How to Become a Family Intervention Specialist
When there is a crisis at home or a family just needs help working through their issues together, a family intervention specialist helps them communicate and cope. These social workers can have their own practices, work out of community groups or be affiliated with a mental health institute. If you want to become a family intervention specialist, you'll need general health-care training plus some special skills.
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Instructions
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Work towards a master's degree in social services or a related field. Some positions will consider you if you have a bachelor's degree and extensive experience as a counselor. You can be hired to entry-level assistant positions if you only have a GED or high school diploma, but you'll need a college degree to become a specialist.
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Volunteer at an outreach organization. You'll need to have experience going into different locations and communities if you want to be a successful family intervention specialist. Outreach organizations also give you a chance to work with people on a variety of different subjects, including substance abuse, homelessness and domestic violence.
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Work on your communication skills. As a family intervention specialist, you'll have to work with both children and parents. It's essential that you know how to speak and listen to people both young and old.
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Keep your work organized. If you work for an organization, you'll have to keep detailed reports about what is talked about at your family sessions. You also need good notes to keep yourself up-to-date on your work, because you might be seeing many different families each week.
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Learn a second language. As a family intervention specialist, you may find yourself working with immigrant communities and families. Language skills look good to potential employers and also help expand your client base if you are self-employed.
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Tips & Warnings
You may be reimbursed for driving time if you work for an organization.
Be prepared to stay on call 24 hours a day during the week and to occasionally work on weekends.
When you first start out working as a family intervention specialist, you may be working with another counselor. After you have more experience, your employer will probably start to send you out on your own.
You need to purchase liability insurance to protect yourself from lawsuits. Many employers will require that you have this insurance before they hire you.
An employer may require a detailed check into your criminal history and driving record before you are hired.
