September 6). Social Workers . Occupational Outlook Handbook,. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social- workers.htm#tab-1 Voices for CASA Children. (n.d.). What is a CASA . Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://voicesforcasachildren.org/what-is-a-casa/#:~:text=The%20CASA%20helps %20ensure%20the,can%20see%20a%20brighter%20future .

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16 ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team. (n.d.). What is an adoption specialist and how to become one . ZipRecruiter. Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Adoption-Specialist/What-Is-How-to-Become

CHFD 498 A1

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