PSYC FPX 3002 Assessment 4 Career Planning

Education Plan: Write a paragraph or more outlining your plan to obtain the education needed to reach your career goal. Include requirements for licensure, if any.

My plan is to complete my degree in psychology. Upon graduating from this program, I will have the necessary knowledge to evaluate and understand the mental health system. Once I have my degree, I will pursue certification as a case manager in my state, which includes working with departments such as the Department of Elder Affairs. I currently work with the geriatric population and plan to focus on working as a Home Health or Social Services Case Manager. I will study for the 701B Certification Assessment and strive to pass it.

Skills Plan: Write a paragraph or more outlining how you plan to acquire the skills needed to reach your career goal. Consider soft skills (traits that make you a good worker) and hard skills (abilities you learn in school or on the job) in your description.

One of the most important qualities for a case manager is empathy, as they often interact with individuals going through difficult situations. In addition to empathy, case managers need strong communication skills and organizational abilities. I currently work with the geriatric population and consider myself patient and understanding, while also knowing when to set boundaries with the clients I serve.

Experience Plan: Write a paragraph or more outlining how you plan to gain the experience needed to reach your career goal.

Working in social services within both a medical group and a health plan has allowed me to work with both younger and older populations. I have experience in managing care, clinical authorizations, and ensuring patients/clients receive the necessary care. This experience has provided me with a solid foundation for managing an extensive caseload as a case worker. I plan to gain more experience in this field within my current company and by shadowing both clinical and non-clinical case managers.

Course Plan: List courses at Capella that will help you reach your career goal. For each course, write a sentence explaining how it will help you reach your goal.

PSYC-FPX4330 – Psychopharmacology: How Drugs Work – This course will help me understand the effects of medications on the brain, which will be beneficial in understanding the mental health of future clients/patients.
PSYC-FPX3540 – Culture, Ethnicity, and Diversity – This course explores cultural diversity, including its relation to social issues such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, and the effects of prejudice and discrimination on individuals. It will help me understand the diverse population I aim to work with.

Resources: Write a paragraph or more describing resources you can use to reach your career goal.

There are numerous resources available for a career in case management. Some resources I have been utilizing include state certification websites, career outlook reports, job statistics, and on-the-job training. My work experience has also been instrumental in setting me on the path for a career in this specific field.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2019). Occupational outlook handbook, social and community service managers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm

Forbes. (2023). How to become a case manager. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/become-a-case-manager/