Job Responsibilities
I carry out intake and evaluation of incoming of clients
referred through social services and court mandated individuals
who come in to fullfill driving under the influence charges. I
provide a drug and alcohol curriculum for individuals wishing to
rectify their drug abuse habits.
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Job Requirements
I have already attained a Master's degree in Educational
Psychology at the university of Denver a year ago, with a
concentration in Special Education.
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Uppers
My best part of the job is being to work with clients who adopt more effective
ways to manage their relationships and substance use by becoming more responsible
adults. I like the conversation and their sharing of stories relevant to
treatment, and their sense of humour sometimes.
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Downers
The downers are when I get reprimanded by my boss when other
employees talk behind my back for issues that could be directly
resolved with me.
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Lifestyle
I have to work Monday through Thursdays from noon until 9pm or as late as 10pm
sometimes. I have to schedule appointments to meet with clients either
individually or in small groups. I have to dress business casual, look
presentable in front of my clients, and other members higher up on the managerial
end. Occasionally I have a social event that supports the cultural aspect of my
program. For instance, I went to a cultural pageant to witness some cultural
folklore dances and attire of different countries. I had to wear a tuxedo for
the black and tie affair.
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Compensation
My salary falls around the $23,000 per year which actually falls
to around a $19,00 take home pay after taxes. It pays the bills
for the most part but not significantly enough my outstanding
student loans, unfortunately.
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Advice to Jobseekers
I think that you have to love what you want to do with clients.
You have to come in with the helping and open attitude both
consciously and subconsciously or else those clients will see
the lack of it nonverbally through your body language. You have
to be willing to approach the job as a learning opportunity to
think critically what the clients are processing and what advice
they need to incorporate in their lifestyles. Take this as a
responsibility to willingly help others not as fortunate and be
humble towards them. They will feed off of that virtue and will
respect you more for it. They will talk great things about you
to others if you stay humble, sincere and open to engage with
them in the groups.
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