Career Report Counselor By Anchia Tang

Nature of the Work Counselors assist people with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career decisions and problems. Their duties depend on the individuals they serve and the settings in which they work.

Specialties School and college counselors Rehabilitation counselors Employment counselors Mental health counselors marriage and family, multicultural, or gerontological counseling

License or certification requirements Vocational and related rehabilitation agencies generally require a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, counseling and guidance, or counseling psychology for rehabilitation counselor jobs. In most State vocational rehabilitation agencies, applicants must pass a written examination and be evaluated by a board of examiners to obtain licensure. Clinical mental health counselors generally have a master's degree in mental health counseling, another area of counseling, or in psychology or social work. Many counselors elect to be nationally certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), which grants the general practice credential, "National Certified Counselor.” All States require school counselors to hold State school counseling certification; however, certification requirements vary from State to State.

Average Day on the Job Most school counselors work the traditional 9- to 10-month school year with a 2- to 3-month vacation, although an increasing number are employed on 10 1/2- or 11-month contracts. They generally have the same hours as teachers. College career planning and placement counselors may work long and irregular hours during recruiting periods. Rehabilitation and employment counselors generally work a standard 40-hour week. Self-employed counselors and those working in mental health and community agencies often work evenings to counsel clients who work during the day.

Education or Training Requirement Helpful High school courses Courses like psychology and other courses related to the field of specialty. Helpful work experience Experience in employment counseling, job development, psychology, education, or social work may be helpful. On the job training Counselors must participate in graduate studies, workshops, institutes, and personal studies to maintain their certificates and licenses. College, tech, apprenticeship, etc. Graduate-level counselor education programs in colleges and universities usually are in departments of education or psychology. Length of training program In an accredited program, 48 to 60 semester hours of graduate study, including a period of supervised clinical experience in counseling, are required for a master's degree.

Specific Educational or Training facilities State Universities generally have majors in education and psychology. Universities generally have majors in psychology.

Personal qualifications Interests, skills or abilities Persons interested in counseling should have a strong interest in helping others and the ability to inspire respect, trust, and confidence. They should be able to work independently or as part of a team. Counselors follow the code of ethics associated with their respective certifications and licenses. Physical demands Counselors must possess high physical and emotional energy to handle the array of problems they address. Dealing with these day-to-day problems can cause stress and emotional burnout.

Earnings The bottom 10 percent earned less than $18,600 a year. The middle 50 percent earned between $25,600 and $48,500 a year. The top 10 percent earned over $60,100 a year. School counselors can earn additional income working summers in the school system or in other jobs.

Working Conditions Physical working conditions Stress level Since privacy is essential for confidential and frank discussions with clients, counselors usually have private offices. Stress level Counselors must possess high physical and emotional energy to handle the array of problems they address. Dealing with these day-to-day problems can cause stress and emotional burnout.

Employment and Advancement Outlook

Employment Trends Overall employment of counselors is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. In addition, replacement needs should increase significantly as a large number of counselors reach retirement age. Rapid job growth is expected among rehabilitation and mental health counselors. As with other government jobs, the number of employment counselors, who work primarily for State and local government, could be limited by budgetary constraints.

Opportunities for advancement within occupation School counselors may move to a larger school; become directors or supervisors of counseling, guidance, or pupil personnel services; or, usually with further graduate education, become counselor educators, counseling psychologists, or school administrators. Some counselors also may advance to work at the State department of education. Rehabilitation, mental health, and employment counselors may become supervisors or administrators in their agencies. Some counselors move into research, consulting, or college teaching, or go into private or group practice.

Related Occupations Others who help people in similar ways include college and student affairs workers, teachers, personnel workers and managers, human services workers, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, members of the clergy, occupational therapists, training and employee development specialists, and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action specialists.

Personality Characteristics The responsibility to help people. The ability to handle big amount of stress.

Personal Satisfaction Counselors are becoming more involved in crisis and preventive counseling, helping students deal with issues ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to death and suicide. Counselors gain respect from people and gain satisfaction through helping people.

Sources Occupational Outlook Handbook America’s Job Bank