Occupational Analysis SLS1101 1 26 2015

OCCUPATIONAL ANALYSIS
The following analysis is designed to aid the student in researching an occupation identified by the FOCUS 2 assessment instrument.
Please type your answers to the following questions in complete sentences. Proofread and edit your work to remove any grammatical and spelling errors. No texting language.
I. Occupation Being Researched: Substance Abuse Counselor

A. Resources Used to Collect Information (at least 3)

a. bls.gov
b. alljobopenings.com
c. careersinpsychology.org

B. Work Tasks
a. List 5 Specific Work Tasks Performed By Those in This Occupation

i. Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients’ histories, progress, and services required.

ii. Counsel clients or patients individually or in group sessions.

iii. To assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.

iv. Review records and speak with other professionals to evaluate individuals’ mental and physical conditions.

v. Develop client treatment plans and attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills. C. Working Conditions
a. Describe the Working Conditions/Environment of this Occupation. Include: Work Area, Typical Hours, Stress Level, Etc The working environment of a substance abuse counselor can vary. Most counselors work in hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and Government facilities, including prisons or juvenile detention centers. The workplace is often challenging. This will require stress management and trauma coping skills. A typical substance abuse counselor can expect to work full time, and experience high caseloads.

D. Education
a. Indicate the Lowest Education Level Required for Entry Level into this Occupation with an asterisk (*).

No Minimum Found___
High School Diploma_*
Associates of Arts___
Associates of Science___
Bachelors___
Masters___
Doctorate___

E. Certifications and Licensure
a. What Certifications or Licenses are Required for this Career?
Licensing varies from state to state. Some states require a license, while others require licensed supervision. If opening a private practice, a license is necessary.
F. Salary
a. What is the Salary range for this Occupation?
i. Entry Salary Range: $29,860 ii. Average Salary Range: $48,060 iii. Top Salary Range: $60,060

G. Occupational Outlook
a. What is the Projected Employment Outlook (Explain Using Resources)?
i. Very Competitive or ii. Fair to Good or iii. Excellent
The projected employment outlook for substance abuse counselor is excellent. With usnews.com reporting a 31% employment growth rate by 2022, this is much higher than the average job growth.

H. College Majors
a. Which College Majors would be Appropriate for this Occupation?

An Associate’s Degree in Human Services and in some cases a Master’s Degree in Psychology are needed.

b. List TWO Universities that Offer These Majors.

Saint Petersburg College offers a Bachelor’s Degree program.
University of South Florida offers a Master’s Degree program in Psychology.

c. What are the Requirements for Admission to these Colleges/Universities? At Saint Petersburg College, you must have an Associate’s Degree that transfers into a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Administration. At the University Of Southern Florida, you need to have a Bachelor’s Degree and an acceptable score on your graduate record examination (GRE). The Bachelor’s Degree must be from an accredited university.
I. Reflection
a. From What You Know About Yourself and What You have Learned about this Occupation, Discuss its Suitability for You. Include in Your Discussion: Your General Reaction to the Occupation, What You See as its Advantages (Pros) and Disadvantages (Cons), and a Final Summary.

With the time I have spent working on the Focus 2 assignment, I have learned a lot about what it takes to become a Substance Abuse Counselor. Other tests that I have taken seem to always have teaching or counseling as my top occupations that I should pursue, so having Substance Abuse Counselor wasn’t a surprise.

I am certain that I would do very well in this field since I have always been someone who likes helping others. Since I have had issues with drug abuse in my past, counseling others on this topic would be something that I would enjoy. I have had several people tell me that I am a great listener and that I give good advice, so this would definitely help my chances for being successful. There are usually some cons with anything you decide to do, and I’m sure this is no different. I have read that this career can be very stressful at times. Dealing with people from all walks of life with so many issues can probably take a toll on anyone.

After looking into a career as a Substance Abuse Counselor, I have found a lot of information and the direction I need to take in order to this. I know the academic path I need to fallow, and the colleges that provide the degrees I would need. So now that I have all of the information necessary, this could be the occupation that I go for.