# data[].attributes.body
Mental Health & Wellness Counseling
Professional Orientation EDG 6328
Dr. Kelly

# data[].attributes.body
After the completion of my degree I will be seeking a job as a youth program coordinator or a high school educator. In these roles, I will be incorporating all of my knowledge from this degree program and help our youth have a successful and healthy life, physically and mentally.

# data[].attributes.body
As a program coordinator, I would be working with our youth and creating educational and developmental programs. As a high school educator, I would be teaching psychology as an elective course and help guide students through the foundations of psychology and prepare them for life after graduation, whether that be college or going into the work force.
After the completion of my degree I will not be certified or a licensed counselor. However, I will use counseling concepts learned to offer services to the youth and community.

# data[].attributes.headline
When I Might Work With Other Professionals

# data[].attributes.subject
When I Might Work With Other Professionals

# data[].attributes.body
Because I will not be a licensed counselor or psychologist, there may be times I will need to reach out to certain professionals as some events may be out of my jurisdiction. These events might include sending someone to a psychologist in the case that their psychological health begins to alter their physical health, diagnosing and treating mental disorders, or when government or financial assistance may be needed and a caseworker would be involved.

# data[].attributes.body
Two other professionals I might interact with within my role are:

High School Counselor- As an educator, I may need to interact with a high school counselor. I would encourage my students to make use of our school counselor and receive help they may have to offer that maybe I cannot give. Their credentials include passing the school counselor certification exam, have a 48- hour master's degree in counseling, and two years of teaching experience.

Social Workers- As a program coordinator for the youth, there may be times I interact with social workers as these workers also provide services to troubled children and families. Their credentials include having a degree in social work (or related field), completing an accredited program, taking and passing the Texas Jurisprudence Exam.

# data[].attributes.body
Alliance for Women and Children - this organization supports women and children and offers programs that are designed to encourage self-assurance, promote well-being, and continue success. This organization also has an After School Care program in Abilene, TX and Merkel, TX where my communities are. This after school program provides a safe environment for children while supporting their learning needs.

BCFS Health and Human Services - this organization offers services to families and children in need. BCFS also has educational programs offered to children and parents. I recently interviewed a worker at BCFS. This organization has "parent educators" who receive referrals from CPS and 2INgage (non-prof organization) and they provide a curriculum called "Safe Care". Essentially, these classes are parenting classes and educate parents how to be successful in their family.

# data[].attributes.body
"Promoting the goals of quality early care and education – help children develop to their full potential, support families in providing a good start for their children, increase professional recognition of early childhood educators, and provide quality programs for all children – is seen as a fundamental activity for early childhood professionals today." (PennState Extension, n.d.). My role as a program coordinator or educator will be important for everyone in my community. As the above quote states, as a childhood professional, promoting goals is what I will be doing for children and even families in my community. The advocacy for those individuals are crucial for their successful development. Not only is the advocacy for children important in my role, but their education is important as well. Education helps develop many life skills and even reduces child mortality. The many benefits of education include developing problem-solving skills, economic growth, and provides self-reliance and empowerment (World Vision, 2021).

# data[].attributes.body
PennState Extensions. (n.d.). Advocacy – Spreading the word.
https://extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/early-care/tip-pages/all/advocacy-2013-spreading-the-word

World Vision. (2021, October 13). Why is education important and how does it affect one’s future? https://www.worldvision.ca/stories/education/why-is-education-important