Counselor Job Description
Overview
The Counselor helps people overcome mental and emotional problems. Their role is to assess patients through elaborate conversations, interviews and observations in order to create treatment plans and coping strategies. Their responsibilities are to discuss the treatment with the patient to identify faults or area for improvement, assess the patients response to treatment, record the patient’s progress, and alter the treatments when necessary.
Steps to take to start your career as a Counselor and other jobs like it
- Most counseling positions require at least a bachelor's degree, preferably in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.
- Seek internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions in counseling, social work, or related fields. This experience will not only provide you with practical skills but is often a requirement to get a license and practice in this field. Check out minimum hours requirements for your license and state.
- Depending on your location and the specific requirements of the organization you wish to work for, licensure or certification may be necessary. Check with relevant professional organizations in your region to understand the specific requirements and steps for licensure or certification.
- Acquire specialized skills and knowledge relevant to your interested field of counseling. Stay updated on industry-specific requirements. You can specialize in a specific area and obtain certifications to recognize that specialization for greater credibility with clients.
Early Career:
I worked as a vocational counselor for a few years and a drug and alcohol therapist for several years in my 20s. I started my career out in psychology. I have a bachelor's in psych and a master's in clinical psych.
Why I Changed Careers:
After making very little money and having a lot of education, I decided to go back to school and when I got an MBA, I went into sales in Wall Street. They say you change careers seven times in a lifetime and I have done that.
What I Do Now:
I manage about 32 long-term, couple short-term properties and this allows me the freedom to really work from wherever.
Career Advice:
Don't be afraid to try new things and try new careers but the main thing is have fun and have your freedom.
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Education you need to become a Counselor
These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Counselor
There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.
- Bachelor of Arts (b.a.) in Psychology
- Bachelor Degree in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Psychology
- Master of Arts (m.a.) in Counseling Psychology
Annual Pay Estimate for Counselor and Other Important Info
See how many years Counselor's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.
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Career Paths for Counselor
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