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Child Abuse Employment

Dr. Sara Beckett, Psy.D. an administrator with the company, says that in the United States 4-7 children die daily from child abuse.

What Types of Positions Can a Child Abuse Counselor Hold?

Private Practice: A Child Abuse Counselor can establish a private practice, when state requirements have been satisfied. Private practice allows the counselor to work with the child from a holistic standpoint since more than likely a family member or guardian will have sought the professional assistance. The counselor will be in an environment of their choosing and have control over their work schedules. Counselors in private practice may accommodate their clients and work evenings and/or weekends. Although market factors will be an influence, private practice gives the counselor freedom to set their own fees.

One thing to consider with regards to going into private practice is the fact that the private practitioner will be doing much more than counseling; they will be running a business in every sense of the word. Together with the American Counseling Association, Anthony Centore, PhD, LMHC created a resource seminar for counselors considering opening a private practice. He feels quite strongly that counselors realize the business aspect of owning a private practice.

If you hate business, think about joining an agency. It is shocking to me how many counselors I meet that want to start their own practice who will outright tell me they hate business. Your practice is a business!” -Dr. Anthony Centore, Ph.D.,LMHC: “The Thrive Center” Virginia Office

Government Employment

State Children’s System: Departments of Behavioral Health: Every state government has agencies designed specifically to handle child welfare issues. For example, in the state of Alabama the Children’s Health System offers various types of positions for Child Abuse Counselors. Duties include outpatient and inpatient counseling services to children, adolescents and their families. When necessary the counselor may function as an instructor, trainer and provider of supervision for other personnel.

Social Worker: Counties employ counselors to handle cases where child abuse has been established or is suspected. There are a variety of settings where Child Abuse Social Workers are typically employed: mental health clinics, schools, child welfare, human service agencies, and county hospitals. They generally work full-time and may need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Private Hospitals: Psychiatric Emergency Departments of private Medical Centers employ on-call Child Abuse Counselors to respond to emergency situations arising from their trauma centers.

Private Schools: Private schools hire Child Abuse Counselors to diagnose and advise with regards to pupils they suspect to be at risk.

Ways for Child Abuse Counselors to Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate

Writing on behalf of the American Counseling Association (ACA), author Rebecca Daniels-Burke encourages counselors to be in control of their career outlook. She writes,

Ways for a Child Abuse Counselor to Increase His/Her Salary

Consult: Those who specialize in one aspect of child abuse can find work as a consultant to many organizations that need the expertise but are not hiring additional employees. The fee is negotiated between the counselor and the company; consulting fees typically take into account travel expenses and other consulting related costs.

Become an Expert Witness: Law firms that specialize in civil litigation requiring expert testimony will commonly hire one expert for their trials. They develop a working relationship with the expert and this facilitates procedures inherent in the legal process.

Government Contracts: Child Abuse Counselors in private practice have the option of seeking out contract work from the state or local governments. The counselor does not work as a state employee; but rather as a sub-contractor.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures forsubstance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counselorsare based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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