In this report, I will be introducing my academic goals, career goals and related career paths that will help me to accomplish my goals as becoming one of the best Licensed Chemical Dependent Counselors in the State of Texas. I will discuss some of the student organizations, and professional organizations related to my chosen major and career. These organization will help me to gain more insight into this career, and I will be introducing one entry-level position in my career path.

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Academic Goals

My academic goals are to finish at The University of Houston Downtown with a degree in Psychology. It is my desire to finish with at least a 3.5 gpa and use the degree to earn more money in a field which I have a strong passion doing. It will not be an easy task for me. I have been out of school for almost 35 years. Some of the courses are challenging and sometimes despair sets in. However, my passion to help those who are addicted supersedes the despair which I face when being challenged in the courses.

My major is in Psychology. It is an in dept study of the human mind and its functions that affects behavior (Henriques, 1). There are several courses which I have to complete to accomplish this goal and academically I must be able to maintain a good grade point average in order to assure my colleagues that I have the knowledge to effectively help people who are fighting addictions.

Career Goals

I am currently working as a Prevention Specialist. I teach an evidence-based curriculum geared at reducing or stopping drug use among the youths in our communities. It is a rewarding occupation when you have young adults come to you and tell you that you have made them reconsider their actions and perception on drug use. I have met the requirement of the state as of October 17, 2018 for 4,000 hours in my quest to becoming a Licensed Chemical Dependent Counselor for the State of Texas and have also completed 2,000 hours needed to become a Certified Prevention Specialist. Currently, I am a Licensed Chemical Dependent Counselor Intern, and an Associated Prevention Specialist by the State of Texas. All that is left now is to take the state exam and becoming fully licensed.

In the next 2 years, I would like to be deep into my degree and learn more about psychology. Psychology is a necessary discipline to have attached to my resume in the occupation which I am doing now. I love helping the youths and adults who are fighting addiction especially if they are dually diagnosed. Understanding the psychology of the human being is a must to help me to help them.

Professional and Student Organizations

Currently, I am not affiliated with any student organizations at the university. I am attempting to complete all my core requirements before I actively become engaged with any student organizations. With a 40-hour job, and being a full-time student, I would not be fully committed to the student organization at this time. However, once involved, I plan to dedicate myself to all the demands of the student organization.

I am involved with a professional network which is related to my field. This organization is the Phoenix House. Phoenix House is an organization which is currently serving the greater Houston area. Our Outpatient and Prevention program provides addiction treatment for adults in a safe, supportive environment. Our continuum of care is tailored to the needs of each patient and includes Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Supportive Outpatient (SOP) options, as well as outpatient follow-up to residential treatment. We offer these services Monday through Friday, in the afternoon, with evening hours for clients who would like support after work (House). We also provide Substance Abuse Prevention services to many of the schools in the greater Houston area. Phoenix House is currently located at 501 Garden Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77018. In this working environment, I am learning and applying all the education which I have received thus far. This working environment is also will be important when I complete my degree because I can use my degree to move up in income and position within the company.

Entry-level Position

My entry-level position as of today is a position which I am working currently. I am a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist. A substance abuse prevention specialist practices as a health care professional in the prevention of all types of substance abuse, including nicotine, alcohol and illegal and prescription drugs. In most states, she must be certified by a board. The substance abuse prevention specialist assists in the development and coordination of substance abuse prevention, working with schools, community groups and other agencies (Thompson). Phoenix House is where I am doing my entry-level occupation. The starting salary is $32,000 a year and we are located at 501 Garden Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77018. We are in the beginning stages of relocating at the end of the year.

In my profession you must have prevention education, work 2,000 hours as an intern, and pass the state exam to become fully licensed. However, once you have completed the prevention courses, and the 240-intern practicum, you can apply for your Associate Prevention license provided toy have 240 CEUs. Once this is completed, you can begin to apply your education working with schools and communities in the area you live in.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I must first complete my academic core components at the University of Houston Downtown to become one of the best Psychologist in the study of addiction. This field is a personal to me because I was addicted to drugs for over 20 years. I have started this journey in my career not knowing whether I had enough motivation to complete this goal. So far, I have done exceptionally well. I completed my Associates Degree (with Honors), while I was homeless. I was homeless for the same amount of time in which I was addicted to crack cocaine. At the University of Houston Downtown, I currently have a 3.5 gpa, and is in my second year into my degree. I owe a lot of thanks to the organization where I work. They hired me knowing that I was addicted and have a mental diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. The opportunity which was given to me by Phoenix House have given me new meaning and purpose in life.

I plan to finish strong at the University of Houston Downtown. I have been given a second chance at life for which I am grateful. Most people who was in my situation do not get this far and live to tell about it. I feel like I have beaten the odds and I know I cannot stop now. The biggest goal for me is to finish with honors at the University of Houston Downtown.

