Title: (Optional) Identify knowledge, skills, abilities, and characteristics of workers within the Counseling and Mental Health Services career pathway.
Course: Introduction to Family and Human Services (19001-18) > Section: Exploring the Human Services Career Pathways

Identification should include

- behaviors and characteristics highly valued within the Counseling and Mental Health Services career pathway (e.g., ability to handle ethical dilemmas that arise in the pathway, knowledge of confidentiality issues and the individual’s right to privacy, understanding of the importance of self-determination and empowerment, cultural competence, awareness of human behavior and individual differences)
- career opportunities and compensation (e.g., behavioral health counselor, mental health professional, case manager, support coordinator)
- a determination of potential personality compatibility with jobs in the Counseling and Mental Health Services career pathway.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What does the term behavioral health mean?
- How can behavioral health services improve the quality of life for recipients of those services and their families?

Communication

- How is the mental health of a client assessed?
- What can behavioral health employers offer to increase the number of workers in the field?

Leadership

- Why must behavioral health professionals always advocate for their clients?
- In what ways can a behavioral health professional advocate for their clients?

Management

- What types of professional credentials and organizations are available to those seeking employment in the Counseling and Mental Health Services career pathway?
- What are the challenges of a career in this pathway?