Paul's Career Journey
During his last year as an undergraduate student at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, Paul worked at Shining Light Thrift Shop in Harrisburg, which functions as a clothing assistance program for individuals on fixed or low incomes. After Paul graduated, he continued his work at the thrift shop, until he started as a Therapeutic Support Staff member for PA Counseling Services, approximately three months after graduation. During his employment with PA Counseling Services, a friend of Paul's and a connection at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ led him to take up his current position as a Children's Mental Health Case Manager in Dauphin County.
Working in Children's Mental Health
Paul's mission is to support adults and children with mental health disabilities - and their families when appropriate - to live full and inclusive lives within their communities. To achieve this goal, Paul helps families access resources both within the community and within the public systems for mental health. Often, he is helping connect people with intellectual and developmental disability programs and early intervention services. Paul found that his Strategies of Family Life Education course was an excellent building block for the sort of thinking and assessment he utilizes daily. Paul reflects, "Creativity and ingenuity are valued, and [are] necessities in my everyday work." Paul has also found that his Ethics, Pluralism, and Family Dynamics courses were especially helpful in his line of work.
Paul's Advice
"Keep a child's nature in how you learn and remain open to learning from everyone you encounter. Participate in therapy if it is fiscally possible. Challenge any training from your past or present in which you were encouraged to be afraid of something."