25C - AGMT - CAREER AND COUNSELING SRVS

Home Browse Search

Wesley A. Bosch, M.A. April 12, 2011 Description of Needs and Services Based upon my experience at the Santa Ana W/O/R/K Center and elsewhere, the populations that generally need services include those who were laid off from their jobs, workers who have been unsuccessful in securing adequate employment despite their efforts, workers who are considered or consider themselves underemployed, the economically disadvantaged, chronically unemployed individuals with limited vocational skills, and persons being supported by public assistance. Personal Needs The issues and problems these different populations face may vary and may require different approaches to increase their chances of improvement and success. Their concerns on a personal or psychological level may include: grieving the loss of a valued job, interpersonal and self-esteem problems that arise from this loss or conflict with previous employers, difficulties in handling the stress of economic insecurity and uncertainty, changes in self-perception and self- definition, hopelessness and despair, frustration and other effects from encountering repeated rejections in their job search activity, the breakdown of previously adequate coping skills, stress on the family or significant others and consequent disintegration of supportive relationships, the exacerbation of underlying emotional and/or behavior disorders, clinical depression, suicidal ideation and risk, severe anxiety, and substance abuse. Personal Services The type of services provided to address the various personal needs would be similar in nature, though the specific approach may vary according to the individual(s) and the most important identified issue(s) of concern. Both educational and clinical interventions would be used, as appropriate. The primary modality would be individual counseling that may involve single or multiple appointments in a confidential setting. Involvement of family or significant others would take place when identified as potentially helpful. Group counseling or workshops may be conducted according to the need and commonality of concerns. Referral to relevant professionals, agencies, and resources would be made as appropriate with follow-up regarding progress and outcome. Vocational Needs In the more career-oriented area, customers may be faced with confusion and indecision about what direction to go in next; uncertainty about what type of work activity they are best suited for, have skills in, and would be most satisfied with; and what kind of jobs have current prospects and a potentially positive future outlook. Additionally, many customers have little or outdated job search skills that include: writing resumes; interviewing for jobs; appropriate behavior and appearance; obtaining job, industry, or company related information; and computer-related skills that are relevant to job search and preparation. Many times these issues overlap with emotional concerns mentioned above and need to be worked with conjointly. Case managers and customers need additional tools to help determine the appropriateness of vocational training and in what types of training or what jobs they are best suited for. The level of computer or other employment-related skill and knowledge may not be clear prior to job development efforts, thus job referrals may be made without a high degree of confidence in some cases or may result in mismatched training or placements. 5 25C-16