Bibliography

Gregg Henriques Ph.D. Theory of Knowledge, Psychology Defined, What, exactly, is psychology? (p.1) Posted Dec 23, 2011 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/theory-knowledge/201112/psychology-defined
Phoenix House (p.1). https://www.phoenixhouse.org/locations/texas/houston-outpatient-and-prevention/
By Elizabeth (Lisa)Thompson; Updated July 05, 2017 WHAT IS A SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION SPECIALIST? https://careertrend.com/facts-7162525-substance-abuse-prevention-specialist-.html

Appendices 1

Curriculum Information

Primary Curriculum

Program: Psychology

Catalog Term: Fall 2017 8/21-12/13

Level: Undergraduate

Campus: Downtown Campus

College: Humanities and Social Sciences

Degree: Bachelor of Science

First Major: Psychology

Department: Social Sciences

Appendices 2

Appendices 3

Prevention Specialist

Phoenix House335 reviews – Houston, TX 77018 (Northwest area)

$14 an hour

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At Phoenix House, change is something we embrace every day as part of our values to deliver exceptional care. Phoenix House provides individualized, holistic drug and alcohol addiction treatment, with a legacy spanning nearly 50 years. We are passionate about healing individuals, families and communities challenged by substance use disorders and related mental health conditions. Phoenix House supports the mission through a holistic approach that focuses on the distinct mental, physical, and social needs of every person; innovation of best-in-class and evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery programs; and, the promotion of greater understanding of addiction. Our devoted staff are committed to treating the whole person—and come from all fields.

We operate personalized, strength-based, gender-responsive programs while living the values and being accountable for our commitments. Being introspective and becoming part of the solution is integral to every interaction and person we touch. As ‘One Phoenix House’ we believe in having fun along the way – embracing ‘progress not perfection’ as our journey continues.

(Full-Time) Reporting to the Prevention Supervisor, the Prevention Specialist is responsible for education of high-risk youth and families using the research-based curriculum.

SCHEDULE:

Monday – Friday, 7:00AM -4:00PM

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION/CREDENTIALS:

Degree in education, social work or related field preferred.

Certified Prevention Specialist designation preferred

LCDC, LPC, LMSW preferred

Bilingual Spanish Preferred

EXPERIENCE:

Two years’ experience working with youth in chemical dependency prevention, intervention or treatment setting.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Ability to demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills with youth, team members, parents and community contacts.

Ability to effectively present material to facilitate learning and life skill development in youth

Ability to effectively manage classroom while presenting educational material

Ability to work with independently or in a team environment

Proficiency in MS Office products and experience utilizing web-based programs

Good organization and time management skills

Ability to model positive behavior.

Must maintain a valid TX Drivers’ License, have proof of automobile insurance and maintain a safe driving record based on Phoenix House policy.

Phoenix House conducts as needed, job-related background checks, fingerprints, drug testing, physical exams, medical exams, TB testing, verification of employment history and/or reference checks prior to employment.

Phoenix House is an Equal Opportunity Employer providing equality of opportunity to all who are protected against discrimination by law, regulation or executive order, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

EEO is the Law: Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. Click http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf to learn more.

10 days ago.

Appendices 4

Resume:

Frederick Weatherspoon Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern/Prevention Specialist Houston, TX 77088 weatherspoonfrederick@yahoo.com 713-452-9434 My objective is to assist clients to move from active addiction to being productive members of the community by using several theories associated with addiction. I also would like to enhance the skills that I have acquired in the field of Mental Health Chemical Dependency. Authorized to work in the US for any employer

Work Experience

Prevention Specialist Phoenix House – Houston, TX October 2016 to Present Teach substance use prevention skills to youth by teaching protective factors and identifying risk factors associated with substance use. Technician Direction of Recovery – Houston, TX Date of Employment: 3/20/2016 Company name: Directions of Recovery Houston, Texas Job Title * Tech. My responsibilities are to administer medication to the clients, make sure that the clients comply, and to administer random drug screen to clients who are suspected of using ATODs

Experience Date of Employment: 8/15/2013 Company name: On My Own Houston, Texas Job Title * Laborer. We picked up trash on the side of the highway.

Experience Date of Employment: 3/14/2002 Company name: Pacesetters Houston, Texas Job Title * Laborer, to work at various companies around the Greater Houston Area as a laborer.

Practicum Student Houston Community College – Houston, TX January 2016 to May 2016 Gained experience in Mental Health Chemical Dependency Counseling by using the skills that was taught to me in my school. I currently have a 3.5 overall GPA and is seeking to obtain my Associate Degree with in the next two semesters. I have gained firm knowledge in the application of the use of several theories associated with chemical dependency.

Education Associates in Applied Science in Mental Health (Co-occurring disorders) Houston Community College – Houston, TX August 2014 to May 2017 Scholarship Southern University Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge, LA August 1982 to August 1984

Skills

Comprehensive Assessments, Group Dynamics, Bio-psycho-social, Substance abuse Testing and interpretation, Discharge summaries, and Administering evidence-based practices to clients in an understandable manner.

Awards

Prevention Specialist December 2016 Received Marketable Skills Award for Substance abuse Prevention. NOW presently teaching Substance abuse Prevention at schools in the Houston Area. Student of The Year Award May 2017 I was awarded Student of The Year for outstanding leadership at Houston Community College Deens List January 2016 Awarded Deen’s List for 3.5 GPA Deen’s List June 2017 Awarded Deens’ List for 3.56 GPA Seems List December 2018. Deens list first year at University of Houston Downtown.

Certifications/Licenses

LCDC intern Certification I have received my Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern Status from the Texas Department of State Health Services. License Number/Control Number 33708. Expires 6/28/2021. I am also a certified Prevention Specialist through Houston community college Coleman. First Aid CPR AED January 2017 to January 2019 Mental Health First Aid July 2016 to July 2019 Life skills Teacher Training January 2017 to Present Certificate of Appreciation April 2017 to Present Awarded certificate of appreciation from Galena Park ISD for dedication and commitment for services as prevention specialist for the children. Mental Health Services- Chemical Dependency Counselor Awarded certification of completion for Mental Health Chemical Dependency Counselor. Project Towards No Drug Certification TND February 2017 to Present Associate Prevention Specialist