Ever since I started my Master’s degree I have had a list of
jobs in the back of my head that I would be interested in once I graduate with
my degree. Below are a list of jobs that I would be interested in working with:
·
Child Protective Services
·
Department of Education
·
Education Specialist
·
Child Abuse Prevention
·
Child Care Licensing Consultant
The first organization that I looked at was Child Abuse
Neglect Council also known as CAN Council. I have been interested in this
organization for a very long time. The reason the CAN Council has appealed to
me is because of the work they do. I would love to work for them and be apart
in stopping child abuse. Their mission statement explains everything; “We are
building communities where children are free from abuse and neglect” (CAN
COUNCIL, 2015). As many of you know I am all about stopping child abuse so I
feel this organization would be a perfect match for me. They do not have any
job postings that I could find on their website. I did find many volunteer positions
that are available at CAN Council. The one position that interested me was a
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). The skills needed to become a CASA are
commitment to children, common sense and persistence, objectivity,
responsibility, communication skills, and the ability to talk to a variety of
people. It did not state experience was needed to become a CASA. They do put
you through an in depth training to become a CASA. After you complete the
training you have to do so many hours of training each year.
The second organization that I looked at was Department of
Human Services for the State of Michigan. Though this is not an organization it
is a Community of Practice. Department of Human Services have appealed to me
because they are able to help make decisions. I feel they are higher up and
have more control on what goes on in a child’s life. The position I have chosen
to do with Department of Human Services is Service Specialist 9-P11 Bay County.
The common name for this position is a CPS worker. The education requirements
for this position is a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a major human service
area such as child development. You do not need experience for this job.
The third organization that I looked at was the one I am
currently employed with Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency. I have chosen
this organization because I love what they do for the community. Not only do
they provide early childhood services they offer assistance in many other forms
such as housing and utilities. They are also great to their employees. I am
currently a lead preschool teacher for the agency but the job that I would also
be interested in is early childhood education coordinator. They qualifications
for this job is at least four years’ experience working with children. You will also need a Master’s degree in child
development or another similar degree field. I have chosen this job because I
would love to work with other professionals making them a better teacher and
training them.
The fourth organization I found was Starfish Family
Services. The reason I have chosen this organization is because they want to
invest in the lives of children. They want to help solve problems before the
problem escalates. Besides working with children they also work with parents to
help create a positive parent-child relationship. The job that I have chosen
from this agency is a Curriculum Specialist. The skills needed for this position
is PQA reliable certification. I would also need to have a Bachelor’s degree in
the field of early childhood education. I would like this position because I
would love to observe the teachers and classrooms. Where ever I can teach
adults and children I would love.
Hi Cheryl,
ReplyDeletePreventing child abuse is a very worthy cause. Is it the topic of your capstone project? My heart goes out to anyone with the strength to work with children and families that experience abuse and traumatic events. I have heard of CASA volunteers in my community. They get stationed in different places and with different children helping with a variety of things. It seems like it would be a great experience. Personally, I think I would be better suited for the Starfish Family Services. I like the idea of preventing problems before they arise. -Mary
Hi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteWhile reading you post this week a lot of your career goals and organizations were a lot like mine. I have looked into being an Education Coordinator, I think that would be an amazing job to have. I like that idea of using all the experience and education that I've received and teaching someone else how to be better. I've also looked into being a CASA volunteer, I think that would be a very rewarding job to volunteer for.
Hi Cheryly,
ReplyDeleteYou have set some wonderful career goals. From what I have been reading on these blog posts we all have in the back of our mind of what we would like to do once we receive our degree. You have done a great job at looking into what these career goals might be for yourself and what you will need to do to get there. I wish you the best of luck and hope you are able to achieve your goals.
Hi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. We have the same job interest for after graduation. I, however, just wanted to be an early childhood teacher and maybe some day be able to open my own day care center. Now that I have gained much knowledge of the field, I realize that not do I want to do more but I feel that I should do more for the children and families in my community. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to do all that you can do to advocate for any child who is a victim of child abuse. Remember, that changes begin with us!