BOSCH, WESLEY A. (2) - 2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wesley A. Bosch, M.A. June 16, 2010 This section of the RFQ response reflects an expansion of my summary of qualifications and experience in the areas related to the Career Counselor position being offered. Personal Counseling My Counseling work at the SAWC over the past 12 years has involved me in consulting with customers and staff on a variety of issues and concerns related, in general, to personal, interpersonal, and/or behavioral barriers to success. Some more specific examples of these include high levels of stress accompanied with disabling fear; marital conflict related to pressures of limited money, lack of work, or uncooperative partner support for school/training and study time; depression with suicidal thoughts and feelings; profound grief; feelings of being lost, not knowing what direction to go in; feelings of being overwhelmed by a myriad of problems in their lives, including family issues that their unemployment status only added to; and a sense of isolation; among others. The duration of counseling ranges from one or two sessions for clarification, encouragement, and support, up to a few months of weekly sessions when problems or the need for ongoing emotional support persist while still unemployed. I have generally been effective in helping customers improve their coping skills and ego strength, self-esteem, developing a more positive outlook with a sense of hope, and a reduction in relationship conflicts or in process of resolving them. Additionally, a benefit has been improvement in their motivation and functioning in their job search or training activity, including increases in their activity level and more effective and positive job interviewing. I provided referrals on occasions when evaluation revealed the need for outside mental or medical healthcare services or other resources. My previous mental health services was to persons with a wide range of disorders and conditions in a variety of roles and settings, such as direct patient care in state, county, and private hospitals, hospital psychiatric social work, group leadership and program development, in- and outpatient consultation, outpatient private practice, and employment assistance program (EAP) counseling. Through attendance of continuing education programs, reading, and personal discussion with other professionals, I remain up-to-date with current information and developments in the mental health field. Career Counseling Concerning career issues, I often work with customers presenting with complaints of not having a clear idea or goal, especially when their previous occupational field is diminishing or recognizing that they are not progressing in life after bouncing from one unfulfilling job to another. With some individuals, it becomes evident how career and personal counseling can and do overlap, as the issues of one area are often affected by the other. Within a few sessions, customers generally become clearer about their realistic career goal options, engaging in occupational research, and make decisions about reaching their goals. This may involve referrals for case management and training, to other One-Stop partner agency staff, or outside resources.